Here’s the classic Atlantic Beach Pie—bright, creamy, salty-sweet, and super easy 🍋🥧
It’s famous from the North Carolina coast.
Atlantic Beach Pie
Ingredients
Cracker Crust
- 1½ sleeves saltine crackers (about 60 crackers), finely crushed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp sugar
Lemon Filling
- 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup fresh lemon or lime juice (lemon is classic, lime also works)
Topping
- Whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
- Optional: lemon zest or flaky sea salt
Instructions
1. Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
- Mix crushed saltines, melted butter, and sugar.
- Press firmly into a 9-inch pie pan (bottom and sides).
- Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly.
2. Make the Filling
- Whisk egg yolks and condensed milk until smooth.
- Add citrus juice and whisk until thickened.
- Pour into the warm crust.
3. Bake
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, just until set (still slightly jiggly).
- Cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours.
4. Serve
- Top with whipped cream.
- Finish with lemon zest or a tiny pinch of flaky salt.
Tips & Variations
- 🟡 Lemon vs Lime: Lemon is traditional, lime is brighter—both are great.
- 🧂 The salty crust is key—don’t reduce the saltines.
- 🍫 Add a thin layer of dark chocolate on the crust for a twist.
- ❄️ Tastes even better the next day.
If you want, I can share a no-bake version, mini tartlets, or a less-sweet variation 😊
