If there's one dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer, it's Atlantic Beach Pie. This enchanting pie, hailing from the coastal communities of the Southeastern United States, masterfully combines the sweet tang of citrus with the creamy indulgence of cream cheese.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 ½ cups crushed saltine crackers (or graham crackers)
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
½ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 3-4 lemons)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup whipped cream
Extra lemon zest, for garnish
Fresh lime slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed saltine crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before filling.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the sweetened condensed milk, mixing until fully incorporated.
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
Pour the lemon filling into the cooled crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-4 hours, or until set.
Once the pie is set, spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the top. Garnish with additional lemon zest and fresh lime slices if desired.
Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the refreshing, sweet, and tangy flavors of this delightful Atlantic Beach Pie!
