Atlantic Beach Pie is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances a salty crust with a sweet and tangy lemon filling. This pie isn’t just for summer; it’s a versatile treat that shines at any gathering, from backyard barbecues to holiday dinners. With its refreshing taste and easy preparation, Atlantic Beach Pie is sure to impress your family and friends.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Crust
- For the Filling
- For Garnish
- How to Make Atlantic Beach Pie
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- Step 3: Bake the Crust
- Step 4: Make the Filling
- Step 5: Bake Again
- Step 6: Cool and Serve
- How to Serve Atlantic Beach Pie
- Classic Serving
- Tropical Twist
- Fruit Garnish
- Citrus Zest
- Ice Cream Pairing
- Refreshing Beverages
- How to Perfect Atlantic Beach Pie
- Best Side Dishes for Atlantic Beach Pie
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Atlantic Beach Pie
- Reheating Atlantic Beach Pie
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make an Atlantic Beach Pie gluten-free?
- Can I use other citrus juices in Atlantic Beach Pie?
- Is Atlantic Beach Pie served cold or at room temperature?
- What toppings go well with Atlantic Beach Pie?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The salty crust contrasts beautifully with the sweet lemon filling, creating a harmony of flavors.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can whip up this pie in no time, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it at picnics, parties, or simply as a sweet end to a weeknight dinner.
- No-Bake Option: Chill the pie instead of baking it for a refreshing summer treat.
- Beautiful Presentation: Topped with fresh whipped cream, this pie looks as good as it tastes.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing Atlantic Beach Pie much easier. Here’s what you need to gather before starting.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor or rolling pin
- 8-inch pie pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Quickly crushes the saltine crackers into fine crumbs, saving time and effort.
- 8-inch pie pan: The perfect size for this recipe ensures even cooking and easy serving.
- Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining your ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
Ingredients
The salty crust and a sweet lemon filling is a winning combination that makes this pie delicious.
For the Crust
- 60 saltine crackers (about a sleeve and a half)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
For the Filling
- 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
- 4 egg yolks
- ½ cup lemon juice
For Garnish
- Fresh whipped cream
How to Make Atlantic Beach Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when you need to bake the crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
- Crush the saltine crackers finely but avoid turning them into dust.
- You can use a food processor for this task or place the crackers in a plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
- In a mixing bowl, add the sugar to the crushed crackers, then knead in the softened butter until the mixture holds together like dough.
- Press this mixture firmly into an 8-inch pie pan. Chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust for about 18 minutes or until it has lightly colored edges. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 4: Make the Filling
- In another mixing bowl, beat together the egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the lemon juice until everything is smooth.
Step 5: Bake Again
Pour the lemon filling into your cooled crust and bake for an additional 16 minutes or until the filling is set.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing; this helps achieve clean cuts. Serve chilled with generous dollops of fresh whipped cream on top. Enjoy your Atlantic Beach Pie!
How to Serve Atlantic Beach Pie
Atlantic Beach Pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.
Classic Serving
- Serve slices of Atlantic Beach Pie chilled, topped with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream for an added creamy texture.
Tropical Twist
- Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top of the whipped cream for a tropical flair that complements the lemon flavor beautifully.
Fruit Garnish
- Fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, can be placed on the side or directly on top of the pie for a burst of color and flavor.
Citrus Zest
- Grate some lemon zest over the whipped cream for an extra zing that enhances the citrus notes of the pie.
Ice Cream Pairing
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream to create a creamy contrast with the tartness of the pie.
Refreshing Beverages
- Pair with iced tea or lemonade to keep with the refreshing theme, making your dessert experience even more enjoyable.

How to Perfect Atlantic Beach Pie
To ensure your Atlantic Beach Pie turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Crust Consistency: Make sure to crush the saltine crackers finely but not into dust. This balance helps achieve a sturdy yet tender crust.
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Chill Before Baking: Chilling the crust for 15 minutes before baking allows it to set properly, preventing it from crumbling when sliced.
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Eggs at Room Temperature: Using room temperature egg yolks helps them combine more easily with other ingredients, creating a smoother filling.
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Cooling Time: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This step ensures clean cuts and better presentation.
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Whipped Cream Freshness: For best results, whip your cream just before serving. It will be light and airy, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
Best Side Dishes for Atlantic Beach Pie
Pairing side dishes with your Atlantic Beach Pie can elevate your dessert game. Here are some great options to consider:
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Grilled Peaches: Sweet and juicy grilled peaches offer a warm fruit contrast that pairs well with the coolness of the pie.
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Citrus Salad: A refreshing salad made with mixed citrus fruits adds brightness and complements the flavors of lemon in the pie.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like mascarpone or goat cheese provides a savory balance to offset the sweetness of the pie.
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Minted Yogurt Dip: A mint yogurt dip serves as a creamy accompaniment that introduces herbal notes alongside each slice.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These indulgent treats add richness and decadence while also offering a delightful texture contrast.
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Pistachio Crumble: A crunchy pistachio topping sprinkled over each slice can add nutty flavors and an appealing texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Atlantic Beach Pie, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can affect the final product. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
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Not crushing the crackers finely enough: Ensure you crush the saltine crackers until they resemble coarse crumbs. Larger pieces can lead to a crust that doesn’t hold together well.
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Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the crust for 15 minutes before baking helps it set properly. Skipping this step might result in a soggy bottom.
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Overbaking the filling: The filling should be cooked just until set. Overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
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Not letting the pie cool completely: Allowing your Atlantic Beach Pie to cool completely is essential for clean slices. A warm pie will not hold its shape when cut.
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Using bottled lemon juice: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled. Fresh juice enhances the taste of your pie significantly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Atlantic Beach Pie in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Atlantic Beach Pie
- Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating Atlantic Beach Pie
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use medium power and heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Atlantic Beach Pie that might help you out!
How do I make an Atlantic Beach Pie gluten-free?
You can substitute saltine crackers with gluten-free crackers or make a crust using almond flour and butter for a delicious alternative.
Can I use other citrus juices in Atlantic Beach Pie?
Certainly! While lemon is traditional, you can experiment with lime or orange juice for different flavors.
Is Atlantic Beach Pie served cold or at room temperature?
Atlantic Beach Pie is best served chilled after being refrigerated, which enhances its refreshing flavor.
What toppings go well with Atlantic Beach Pie?
Fresh whipped cream is classic, but consider adding toasted coconut or citrus zest for extra flair!
Final Thoughts
Atlantic Beach Pie is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and perfect for any occasion. Its sweet and tangy flavor profile makes it an ideal dessert year-round. Feel free to customize it with different toppings or citrus flavors to suit your taste!
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📖 Recipe Card
PrintAtlantic Beach Pie
Atlantic Beach Pie is a deliciously refreshing dessert that marries a unique salty crust with a sweet and tangy lemon filling. Perfect for any occasion—from summer picnics to cozy family dinners—this pie is as easy to make as it is to enjoy. With minimal preparation required, you can whip up this delightful treat in no time, making it an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings. Topped with fresh whipped cream, Atlantic Beach Pie not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on any dessert table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 34 minutes
- Total Time: 54 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 60 saltine crackers
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
- 4 egg yolks
- ½ cup lemon juice
- Fresh whipped cream (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Crush the saltine crackers finely and mix with sugar and softened butter until combined. Press into an 8-inch pie pan and chill for 15 minutes.
- Bake the crust for about 18 minutes until lightly golden and let cool.
- In a bowl, beat together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for another 16 minutes until set.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing and serve chilled topped with fresh whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (87g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg