Atlantic Beach Pie is a legendary Southern dessert that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and citrusy flavors. Instead of a traditional graham crust, this pie uses crushed saltine crackers for a buttery, lightly salty base that pairs beautifully with the creamy lemon-lime filling. Finished with fluffy whipped cream, it’s refreshing, rich, and unforgettable.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for:
- Citrus dessert lovers 🍋🍋🟩
- Home bakers looking for a unique pie
- Summer gatherings, BBQs, and holidays
- Anyone who enjoys sweet-and-salty desserts
- Beginners who want an easy, foolproof pie
Why It’s Great
- No complicated techniques
- Perfect balance of sweet and salty
- Creamy texture without heavy baking
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Crowd-pleasing and refreshingly light
Ingredients
Crust
- 1⅔ cups finely crushed saltine crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 egg yolks, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
Topping
- Whipped cream
- Lime or lemon zest (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Refrigerator
- Oven
How to Make Atlantic Beach Pie
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix crushed saltine crackers, melted butter, sugar, egg white, and salt until evenly combined.
Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and sides. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 25 minutes.
3. Bake the Crust
Bake the chilled crust for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth. Add lemon and lime juice and whisk until creamy and well blended.
5. Fill & Bake
Pour the filling into the baked crust. Bake for 15 minutes, until the center is just set with a slight jiggle.
6. Chill
Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
7. Serve
Top generously with whipped cream and garnish with citrus zest if desired.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 1 month (without whipped cream)
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Best made the day before serving
FAQ
Can I use only lemon or only lime juice?
Yes, but the lemon-lime combo gives the most balanced flavor.
Why saltine crackers instead of graham crackers?
Saltines add a subtle saltiness that enhances the sweetness of the filling.
Can I use bottled citrus juice?
Fresh juice is highly recommended for the best flavor.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The center should jiggle slightly but not look liquid.
Conclusion
Atlantic Beach Pie is a simple yet unforgettable dessert that proves opposites really do attract. With its buttery saltine crust and silky citrus filling, this pie is refreshing, elegant, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for summer days or anytime you crave something bright and creamy.
