Atlantic Beach Pie

Atlantic Beach Pie is a light and zesty dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Hailing from the coastal regions of North Carolina, this pie is a sweet yet tangy homage to classic lemon and lime flavors, featuring a delightful buttery cracker crust. Its refreshing citrus filling, combined with the luxurious whipped cream topping, provides a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings, barbecues, or holiday celebrations, Atlantic Beach Pie offers a taste of the beach, making it a favorite choice for family get-togethers and summer picnics.

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What You’ll Need for Atlantic Beach Pie

Complete Ingredients List

• 2 1/2 sleeves butter crackers (about 75 crackers/250 g)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 large lemons)
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (from 3 to 4 large limes)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 Tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
• 1 tsp finely grated lime zest
• Flaky sea salt for garnish

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

If you have dietary restrictions or are looking for ingredient alternatives, consider these options:

• For a gluten-free pie, substitute butter crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or any gluten-free crust.
• If you want to make this dessert dairy-free, you could use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a non-dairy butter alternative.
• For a lower-calorie version, you can opt for a sugar substitute in place of brown sugar and use low-fat condensed milk, if available.

How to Make Atlantic Beach Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Cracker Crust

Begin by making the crust, which serves as the foundation for this delicious pie. In a food processor, pulse the butter crackers until they are finely ground, leaving a few pea-sized pieces for texture. You should aim for about 25 to 30 pulses. Once finely ground, add the softened butter and light brown sugar. Pulse the mixture until the butter is fully incorporated, and a crumbly dough starts to form—this should take about 15 more pulses.

Step 2: Form the Crust

Transfer the cracker mixture into a 9-inch glass pie pan. With your fingers or a flat-bottomed measuring cup, press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. To ensure the crust holds its shape, place it in the freezer for about 10 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Once your oven is preheated, bake the crust until it turns deep golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, which usually takes about 15 minutes. After baking, allow the crust to cool slightly for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This step is crucial as a hot crust can alter the texture of the filling.

Step 4: Make the Lush Custard Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole eggs, and sweetened condensed milk until well combined. Then, add the fresh lemon and lime juices, whisking until the mixture is smooth. Carefully pour the custard into the cooled pie shell. Bake the pie until the center is set but still slightly jiggly, which will take approximately 18 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about an hour before refrigerating. Chill the pie until it’s cold, which should take around two hours.

Step 5: Whip the Cream

While the pie is chilling, prepare the whipped cream. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer set to medium-high speed (or a whisk if you want a workout!), beat the heavy cream and remaining brown sugar until stiff peaks form, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Once the pie is completely chilled, use a piping bag or a spatula to spread the whipped cream on top of the custard. For added flavor and presentation, sprinkle with the grated lemon and lime zest, and finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Atlantic Beach Pie

How to Serve Atlantic Beach Pie

Atlantic Beach Pie is best served cold, so keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to present it. When you’re ready to serve, use a sharp knife to cut through the light crust and the creamy filling. For easy serving, you might want to clean the knife between slices to maintain clean edges.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

This pie pairs wonderfully with a variety of refreshing beverages like iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water to cleanse the palate. For those who enjoy a little more indulgence, consider adding a side of fresh berries or a drizzle of berry sauce for a burst of color and flavor. Some also enjoy a sprinkle of toasted coconut as an alternative topping, which can complement the tropical notes of the pie.

Storing & Preserving Atlantic Beach Pie

Best Storage Methods

To keep your Atlantic Beach Pie fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This pie can maintain its quality for up to four days. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or keep it in a sealed container to prevent it from absorbing any other odors in the fridge.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

Since this pie is best enjoyed chilled, there’s generally no need for reheating. However, if you’ve made a large batch and want to freeze, allow the pie to set fully in the refrigerator first, then wrap it well with plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips for Perfect Atlantic Beach Pie Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

One of the most common errors is underbaking the crust, which can lead to a soggy base. Ensure that the crust is a deep golden color. Another issue can arise from overbaking the custard; the filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center to maintain its creamy texture.

Helpful Tricks for Success

To whip your cream to perfect stiff peaks, ensure your bowl and beaters are cold. You might even consider placing them in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand. This temperature difference helps achieve a fluffy texture quickly. Additionally, using fresh citrus juice rather than bottled juice adds an unparalleled flavor that enhances the overall taste of your pie.

Fun Variations of Atlantic Beach Pie

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

If you’re looking to experiment, consider adding pureed berries to the custard mix for a fruity twist. Blueberries or raspberries would be excellent picks, providing both flavor and vibrant color. You can also incorporate spices such as ginger or cinnamon into the whipped cream for an amazing flavor depth.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

To adapt Atlantic Beach Pie for vegan eaters, a few key substitutions can be made. Use a combination of coconut milk and cornstarch to replace the sweetened condensed milk, and substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. You can also replace heavy cream with coconut cream for the topping to cater to vegan diets.

FAQs

What If My Atlantic Beach Pie Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your pie turns out too dry, it likely needed less baking time; monitor the cooking closely during the last minutes. A filling that doesn’t set could indicate underbaking or incorrect proportions of liquid ingredients. Always ensure you’re following the measurements accurately.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Absolutely! Atlantic Beach Pie is fantastic for make-ahead preparation. You can bake and fill the pie up to four days in advance. Just make sure to keep it chilled in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

If you have trouble finding certain ingredients, you can replace butter crackers with gluten-free crackers or graham crackers. Fresh citrus juices can easily be swapped with bottled versions, although fresh juice is always recommended for the best flavor profile.

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