Tangy, creamy, and finished with a salty-sweet cracker crust, this Atlantic Beach Pie is a coastal Southern classic that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its luscious citrus filling and whipped topping, it strikes the perfect balance between bright and rich—ideal for warm weather, holiday tables, or when you’re simply craving something refreshing and decadent.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & Salty Combo – Buttery saltine crust with citrus custard
Bright & Refreshing – Lemon-lime filling is perfect for spring and summer
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, big flavor
Perfect for Make-Ahead – Best served chilled
Crowd Favorite – Light yet indulgent and always a hit
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
1½ sleeves saltine crackers (about 6 oz or 40 crackers), crushed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Filling:
4 large egg yolks
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
2 tbsp lime juice (optional for extra tang)
For the Topping:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional garnish: sea salt flakes, lemon zest, lime zest, or crushed saltines
Tools You’ll Need
9-inch pie dish
Mixing bowls
Whisk or hand mixer
Spatula
Citrus juicer
Plastic wrap or pie dome
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix crushed saltines with melted butter and sugar.
Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lime juice until smooth and well blended.
Pour the filling into the warm crust and spread evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Pie
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the center is just set and no longer jiggly.
Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Whip the Topping
Just before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Spread or pipe over the chilled pie.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with lemon or lime zest, a touch of sea salt, or crushed crackers for texture.
Slice and serve cold.
Tips for the Best Atlantic Beach Pie
Use Fresh Citrus Juice – The brighter flavor really shines
Don’t Overbake – Custard should be just set in the center
Chill Thoroughly – Helps the pie firm up and enhances flavor
Saltines Only – Avoid buttery crackers like Ritz; you want a crisp, salty bite
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Iced tea with lemon
Fresh fruit or berries on the side
Light seafood dishes or grilled chicken
Perfect for:
Spring and summer desserts
Easter and Mother’s Day
Beach picnics or BBQs
Anytime you’re craving a citrusy treat
How to Store & Freeze
Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days
Freeze: Freeze without whipped cream topping for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge
Reheat: Not recommended—serve cold
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use only lemon juice?
Yes—lemon only is traditional, but adding lime gives a slight tropical edge.
Can I use a graham cracker crust?
You can, but it won’t have the same unique salty-sweet flavor.
Is this like Key lime pie?
It’s similar in texture, but the saltine crust and lemon-lime blend set it apart.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely—this pie is best made a day in advance and chilled.
Final Thoughts
Atlantic Beach Pie is a Southern gem that combines creamy citrus custard with a unique saltine crust for a dessert that’s light, zesty, and completely irresistible. It’s the perfect finale to a warm-weather meal—or any time you want a refreshing, no-fuss treat.
Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your Atlantic Beach Pie turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Cuisine: Southern American
Nutritional Information (Per Slice):
Calories: 340 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 210mg
Atlantic Beach Pie
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
Tangy, creamy, and finished with a salty-sweet cracker crust, this Atlantic Beach Pie is a coastal Southern classic that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its luscious citrus filling and whipped topping, it strikes the perfect balance between bright and rich—ideal for warm weather, holiday tables, or when you’re simply craving something refreshing and decadent.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1½ sleeves saltine crackers (about 6 oz or 40 crackers), crushed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Filling:
4 large egg yolks
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
2 tbsp lime juice (optional for extra tang)
For the Topping:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional garnish: sea salt flakes, lemon zest, lime zest, or crushed saltines
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix crushed saltines with melted butter and sugar.
Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and lime juice until smooth and well blended.
Pour the filling into the warm crust and spread evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Pie
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the center is just set and no longer jiggly.
Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Whip the Topping
Just before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Spread or pipe over the chilled pie.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with lemon or lime zest, a touch of sea salt, or crushed crackers for texture.
Slice and serve cold.
Notes
Use Fresh Citrus Juice – The brighter flavor really shines
Don’t Overbake – Custard should be just set in the center
Chill Thoroughly – Helps the pie firm up and enhances flavor
Saltines Only – Avoid buttery crackers like Ritz; you want a crisp, salty bite
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Southern American
