Atlantic Beach Pie
This Atlantic Beach Pie recipe features a creamy lemon-lime infused filling encased in a sweet and salty homemade cracker crust. Serve it with a generous helping of whipped cream and savor the bright fresh citrus flavor.
Easy Atlantic Beach Pie Recipe
What is Atlantic Beach Pie? It’s a creamy citrus pie that’s a cross between key lime pie and lemon meringue pie. It was the brainchild of and made famous by Chef Bill Smith, who owns Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill North Carolina. Smith was raised around New Bern which is North of Atlantic Beach, where the sentiment was that you should never eat dessert following a fish fry or clam bake. The only exception was a lemon dessert and this inspired his vision for this citrus pie. My take on this pie uses both lime and lemon juice for a beautiful marriage of two favorite flavors. It’s tart and sweet with a slightly salty vibe due to the use of saltine crackers for the crust. You can read more about Chef Smith’s inspiration for this pie here on Southern Living.
How to Make the BEST Atlantic Beach Pie Recipe
- Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Atlantic Beach Pie: Crushed saltine crackers, large eggs, large egg yolk, large egg white, sweetened condensed milk, salt, granulated sugar, melted butter, fresh lime juice and fresh lemon juice. You’ll also need lemon and lime slices for garnishing plus whipped cream or Cool Whip for serving.
- Kitchen tools you’ll need: Two medium bowls, measuring cups and spoons, 9 inch pie plate, whisk, rolling pin and plastic bag to crush the crackers, stand mixer or hand mixer to make whipped cream.
- This pie can be used with only lemon juice in the same amount. I highly recommend using the combination for the best flavor overall.
- Egg white serves as a binder for the crust. Don’t skip it or use a whole egg, it won’t turn out the same.
- You can also use Ritz crackers for the crust in place of saltine crackers in the same amount.
- This pie must have ample chill time in order to fully set before slicing. If you plan on serving it with homemade whipped cream, do this just before serving so the whipped cream will remain stable.
- To make homemade whipped cream: Beat 1 1/2 cups cream and 1/4 cup powdered sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes.
- Store Atlantic Beach Pie Chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
More Easy Pie Recipes to Make
- Mile High Banana Cream Pie is a treasure.
- Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie is rich and fudgy.
- Peach Pie is a must-make during peach season.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie is impossible to resist.
- Fresh Blueberry Pie is sure to impress.
- Cute as a button Cherry Hand Pies.
- Scratch made Coconut Cream Pie.
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Atlantic Beach Pie
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups finely crushed saltine crackers
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (6 Tbsp) melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg white beaten
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 cups whipped cream OR one 8 ounce container frozen whipped topping for serving (thawed)
- Lemon and lime zest for garnishing
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 9 inch pie pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- To Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, toss together crushed crackers, melted butter, sugar, and beaten egg white until combined.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared pie pan pressing firmly on bottom and sides. Freeze 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove crust from freezer then bake until crust is lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly while you prepare the filling. (About 10-15 minutes.)
- To Make the Filling: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whisk together condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth. Whisk in lime juice, lemon juice and salt until combined. Pour filling into warm crust.
- Bake at 350°F just until the center is set, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 1 hour. Refrigerate until fully chilled and set about 3-4 hours.
- To Serve: Frost the top with whipped cream or Cool Whip and garnish with lemon and lime zest.
- To make Homemade Whipped Cream: Beat 1 1/2 cups cream and 1/4 cup powdered sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes.