Atlantic Beach Pie with Ritz Cracker Crust: A Sweet & Salty Southern Delight
As the leaves begin to turn and the scent of cinnamon fills the air, many of us gravitate towards autumnal flavors like pumpkin spice, apples, and pecans. Yet, amidst this seasonal embrace, there’s a timeless classic that demands a place on any dessert table, regardless of the calendar: the Atlantic Beach Pie. While its refreshing lemon-lime profile might suggest a summer gathering, the truth is, a creamy, zesty pie is a welcome treat year-round. This particular rendition, featuring an unconventional yet utterly brilliant Ritz Cracker crust, has become a cherished favorite. I owe a debt of gratitude to my friend Lisa for introducing me to this remarkable pie and for the inspired suggestion of using Ritz crackers for the crust—a game-changer that transforms a simple dessert into an unforgettable culinary experience.
More Than Just a Carolina Lemon Pie: Unearthing the Atlantic Beach Pie’s Unique Charm
The origin story of the Atlantic Beach Pie is as delightful as the pie itself, adding a layer of charm to its already irresistible appeal. This recipe gained widespread attention thanks to Katie Workman, who generously shared it during an NPR’s Found Recipes segment. Katie, in turn, received the recipe from the legendary Bill Smith, the celebrated chef of Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Chef Smith, with characteristic Southern humility, often referred to it simply as “just a Carolina lemon pie.”
However, anyone who has tasted it knows it’s far from “just” anything. My initial encounter with the recipe mirrored this sentiment; it seemed akin to the many condensed milk lemon icebox pies I’d come across. That is, until my eyes landed on the crust. The revelation of using crackers—whether humble Saltines or the buttery indulgence of Ritz—elevates this pie into a league of its own. It’s this seemingly small detail, the ingenious cracker crust, that imbues the Atlantic Beach Pie with its distinctive character and sets it apart from its creamy citrus cousins. It’s a testament to how an unexpected ingredient can utterly transform a classic, creating something truly special that resonates with both tradition and innovation.
The Secret Weapon: Saltines or Ritz Cracker Crust?
In all my years of baking and crafting pie crusts, the idea of using crackers, particularly Ritz, was a revelation. It’s a technique that has surprisingly eluded many home bakers, yet the results are nothing short of spectacular. For this Atlantic Beach Pie, the buttery richness and subtle saltiness of Ritz crackers provide a magnificent counterpoint to the tart and sweet lemon-lime filling. The contrast creates a harmonious balance of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression.
While the original recipe often calls for Saltine crackers, which provide a saltier, more robust cracker flavor, opting for Ritz crackers introduces an extra layer of buttery decadence. The Ritz cracker crust isn’t just about texture; it’s about flavor. The crackers, finely crushed and mixed with softened butter and a touch of sugar, transform into a crisp, golden base that complements the creamy citrus filling beautifully. The salt cuts through the sweetness, preventing the pie from being overly cloying and enhancing the bright, refreshing notes of the lemon and lime. This delightful interplay of sweet, tart, and salty is precisely what makes the Atlantic Beach Pie so addictive and unique.
When preparing the crust, achieving the right consistency for the crushed crackers is key. You want a fine crumb, but not so fine that it becomes a paste. A food processor works wonders for this, quickly transforming whole crackers into an even mixture. Once combined with the melted butter and sugar, the crumbs should be moist enough to hold their shape when pressed. Don’t be shy about really pressing the mixture firmly into your pie dish; this ensures a sturdy crust that won’t crumble when sliced. Baking the crust first, as outlined in the recipe, helps to crisp it up and deepen its flavor, preparing it to perfectly cradle the luscious filling.
You can find the original recipe on NPR, which specifies an 8-inch pie dish. However, if you, like me, find yourself without an 8-inch pan, a 9-inch dish works perfectly well. I’ve personally used a 9-inch dish numerous times, and while the crust tends to bake a little quicker—likely due to the wider surface area or the buttery Ritz crackers—the filling baking time remains remarkably consistent. In my experience, even with the larger dish, the filling still required precisely 16 minutes to set, just as in the 8-inch version. This adaptability makes the recipe quite forgiving for home bakers. Below is a glimpse of the finished pie, though I must apologize for the missing piece; it’s a testament to how quickly this delicious dessert disappears!
Mastering the Art of Freezing Atlantic Beach Pie for Future Enjoyment
For those with smaller households or anyone simply looking to extend the delight of this pie, freezing is an excellent option. You don’t have to commit to eating an entire pie in a few days; strategic freezing allows you to savor it at your leisure. The best approach is to enjoy a slice or two initially, then prepare the remainder for the freezer. Once the pie has thoroughly cooled and chilled in the refrigerator, it will firm up nicely, making it easier to handle.
To freeze, first ensure the pie is completely cold. Then, carefully transfer it to a cutting board. Using a sturdy chef’s knife, cut the remaining pie into thirds or even individual slices, depending on your preferred serving size. This allows for convenient portion control later. Each section should then be wrapped tightly, preferably in multiple layers of plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and protect against odors. Place these securely wrapped portions in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container.
Frozen cream pies, like the Atlantic Beach Pie, generally thaw beautifully. An individual slice typically takes about two hours to thaw in the refrigerator, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for unexpected cravings or impromptu guests. Simply remove a portion from the freezer a few hours before you plan to serve it, let it slowly come to temperature in the fridge, and it will be ready to enjoy with its creamy texture and vibrant citrus flavor intact. Fruit pies, on the other hand, can be partially thawed and then gently reheated for a warm, comforting treat. This freezing method ensures that none of your delicious pie goes to waste, and you always have a delightful dessert on hand.
Update: Consider Mini Atlantic Beach Pies for Individual Servings!
For those who adore portion control, entertaining a crowd, or simply want to try something different, the Atlantic Beach Pie adapts wonderfully to a “mini” format. Imagine delightful 3-inch individual pies, perfect for parties, picnics, or a personalized treat. If you choose to use disposable 3-inch pie tins (which are readily available, often found on platforms like Amazon), the process is quite similar, just scaled down.
Start by dividing your prepared Ritz cracker crumb mixture evenly among the individual pie shells. Press the mixture down firmly into each tin to form a compact crust. These mini crusts will bake much faster, typically requiring only about 8 minutes in a preheated oven. Once they’re golden and fragrant, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. Then, pour the luscious lemon-lime filling into each cooled mini crust. Return them to the oven to bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the filling is set. These charming mini pies are not only adorable but also incredibly convenient, offering all the sweet, tart, and salty goodness of the full-sized pie in a handheld format.
Beyond the traditional Atlantic Beach Pie, the concept of a Ritz cracker crust opens up a world of possibilities for other creamy, tart fillings. Whether you lean more towards a pure lemon, a vibrant key lime, or even a mixed berry cream pie, the savory-sweet crust adds a unique depth that can truly elevate your dessert. This recipe isn’t just about making one specific pie; it’s about discovering a versatile and incredibly delicious crust that will change the way you think about pie-making forever. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings together the best of sweet, salty, and citrusy flavors in every delightful bite.
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Recipe
Ritz Cracker Crust Atlantic Beach Pie
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Ritz Crust Atlantic Beach Pie
- 1 ½ sleeves of finely crushed Ritz Crackers about 1 ¾ cups
- 5 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 can 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 4 egg yolks
- ¼ cup each fresh lemon and lime juice
- 1 heaping tablespoon mixed lemon and lime zest
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Coarse sea salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Combine crushed crackers and sugar and stir until well mixed, then add the butter and stir until the crumbs hold together. Press into an 8 or 9 inch pie pan. Chill for 15 minutes, then bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes or until nicely browned. I used a 9 inch pie pan and my crust was done in about 12 minutes.
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Whisk together condensed milk, and egg yolks, then whisk in the juices and zest. Pour into the baked shell and bake for another 16 minutes or until filling appears set (with the 9 inch pan it still took 16 minutes).
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Let the pie cool, then chill thoroughly for a few hours.
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Shortly before serving, make the sweetened whipped cream, put the cream in a mixing bowl and beat until it starts to thicken. Add the sugar and continue beating until thick (do not overbeat). Stir in about ½ teaspoon of vanilla if desired.
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Pipe the cream around the edges or spread over the top. Garnish with sea salt if desired.