Atlantic Beach Pie is a bright and tangy dessert that captures the essence of summer in every slice. With a creamy citrus filling nestled in a buttery, crunchy crust made from Ritz crackers, it’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will transport you right to the beach. The contrasting sweet and tart notes make it as refreshing as a cool ocean breeze on a hot day. The pie is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a lovely finish to a family meal.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Atlantic Beach Pie
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Atlantic Beach Pie

I first stumbled upon Atlantic Beach Pie during a sunny vacation with friends, and it quickly became a cherished recipe in my household. It has a knack for bringing joy to any occasion, leaving guests asking for seconds and, quite often, the recipe itself. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking to impress on a cozy night in, this pie is sure to please. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and has that wow factor that’ll brighten any table. So, grab your ingredients and let’s dive into this delightful dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This pie comes together in about 45 minutes, plus chill time!
Irresistible Flavor: A wonderful balance of sweet and tangy citrus will brighten your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its creamy topping and crust, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for summer barbecues, brunches, or any festive occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free crackers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 1/2 cups Ritz crackers: These buttery crackers provide a uniquely rich and crunchy crust.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds creaminess and helps bind the crust.
3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough to balance the flavors.
14 oz sweetened condensed milk: This is the base of the filling, adding creaminess and sweetness.
4 egg yolks, room temperature: Aids in setting the filling while contributing richness.
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice: The tangy citrus flavor that shines in this dessert.
1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice: Adds sweetness and depth to the citrus profile.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor throughout the filling.
1 teaspoon orange zest: Enhances the orange flavor, making it zestier.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides warmth and a hint of vanilla undertone.
2 cups heavy whipping cream: Necessary for that luscious, fluffy topping.
1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream to perfectly complement the pie.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavoring the whipped topping.
Pinch of kosher salt: Balances the sweetness of both the pie and the whipped cream.
Maldon coarse sea salt for garnish (optional): A sprinkle on top provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness.

How to Make Atlantic Beach Pie

Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s preheated for even baking.
Crush the Ritz crackers: In a bowl or using a food processor, finely crush 2 1/2 cups of Ritz crackers. Aim for a crumb texture, not dust.
Make the crust: Combine the crushed crackers with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and mix in 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Knead the mixture until it holds together like dough.
Form the pie crust: Press the mixture firmly into an 8-inch pie pan evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Chill for 15 minutes to firm it up.
Bake the crust: Place the chilled crust in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until it turns fragrant and golden-brown.
Cool the crust: Allow the crust to cool slightly—around 10 minutes—before filling it.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks, 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon each of lemon and orange zest, and then gradually add 1/4 cup each of lemon juice and orange juice until fully combined.
Fill and bake: Carefully pour the filling into the crust, then return it to the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the edges are set and the center jiggles just slightly.
Cool and chill: Let the pie cool to room temperature, cover with aluminum foil, and refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.
Prepare whipped cream: On serving day, beat 2 cups of heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread it over the chilled pie.
Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle a pinch of Maldon coarse sea salt over the whipped cream topping, slice, and serve!

Storing & Reheating

This pie is best kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a well-sealed container. If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze individual slices tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. While it may lose some texture once frozen, refreshing it with a light whip of cream on top can restore its delightful appeal.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing; it helps with even blending and consistency.
Avoid overbaking the pie—remove it when the edges are set, and the center is only slightly jiggly for that perfect creamy texture.
If your crust is cracking, it’s likely too dry; ensure the butter is well blended into the cracker crumbs.
Experiment with different types of citrus juices for fun variations—try lime or grapefruit for a zesty twist!
If you’re making the pie ahead of time, prepare the filling and crust, but add the whipped cream just before serving for the best texture.

Atlantic Beach Pie is an enticing dessert that combines bright, refreshing flavors with a simple preparation method, perfect for impressing family and friends. Enjoy the creamy filling, crunchy crust, and that delightful hint of citrus! Don’t hesitate to make this pie your own—explore different citrus and flavor combinations to discover a new favorite.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make Atlantic Beach Pie gluten-free?

If you need a gluten-free option, simply substitute the Ritz crackers with a gluten-free cracker variety, and ensure all your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of making my own?

Absolutely! While homemade whipped cream adds a personal touch, store-bought is a quick alternative. Just make sure it’s unsweetened or lightly sweetened for a nice balance.

How long will this pie last in the fridge?

Atlantic Beach Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Just cover it well to keep it fresh!

Can I freeze Atlantic Beach Pie?

Yes, you can freeze individual slices of this pie. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.

More PIES Recipes

Easy Atlantic Beach Pie

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Atlantic Beach Pie

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Pies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Atlantic Beach Pie combines a buttery ritz cracker crust with a creamy filling of sweetened condensed milk, lemon, and orange juice. It’s an easy yet delightful treat for gatherings or a cozy dessert at home, perfect for anyone wanting a simple and flavorful pie.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups ritz crackers
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3 tbsp granulated sugar
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
4 egg yolks, room temperature
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp orange zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of kosher salt
Maldon coarse sea salt for garnish, optional

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Crush the ritz crackers finely using your hands or a food processor, then mix in the sugar and knead the softened butter until the mixture resembles dough.
Press this mixture into an 8-inch pie pan, chill for 15 minutes, and then bake for 20 minutes until golden-brown and aromatic.
After baking, let the crust cool for about 10 minutes on the counter before filling.

Notes

You can use a food processor for the crust to achieve a fine crumb texture.
Chilling the crust before baking helps it hold its shape better.
Garnish with Maldon sea salt for an added flavor dimension.