Atlantic Beach Pie

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Atlantic Beach Pie

There’s something magical about a dessert that instantly transports you to sunny beach days and salty ocean breezes, and for my family, that dessert is Atlantic Beach Pie. I first made it on a whim during a summer weekend when I wanted something bright, fresh, and just a little bit nostalgic. I grew up spending summers near the coast, and lemony desserts always take me back. The first bite was pure bliss—sweet, tart, creamy, and with just the right amount of crunch from its signature saltine cracker crust. My husband went back for seconds (and thirds), while the kids licked their forks clean and asked, “Can you make this every weekend?” That’s when I knew it had become a household favorite.

What I love most about this pie is how easy it is to make. There’s no complicated pastry or endless prep, just simple ingredients that come together into something extraordinary. The creamy citrus filling balances perfectly with the salty-sweet crust, and the whipped cream on top feels like a little cloud of indulgence. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a star in the kitchen without having to spend hours there—a busy mom’s dream come true. And honestly, nothing brightens up a Sunday dinner quite like bringing out this sunny pie, garnished with lime zest and looking like it came straight from a coastal café. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m serving up a little slice of vacation at my own table.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use graham crackers instead of saltines?
Yes, but the signature flavor of Atlantic Beach Pie comes from the sweet-and-salty balance of saltines. Graham crackers make it sweeter, so you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or even overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or special occasions.

Do I have to use fresh lemon and lime juice?
Fresh juice is highly recommended for the best bright flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.

Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze it after baking and cooling. Just wrap it tightly and thaw in the fridge before serving.

Is this pie really sweet?
It’s sweet but balanced by the citrus tang and the lightly salty crust, so it doesn’t feel heavy or overly sugary.

What You Need to Make Atlantic Beach Pie

For the crust:

1 ½ sleeves saltine crackers (about 60 crackers)

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

⅓ cup granulated sugar

For the filling:

4 large egg yolks

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

½ cup fresh lemon juice

¼ cup fresh lime juice

For topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Lime zest for garnish (optional)

Special tools:

9-inch pie pan

Electric mixer or whisk

Zester (optional but recommended)

How to Make Atlantic Beach Pie

Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush the saltine crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and sugar until combined, then press firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool slightly.

Make the filling: Whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Pour into the cooled crust.

Bake the pie: Return to the oven and bake for 16–18 minutes or until the filling is set but slightly wobbly in the center. Cool to room temperature, then chill for at least 4 hours.

Whip the topping: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread over the chilled pie and sprinkle with lime zest before serving.

Tips for Making the Best Atlantic Beach Pie

Use fresh citrus juice for a brighter flavor—it really makes a difference.

Don’t overbake the filling; it should have a slight jiggle when you pull it out.

Chill completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.

For a stronger salty-sweet flavor, add an extra pinch of salt to the crust mixture.

Garnish with extra lime zest or thin citrus slices for a beautiful presentation.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect balance of sweet and tart. My family devoured it, and I already have requests to make it again next weekend!” – Sarah J.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved it but wished the crust had a little more saltiness. Will add a pinch of sea salt next time. Still delicious!” – Mike L.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So easy and quick to make. Great for busy nights when I want a homemade dessert without much effort.” – Tara P.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good flavor, but I used bottled juice and it was a bit dull. I’ll definitely go for fresh citrus next time.” – Dana M.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This pie tastes like sunshine in every bite. Everyone thought I spent hours on it, but it was so simple!” – Emma W.

Printable Recipe

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