Atlantic Beach Pie Bars

The Atlantic Beach Pie Bars offer a delightful twist on the classic pie, transforming it into a convenient, shareable treat. The harmonious blend of a salty cracker crust paired with a tangy lemon-lime filling creates a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. Topped with a light whipped cream and a sprinkle of citrus zest, these bars are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal, these bars encapsulate the essence of coastal indulgence. Their balance of sweet and salty notes, combined with the creamy and zesty filling, makes them a standout dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:

  • 1½ cups crushed saltine crackers (about 38 crackers)​

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted​

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar​

  • 2 large egg whites​

• For the Filling:

  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk​

  • 4 large egg yolks

  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice​

  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice​

• For the Topping:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream​

  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar​

  • Lemon and lime zest, for garnish​

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease with cooking spray.​

2. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed saltine crackers, melted butter, granulated sugar, and egg whites. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the crust in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.​

3. Bake the chilled crust for 15 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack.​

4. While the crust is cooling, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth. Add the fresh lime and lemon juices, and whisk until fully incorporated.​

5. Pour the filling over the warm crust, spreading it evenly. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the center is just set and no longer jiggles.​

6. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully chilled and firm.​

7. Before serving, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form.​

8. Lift the chilled bars out of the baking dish using the parchment overhang and place them on a cutting board. Cut into squares. Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with lemon and lime zest. Serve immediately.​

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes (including chilling)​

Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 9 bars

The Ultimate Guide to Atlantic Beach Pie Bars

Atlantic Beach Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the traditional Atlantic Beach Pie, a classic Southern dessert known for its perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. This pie, originating from the coastal regions of North Carolina, has been a staple in seafood restaurants and home kitchens alike. By transforming this pie into bars, it becomes a more accessible, shareable treat that retains the same creamy, citrus-infused filling and crisp, salty cracker crust.

The magic of this dessert lies in its simplicity few ingredients come together to create a dessert that is rich, refreshing, and irresistibly tangy. Whether you are hosting a summer gathering, looking for a refreshing post-dinner treat, or simply craving something sweet yet balanced, Atlantic Beach Pie Bars are an excellent choice. In this article, we’ll dive into the history, variations, serving suggestions, and why this dessert should be your next baking adventure.

The Origins of Atlantic Beach Pie

The roots of Atlantic Beach Pie trace back to the Carolina coast, where seafood was often followed by a citrus-based dessert believed to aid digestion. Inspired by traditional Key lime pie, this variation uses a unique cracker crust, traditionally made from saltines, that gives it a delightful crunch and subtle saltiness.

Chef Bill Smith of Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is credited with reviving this dessert and bringing it into the culinary spotlight. His version of Atlantic Beach Pie, featuring a lemon-lime custard and a thick whipped cream topping, quickly gained popularity and became a favorite across the Southern United States. Transforming this pie into bars makes it even more accessible and convenient to serve, while still preserving the nostalgic flavors of the original recipe.

What Makes Atlantic Beach Pie Bars Special?

Unlike traditional pies that require slicing and careful serving, pie bars are easy to cut into neat squares, making them ideal for parties, bake sales, or casual snacking. But what truly makes Atlantic Beach Pie Bars stand out is the interplay of flavors and textures:

• The Crust: Instead of using a graham cracker or pastry crust, this dessert employs crushed saltine crackers mixed with butter and sugar, creating a crispy yet slightly chewy base with a hint of saltiness that perfectly complements the citrus filling.
• The Filling: A creamy custard made with sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon and lime juice, and egg yolks creates a silky smooth texture with a bright, tangy flavor.
• The Topping: Light, fluffy whipped cream balances the acidity of the citrus filling, while a sprinkle of lemon and lime zest adds extra freshness and visual appeal.

Variations of Atlantic Beach Pie Bars

While the classic recipe is already a winner, there are several ways to customize these bars to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out saltine crackers for gluten-free crackers or finely crushed almond flour cookies for a similar texture.
• Extra Citrus Flavor: Add a bit of orange juice to the filling for a more complex citrus profile.
• Graham Cracker or Pretzel Crust: Instead of saltine crackers, try using graham crackers or crushed pretzels for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: Replace traditional whipped cream with coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle tropical note.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of white or dark chocolate over the bars can add an extra layer of indulgence.

Tips for Making the Perfect Atlantic Beach Pie Bars

To ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Citrus Juice: While bottled lemon and lime juice might be convenient, fresh juice provides the best flavor and brightness.
• Chill Before Cutting: Refrigerating the bars for at least 4 hours (or overnight) allows the filling to set properly, making them easier to cut into clean squares.
• Don’t Overbake: The filling should be just set in the center when removed from the oven. Overbaking can cause the custard to become rubbery.
• Whip Cream Just Before Serving: For the freshest texture, prepare the whipped cream topping shortly before serving.
• Line the Baking Dish with Parchment Paper: This makes it much easier to lift out and slice the bars cleanly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Atlantic Beach Pie Bars are a refreshing dessert that pairs well with a variety of beverages and other treats:

• With Coffee or Tea: The tart citrus flavors contrast beautifully with a hot cup of black coffee or a floral tea like chamomile or Earl Grey.
• With a Glass of Sweet Wine: A late-harvest Riesling or Moscato pairs well with the balance of sweet and salty flavors in the bars.
• As Part of a Dessert Platter: Serve alongside fruit, chocolate-dipped nuts, or shortbread cookies for a well-rounded dessert spread.
• With Fresh Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries make a beautiful and tasty garnish that enhances the citrus flavors.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you love citrus desserts and enjoy the combination of sweet and salty flavors, these Atlantic Beach Pie Bars are a must-try. They require minimal effort and ingredients, yet deliver a sophisticated and well-balanced flavor profile. Their ease of preparation and transportability make them perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.

Moreover, this dessert brings a taste of Southern tradition into your home, connecting you to the coastal roots and nostalgic flavors cherished by many. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Conclusion:

Atlantic Beach Pie Bars capture the essence of a beloved Southern dessert while making it even more convenient and shareable. Their contrast of textures and flavors crispy, salty crust against silky, tangy filling creates an unforgettable bite every time. Whether you are an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress.

Next time you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s refreshing yet indulgent, give Atlantic Beach Pie Bars a try. You’ll find yourself making them again and again, savoring every bite of this delightful Southern classic.