Atlantic Beach Pie

A delicious combination of classic key lime pie and lemon icebox pie, Atlantic Beach Pie is one of those lemon desserts that deserves a spot on your summer baking list. With its zippy citrus filling, billowy whipped cream topping, and extra thick and salty cracker crust, it's one of the easiest pie recipes out there. Plus, you can prepare it the night before and top with whipped cream just before serving! You'll want to make this citrus pie for cookouts all summer long. 

Why is it called Atlantic Beach Pie?

Atlantic Beach Pie owes its popularity to Bill Smith, the owner of the former Crook's Corner restaurant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was inspired by his childhood trips to the Atlantic beaches of North Carolina to create this easy pie with its distinctive crumbly, saltine cracker crust. Smith named the pie in honor of the fish houses where he had similar pies growing up. After a big seafood meal, there is nothing more refreshing than a slice of zingy lemon-lime pie like this one. 

Why does it have a cracker crust?

Many icebox pie recipes call for graham cracker crusts, but this saltine cracker crust probably owes its existence to leaner times when sugar was too expensive or scarce. Though it may sound strange at first, one bite and you'll be hooked on the sweet-and-salty crunch!

Is Atlantic Beach Pie the same thing as Key lime pie?

They both have a silky citrus filling, but these two pies aren't quite the same. Atlantic Beach Pie is made with a mixture of lemon and lime juice for a big citrus punch whereas key lime pie relies on tart and tangy key lime juice. Key lime pies are typically made with a graham cracker crust but Atlantic Beach Pie uses saltines.

Can I use bottled lemon and lime juice for Atlantic Beach Pie?

If bottled juice is the only thing on hand, it will do in this recipe. However, for the absolute best Atlantic Beach Pie, it's worth the extra effort to squeeze the juice fresh. The flavor is more zippy, sweet, and vibrant, making the finished pie so much more delicious.

How do you serve Atlantic Beach Pie?

This tangy pie is best served chilled with big dollops of whipped cream on top and slices of lemon and lime for a pretty touch. Make the pie the night (or at least several hours) before you plan to eat it, but wait until serving time to top it with the whipped cream and citrus slices.