Description
Atlantic Beach Pie is a classic Southern dessert featuring a crisp saltine cracker crust filled with a creamy, tangy lime and lemon custard. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and garnished with citrus zest, this no-fuss pie is a refreshing treat perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients
Crust
- 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
Filling
- 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
Topping
- 2 cups whipped cream OR one 8-ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Lemon and lime zest for garnishing
Optional Homemade Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Pie Pan: Lightly spray a 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed saltine crackers, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and beaten egg white. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly onto the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie pan. Place the pan in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to set the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove the crust from the freezer and bake for about 20 minutes or until the crust is just lightly browned. Once baked, transfer the crust to a wire rack to cool slightly, about 10 to 15 minutes, which prepares it for the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust cools, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks in a medium bowl until smooth. Add the fresh lime juice, lemon juice, and salt, continuing to whisk until fully combined.
- Fill the Crust and Bake: Pour the filling mixture into the warm crust. Return the pie to the oven and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or just until the center is set. Remove from oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
- Chill the Pie: After cooling, refrigerate the pie for 3 to 4 hours or until fully chilled and set.
- Add Topping and Garnish: Before serving, spread whipped cream or thawed frozen whipped topping evenly over the pie. Garnish with freshly grated lemon and lime zest for an extra burst of citrus aroma and color.
- Make Homemade Whipped Cream (Optional): If using homemade whipped cream, beat 1 1/2 cups heavy cream and 1/4 cup powdered sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, approximately 2 minutes. Use immediately as your pie topping.
Notes
- Nutritional data provided is calculated using store-bought frozen whipped topping, not homemade whipped cream.
- Using freshly squeezed juices is key to the pie’s bright and fresh flavor.
- The saltine cracker crust provides a unique salty contrast to the sweet and tangy filling.
- Make sure not to overbake the filling to keep it creamy and smooth.
- The pie should be well chilled to allow proper setting before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American