Bill Smith’s Atlantic Beach Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pie is a flavor-packed twist on Key lime pie, with both lemon and lime juices adding brightness and complexity. The Saltine cracker crust delivers a salty counterpoint to the sweet filling, creating a perfectly balanced bite. It’s also wonderfully easy to make — no complicated pastry required — and can be prepared in advance for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Finely crushed saltine crackers

• Unsalted butter, melted

• Granulated sugar

• Large egg white, lightly beaten

• Sweetened condensed milk

• Large egg yolks

• Fresh lime juice

• Fresh lemon juice

• Heavy whipping cream

• Powdered sugar

• Lemon and lime zests, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a medium bowl, combine crushed crackers, melted butter, sugar, and egg white until well mixed.

3. Press mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch glass pie plate. Freeze for 10 minutes.

4. Bake crust until lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Cool slightly for 10 minutes.

5. In another bowl, whisk together condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth. Add lime and lemon juices, whisking until combined.

6. Pour filling into warm crust and bake until just set, about 15 minutes.

7. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate until fully chilled, about 2 hours.

8. Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes.

9. Spread whipped cream over chilled pie, leaving a small border of custard visible. Garnish with citrus zest if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Active Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Cool Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Variations

• Single citrus: Use only lemon or lime juice for a more classic, singular flavor profile.

• Graham cracker crust: Swap Saltines for graham crackers if you prefer a sweeter crust.

• Coconut twist: Add shredded coconut to the whipped cream for a tropical flair.

• Meringue topping: Replace whipped cream with a lightly toasted meringue for extra drama.

• Mini pies: Make individual servings in small tart pans for easy portion control.

Storage/Reheating

Atlantic Beach Pie is best eaten fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep covered to prevent the crust from becoming stale. For the best texture, add whipped cream topping just before serving. This pie is not suited for reheating, as it is meant to be served chilled.

FAQs

Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the crust a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature until ready to fill.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons and limes?

Bottled juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh juice provides the brightest flavor.

Can I freeze Atlantic Beach Pie?

Freezing is not recommended, as the crust can lose its crispness and the filling’s texture may change.

Is this pie very sweet?

It’s balanced — the citrus cuts through the sweetness of the condensed milk, and the salty crust adds depth.

Can I use Ritz crackers instead of Saltines?

Yes, but the flavor will be slightly richer and less salty.

How do I keep the crust from going soggy?

Serve the pie within a day or two of baking, and avoid adding the whipped cream topping until just before serving.

Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?

Yes, whipped topping works as a time-saving alternative, though homemade whipped cream has a fresher flavor.

Is this pie gluten-free?

Not as written, since Saltines contain gluten. You can use gluten-free crackers to adapt the recipe.

Can I make it without eggs?

The eggs are essential for setting the filling, so a no-egg version would require significant adjustments.

What type of pan works best?

A 9-inch glass pie plate is ideal, as it allows even baking and lets you see the crust browning.

Conclusion

Atlantic Beach Pie is a sunshine-filled dessert that blends sweet, tart, and salty flavors into a creamy, refreshing treat. With its easy preparation and make-ahead convenience, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a taste of coastal Carolina charm at your table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a variation, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.