Atlantic Beach Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the salty crunch of a cracker crust with a sweet, tangy lemon filling. This pie is perfect for summertime gatherings, picnics, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth at home. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, Atlantic Beach Pie can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk creates a refreshing taste that’s ideal for warm weather.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a light dessert after dinner, or enjoy it as a snack. It pairs well with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its unique flavor profile, this pie is sure to be a hit at parties and gatherings, leaving your guests asking for seconds.
- Make Ahead: This pie can be made in advance, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your event and less time in the kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
To make Atlantic Beach Pie, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can ensure that your baking process is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- 8-inch pie pan
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Food Processor: Quickly crushes saltine crackers into fine crumbs, saving you time and effort.
- Mixing Bowl: A larger bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
- Rolling Pin: Useful for crushing crackers if you prefer a manual approach.
- Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining egg yolks with sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice.
Ingredients
Atlantic Beach Pie features simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.
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
Garnish
- Fresh whipped cream for garnish
How to Make Atlantic Beach Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
Step 2: Crush the Crackers
- Crush the saltine crackers finely but not into dust.
- You can use a food processor or place them in a plastic bag and roll over them with a rolling pin.
Step 3: Prepare the Crust Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine crushed crackers with sugar.
- Knead in softened butter until the mixture holds together like dough.
Step 4: Form the Crust
- Press the cracker mixture into an 8-inch pie pan evenly across the bottom and up the sides.
- Chill for 15 minutes before baking.
Step 5: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust in your preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
While the crust cools:
– In another bowl, beat together egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
– Gradually mix in lemon juice until fully incorporated.
Step 7: Fill the Crust
Pour the lemon filling into the baked crust evenly.
Step 8: Bake Again
Bake for an additional 16 minutes or until filling has set. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.
Serve with fresh whipped cream on top for an extra touch of deliciousness! Enjoy your homemade Atlantic Beach Pie!
How to Serve Atlantic Beach Pie
Atlantic Beach Pie is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your pie experience.
Classic Whipped Cream
- Top each slice of Atlantic Beach Pie with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream for a creamy contrast to the tart lemon filling.
Toasted Coconut
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the whipped cream for added texture and a tropical flair that pairs perfectly with the pie.
Citrus Zest Garnish
- Add a sprinkle of fresh lemon or lime zest on top for an extra burst of citrus flavor and visual appeal.
Fresh Berries
- Serve with a side of mixed berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, which complement the pie’s sweetness.
Ice Cream Scoop
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the pie creates a deliciously rich combination that balances the tartness of the filling.
Mint Leaves
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an aromatic touch that enhances the overall presentation and freshness of the dish.
How to Perfect Atlantic Beach Pie
Perfecting Atlantic Beach Pie involves attention to detail during preparation and serving. Here are some tips to ensure your pie comes out just right.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor of your filling dramatically compared to bottled juice.
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Chill Before Serving: Let the pie cool completely in the fridge before slicing. This helps set the filling and makes for cleaner slices.
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Crush Crackers Properly: Ensure saltine crackers are crushed finely but not into dust. This gives a perfect texture to your crust.
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Watch Baking Times: Keep an eye on both crust and filling while baking; overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture.
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Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like toasted nuts or chocolate shavings for unique flavor profiles.
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Store Correctly: Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Best Side Dishes for Atlantic Beach Pie
Pairing side dishes with Atlantic Beach Pie can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Grilled Pineapple: Sweet, caramelized grilled pineapple adds a tropical touch that complements the pie beautifully.
- Coconut Rice: This fluffy rice dish infused with coconut milk provides a subtle sweetness that pairs well with lemon flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the pie.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese offers a savory contrast to the sweet dessert.
- Lemon Sorbet: A cool scoop of lemon sorbet enhances the citrus theme while providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
- Sparkling Water: Serve chilled sparkling water infused with mint or lemon for a light, refreshing drink option alongside dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Atlantic Beach Pie can be simple, but some common mistakes might affect your final result. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid.
- Using stale crackers: Fresh saltine crackers are essential for the crust’s flavor and texture. Always check the expiration date before using them.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you have the right quantities for the best results.
- Overbaking the crust: Keep an eye on the crust as it bakes; overbaking can lead to a dry pie. Aim for a light golden color before removing it from the oven.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the pie to cool completely before slicing ensures clean cuts and better presentation. Patience pays off!
- Using bottled lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances flavor significantly. Opt for fresh lemons for the best taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Atlantic Beach Pie in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor transfer.
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 overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Atlantic Beach Pie
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-45 seconds until just warmed through.
- Stovetop: Not recommended as it may cause uneven heating and affect texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Atlantic Beach Pie?
Atlantic Beach Pie is a delicious dessert featuring a salty cracker crust filled with a sweet lemon cream filling, perfect for summer gatherings.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Atlantic Beach Pie one day in advance. Just store it properly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How should I serve Atlantic Beach Pie?
Serve chilled, topped with fresh whipped cream for added richness and flavor. You can also sprinkle with toasted coconut for extra texture.
What can I substitute for saltine crackers?
You can use graham crackers or even crushed pretzels for a different flavor profile while still achieving that salty-sweet balance.
Final Thoughts
Atlantic Beach Pie combines a unique salty crust with a sweet lemon filling, making it an irresistible treat. This versatile dessert allows for various customizations like adding fruit toppings or coconut flakes. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Atlantic Beach Pie
- Total Time: 54 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Atlantic Beach Pie is a refreshing summer dessert that perfectly balances a salty cracker crust with a sweet and tangy lemon filling. This easy-to-make pie is ideal for gatherings, picnics, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth at home. With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, it’s a perfect treat for both novice and experienced bakers. A delightful finish to any meal, Atlantic Beach Pie offers a unique flavor profile that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Topped with fresh whipped cream or toasted coconut, this pie will quickly become your new favorite dessert.
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 oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Crush saltine crackers until fine but not dust-like.
- Mix crushed crackers with sugar and softened butter until combined.
- Press mixture into an 8-inch pie pan and chill for 15 minutes.
- Bake the crust for about 18 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, beat together egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice.
- Pour filling into the baked crust and bake again for 16 minutes until set.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 34 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 329
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 254mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 97mg
