Homemade Atlantic Beach Pie
This Atlantic Beach Pie is a legendary North Carolina dessert that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and tart. Unlike most pies that use a graham cracker or pastry base, this one has a saltine cracker crust, giving a unique savory crunch that cuts through the richness of the sweetened condensed milk. The bright citrus filling makes it a refreshing treat that tastes like a summer afternoon on the coast.
Atlantic Beach Pie
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Saltine crackers, finely crushed | 1⅔ cups (about 1 sleeve) |
| Butter, melted | 6 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar | 3½ tablespoons |
| Egg white, lightly beaten | 1 |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
For the Filling:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 (14 oz) can |
| Egg yolks, lightly beaten | 4 |
| Fresh lime juice | ¼ cup (about 2/3 limes) |
| Fresh lemon juice | ¼ cup (about 2 lemons) |
| Whipped cream | For topping |
How to Make Atlantic Beach Pie:
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine crushed saltines, melted butter, sugar, egg white, and salt. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and hold together when pressed.
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Crust
Press the cracker mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, making an even layer across the bottom and up the sides. Refrigerate for 25 minutes.
Step 3: Blind Bake
Bake the chilled crust for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth. Add lime and lemon juice and whisk until fully combined and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Final Bake
Pour the citrus filling into the crust. Bake for 15 minutes. The edges should be set while the center still jiggles slightly—it will firm up as it cools.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set completely.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with dollops of whipped cream just before serving. A sprinkle of lime zest or a few sea salt flakes adds a beautiful finishing touch.
