If you’re searching for a quick Atlantic Beach Pie tutorial that’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to impress, you’ve come to the right place. This sweet and tangy dessert with its salty cracker crust and creamy citrus filling has deep roots along the North Carolina coast. Known for its unique balance of flavors, Atlantic Beach Pie is a must-try recipe for summer gatherings, dinner parties, or anytime you crave a refreshing treat.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the best Atlantic Beach Pie recipe step-by-step using simple ingredients you probably have on hand. It’s a budget-friendly dessert that’s easy to whip up and perfect for warm-weather occasions.

Ingredients for Atlantic Beach Pie

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy homemade Atlantic Beach Pie:

For the crust:

1 ½ sleeves (about 6 ounces) of saltine crackers, crushed
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons sugar

For the filling:

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg yolks
½ cup fresh lemon juice (or a mix of lemon and lime juice for extra zest)

For topping:

Fresh whipped cream
Lemon or lime zest (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Atlantic Beach Pie – Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine the crushed saltine crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl, stirring until the texture resembles damp sand. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie pan, covering the bottom and sides evenly. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden, then let cool slightly.

Tip: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crust firmly and evenly into the pan.

Make the filling

In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Stir in the fresh citrus juice until combined. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Cool and chill

Allow the pie to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled. This allows the filling to set properly and the flavors to blend perfectly.

Serve

Before serving, add a generous scoop of freshly whipped cream and a light dusting of lemon or lime zest.

Tips for the Best Homemade Atlantic Beach Pie

Don’t overbake: The filling should be just set with a slight wobble in the middle.
Try different citrus: A combo of lemon and lime adds extra brightness.
Make ahead: This pie can be prepared a day in advance—perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Crust variation: If you don’t have saltines, try using Ritz crackers for a slightly sweeter, buttery twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can you store Atlantic Beach Pie in the refrigerator?
When kept in a sealed container, this pie stays fresh for about 3 days.

Can I freeze Atlantic Beach Pie?
Yes! Seal it well and store in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What can I serve with Atlantic Beach Pie?
It pairs perfectly with iced tea, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.