Atlantic Beach Pie with Ritz Cracker Crust: Sweet & Salty Citrus Delight

Atlantic Beach Pie with Ritz Cracker Crust: Sweet & Salty Citrus Delight

• Serves: 8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Introduction

Atlantic Beach Pie, a wonderful Southern dessert, is distinguished by its unique Ritz cracker crust and tangy citrus filling. This nostalgic classic evokes memories of warm beach days and seaside gatherings. The creamy, zesty filling pairs beautifully with the buttery, salty crust, creating a refreshing treat. Inspired by key lime pie, it adds a creative twist by substituting crackers for the traditional graham cracker crust, adding to its charm.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• Ritz Crackers: 1 ½ cups crushed (about 1 sleeve)
• Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons, melted
• Sugar: 3 teaspoons

For the Filling

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 can (14 ounces)
• Egg Yolks: 4 large
• Fresh Lemon Juice: ½ cup
• Fresh Lime Juice: ½ cup

For the Toppings

• Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped for garnish
• Sea Salt: A light sprinkle (optional)

Instructions

Crust

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
2. Crush Crackers: Place Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush into fine crumbs with a rolling pin.
3. Mix Ingredients: Combine crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until the texture resembles wet sand.
4. Form Crust: Press mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie plate, covering the bottom and sides evenly.
5. Bake: Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool while preparing the filling.

Filling

1. Prepare Filling: Mix condensed milk, egg yolks, lemon juice, and lime juice in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
2. Pour and Bake: Pour filling into the cooled crust and spread evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the filling is firm but slightly jiggly in the center.
3. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool to room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt before serving.

FAQs

When Did Atlantic Beach Pie First Appear on the Scene?

Atlantic Beach Pie is rooted in the coastal regions of North Carolina, particularly in the Atlantic Beach area. Traditionally, this pie was served at seafood restaurants as a light, refreshing dessert following heavy seafood meals. It embodies the Southern tradition of simplicity and resourcefulness, using common pantry ingredients to create a beloved dish.

Bill Smith, the chef at Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is credited with popularizing the pie. He brought the dessert into the public spotlight, highlighting its nostalgic appeal and perfect balance of flavors. The use of Ritz crackers for the crust was an inventive twist that made the pie both accessible and delicious. Over time, Atlantic Beach Pie became a regional favorite and is now appreciated well beyond the South.

What Are the Ingredients for a Key Lime Pie?

Key lime pie shares similarities with Atlantic Beach Pie, particularly its tangy filling. Here’s a breakdown of the traditional ingredients:

• Key Lime Juice: The key ingredient, freshly squeezed from small, fragrant key limes. The tartness is what defines the pie’s flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and creaminess, and acts as a thickener for the filling.
• Egg Yolks: Essential for creating the custard-like texture, helping the filling set during baking.
• Graham Cracker Crust: A simple, sweet crust made from crushed graham crackers, butter, and sugar.
• Whipped Cream or Meringue (Optional): Used as a topping to balance the acidity of the filling and enhance the presentation.

While variations may incorporate lime zest or a mix of lime and lemon juice, these ingredients remain consistent in the classic recipe.

Does Key Lime Pie Contain Eggs?

Yes, traditional key lime pie includes eggs, specifically egg yolks. The yolks help create the creamy, custard-like texture of the filling and also aid in thickening it as it bakes. Without eggs, the pie would lack the distinctive, velvety texture that defines key lime pie.

The chemical interaction between the lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks—called curdling—occurs even before the pie is baked, helping the mixture thicken.

In no-bake variations of key lime pie, eggs are typically replaced with gelatin, cream cheese, or other thickeners. However, purists argue that skipping the eggs detracts from the pie’s authentic flavor and consistency.

Tips for Perfect Atlantic Beach Pie

• Crush Crackers Well: Use a food processor for fine crumbs.
• Balance Sweetness: Adjust sugar for salty crackers.
• Use Fresh Juice: Opt for fresh lemon and lime juice for the best flavor.
• Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate for firm texture and clean slices.

Variations to Try

• Tropical Twist: Combine lime, lemon, and orange juices.
• Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle over whipped cream.
• Chocolate Crust: Swap Ritz crackers for chocolate wafers.

Pairing Suggestions

• Drinks: Sweet iced tea or crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
• Other Desserts: Pair with fresh fruit salad or key lime bars.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Crust: Bake a day in advance and store at room temperature.
• Filling: Mix ingredients and chill before use.
• Refrigeration: Store the assembled pie, covered, for up to three days.

Storage & Reheat

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze (without whipped cream) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

Allergen Information and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free alternative.
• Egg-Free: Make a no-bake version with gelatin instead of eggs.

Chef’s Notes

Atlantic Beach Pie embodies the essence of Southern coastal cuisine, with its delightful balance of sweet, salty, and tart flavors. Whether for summer gatherings or casual family meals, this simple yet elegant dessert is always a hit.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 18g

Inspiration for Trying This Recipe

Atlantic Beach Pie’s combination of sweet and salty flavors makes it irresistible. Its citrusy filling and buttery crust will brighten any occasion—perfect for those who enjoy a nostalgic twist on a classic dessert!