Atlantic Beach Pie

Atlantic Beach Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer with its sweet lemon filling and salty crust. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply as a treat at home, this pie combines refreshing citrus flavors with the comforting crunch of saltine crackers. Its unique blend of sweet and salty makes it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious pie in no time.
• Unique Flavor Combination: The salty crust paired with the sweet lemon filling creates an irresistible contrast.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it chilled as a refreshing dessert or topped with whipped cream for added indulgence.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or holiday gathering, this pie fits right in.
• Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients on hand, making it convenient to prepare.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Atlantic Beach Pie, gather your essential tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready ensures a smooth experience in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• 8-inch pie pan
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Saves time when crushing saltine crackers into fine crumbs.
• 8-inch pie pan: The perfect size for this recipe, allowing even baking and presentation.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.

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

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

1. Crush the saltine crackers finely using either:
2. A food processor until crumbly but not dust-like.
3. A rolling pin over a plastic bag.
4. In a mixing bowl, add 3 tablespoons of sugar to the crushed crackers.
5. Knead in ½ cup of softened unsalted butter until the mixture holds together like dough.

Step 3: Form and Bake the Crust

1. Press the cracker mixture evenly into an 8-inch pie pan.
2. Chill the crust for 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until lightly colored.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

1. While the crust cools slightly (it doesn’t need to be cold), mix together:
2. Beat 4 egg yolks into 14 oz. of sweetened condensed milk.
3. Gradually beat in ½ cup of fresh lemon juice until well combined.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Pour the lemon filling into the cooled crust.
2. Return to the oven and bake for another 16 minutes or until set.
3. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Serve your Atlantic Beach Pie chilled, topped generously with fresh whipped cream, and enjoy a refreshing taste of summer all year round!

How to Serve Atlantic Beach Pie

Atlantic Beach Pie is a delightful dessert that brings together the refreshing taste of lemon and the unique crunch of a salty crust. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your Atlantic Beach Pie experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Pair your pie with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Their natural sweetness complements the tartness of the lemon.

Drizzled with Honey

• A light drizzle of honey over each slice adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the flavors of the pie beautifully.

Topped with Toasted Coconut

• Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for a tropical twist that brings out the beach vibes in your dessert.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

• Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a creamy contrast that balances the pie’s tartness.

Garnished with Mint Leaves

• Fresh mint leaves not only add a pop of color but also a refreshing taste that pairs well with the citrus flavors.

With Additional Whipped Cream

• Serve slices with an extra dollop of whipped cream on top for added richness and texture, making each bite even more indulgent.

Save it!

How to Perfect Atlantic Beach Pie

To ensure your Atlantic Beach Pie turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances flavor and provides a fresher taste compared to bottled options.
• Chill the crust: Allowing the crust to chill before baking helps it hold its shape and achieve that perfect crunch.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the filling while it bakes; it should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out.
• Let it cool completely: Allowing the pie to cool fully before slicing helps prevent filling from spilling out and gives cleaner slices.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings like citrus zest or other fruits to match your personal preference.
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Atlantic Beach Pie

Serving Atlantic Beach Pie alongside complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing palate cleanser after enjoying your pie.
2. Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Lightly seasoned shrimp skewers make for a savory counterpart to balance out the sweetness.
3. Cucumber Salad: A crisp cucumber salad dressed lightly can add a refreshing crunch and contrast nicely with the pie.
4. Caprese Salad: The combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil adds vibrant flavors that pair well with citrus desserts.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter is a classic summer side dish that complements outdoor meals perfectly.
6. Spinach Quinoa Salad: This nutritious salad offers earthy flavors and can be served warm or cold, making it versatile.
7. Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad can provide some heartiness without overpowering the lightness of the pie.
8. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks will soak up any leftover juices from savory dishes while providing an enjoyable texture contrast to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Atlantic Beach Pie can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Using the wrong cracker: Not all crackers work for the crust. Stick with saltines for the best flavor and texture.
• Overbaking the crust: Keep an eye on your crust! Baking too long can lead to a burnt crust, so remove it as soon as it starts to brown.
• Not chilling the pie: Failing to let the pie cool completely can result in messy slices. Always allow it to chill before serving.
• Skipping the whipped cream: Atlantic Beach Pie shines with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Don’t skip this crucial garnish!
• Ignoring the measurements: Precision matters! Ensure you’re measuring ingredients correctly to achieve the perfect filling consistency.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Cover with plastic wrap if using a pie dish without a lid.

Freezing Atlantic Beach Pie

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Atlantic Beach Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 325°F and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 20-30 seconds at a time until warm; be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick pan, cover, and heat on low for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Atlantic Beach Pie?

Atlantic Beach Pie is a delightful dessert that combines a salty cracker crust with a creamy lemon filling, often topped with fresh whipped cream.

Can I make Atlantic Beach Pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie can be made up to two days in advance. Just ensure you store it properly in the refrigerator.

How do I customize my Atlantic Beach Pie?

You can add toasted coconut or even a hint of lime juice for an extra twist on this classic recipe.

What’s the best way to serve Atlantic Beach Pie?

Serve chilled, topped generously with fresh whipped cream for an impressive presentation and taste.

Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

While you can substitute regular milk, it won’t yield the same creamy sweetness. Sweetened condensed milk is key for this recipe’s flavor.

Final Thoughts

Atlantic Beach Pie is an irresistible combination of salty and sweet that makes it perfect for any occasion. Its refreshing lemon flavor paired with a deliciously unique crust makes it versatile enough for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners. Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite toppings or mix-ins! You won’t regret trying this delightful treat.