Atlantic Beach Pie Recipe

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Here’s a full, detailed recipe for Atlantic Beach Pie, expanded with all the sections you asked for. This citrusy, creamy pie has a nostalgic Southern story and is perfect for lemon lovers.

🍋 Atlantic Beach Pie Recipe

📝 Introduction

Atlantic Beach Pie is a refreshing Southern classic from the coastal towns of North Carolina. Known as the “beach pie,” this dessert was traditionally served at seafood restaurants along the coast. After a hearty seafood meal, diners believed citrus was the perfect balance for digestion. With its buttery cracker crust, silky lemon-lime filling, and whipped cream topping, it’s the taste of sunshine in every bite. Best of all, it’s wonderfully simple to prepare at home.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ sleeves saltine crackers (about 1 ½ cups crushed)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar

For the Filling:

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Lemon or lime zest, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Crush saltine crackers finely (but not into dust) using a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin.
    • Mix cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly coated.
    • Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
    • Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
  2. Make the Filling:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
    • Add lemon and lime juice, whisk until creamy and fully blended.
    • Pour mixture into the cooled crust.
  3. Bake the Pie:
    • Return to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, until filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
    • Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is best).
  4. Whip the Cream & Serve:
    • Beat chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
    • Spread or pipe over chilled pie.
    • Garnish with lemon/lime zest before serving.

🥣 Methods

  • Crust method: Using saltine crackers is key to its signature salty-sweet flavor.
  • Filling method: Lemon and lime juice curdle the condensed milk and yolks into a custard without needing flour or starch.
  • Chilling method: Cooling allows the pie to firm up and develop its creamy texture.

📜 History

This pie has roots in North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, particularly Atlantic Beach. In old seafood restaurants, diners were told eating dessert (especially citrus-based) after fish was essential for proper digestion. Local chef Bill Smith from Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill helped popularize Atlantic Beach Pie nationally, preserving this coastal treasure.

🌟 Benefits

  • Refreshing & light – balances a heavy meal beautifully.
  • Easy to make – no complicated steps or fancy equipment needed.
  • Salty-sweet balance – a unique flavor profile thanks to the saltine crust.
  • Vitamin C boost – lemon and lime juice add natural health benefits.

🏗 Formation

The pie is structured in three layers:

  1. Crunchy Crust – salty, buttery, and firm.
  2. Creamy Citrus Filling – tangy and smooth.
  3. Whipped Cream Topping – airy and sweet.

❤️ Lovers of the Pie

Atlantic Beach Pie is adored by:

  • Southerners who grew up with coastal traditions.
  • Citrus dessert lovers who prefer tang over chocolate.
  • Summer hosts wanting a refreshing yet easy dessert.
  • Bakers who enjoy nostalgic recipes with a twist.

🥗 Nutrition (per slice, based on 8 servings)

  • Calories: ~390
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Vitamin C: 15% DV

🏁 Conclusion

Atlantic Beach Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a story of Southern seaside culture, combining simplicity, nostalgia, and flavor in every slice. The salty cracker crust and bright citrus filling make it a standout pie for gatherings, summer meals, or whenever you crave sunshine in dessert form.

Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned dessert lover, this pie is proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most unforgettable.

Would you like me to also give you a no-bake chilled version of this pie (great for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven)?

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