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Atlantic Beach Pie Bars Recipe

Atlantic Beach Pie Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 19 reviews

Atlantic Beach Pie Bars are a delightful citrus dessert featuring a buttery saltine cracker crust topped with a tangy lime and lemon custard. Finished with a light whipped cream topping and garnished with fresh citrus zest, these bars deliver a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, ideal for a refreshing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • Cooking spray
  • 1 1/2 cups finely crushed saltine crackers (about 37 crackers, 1 sleeve)
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten

Filling

  • 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (from 2 large limes)
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)

Topping

  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
  • Lemon and lime zests, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make and Freeze Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, stir together crushed saltine crackers, melted butter, sugar, and lightly beaten egg whites until well combined. Transfer the mixture to an 8×8-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray, pressing it firmly and evenly onto the bottom. Place the crust in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.
  2. Bake Crust: Bake the chilled crust in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until it is lightly browned. Remove from oven and transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
  3. Prepare and Bake Pie Bars: While the crust bakes, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth. Stir in fresh lime juice and lemon juice until fully incorporated. Pour this citrus mixture into the warm crust. Return to the oven and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until the center just sets.
  4. Cool Bars: Remove the pie bars from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for 1 hour. Then refrigerate uncovered for about 2 hours or until chilled. Once chilled, carefully remove the bars from the baking dish and place them on a wire rack.
  5. Make Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for about 2 minutes or until stiff peaks form.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Spread or dollop the whipped cream evenly over the bars. Garnish with lemon and lime zests for an extra burst of citrus aroma and flavor. Serve chilled. Bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without the whipped cream topping; add the topping just before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the crust is firmly pressed and adequately chilled before baking for a sturdy base.
  • The bars should be chilled uncovered to achieve the best texture; cover only after they are completely cooled.
  • Whipped cream topping is best added just before serving to maintain its texture.
  • Use fresh citrus juice for the best flavor contrast and aroma.
  • These bars are sweet and tangy—perfect for warm weather or light dessert cravings.

Nutrition

Keywords: Atlantic Beach Pie Bars, citrus dessert, lime bars, lemon bars, saltine cracker crust, creamy pie bars, Southern dessert

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/atlantic-beach-pie-bars-recipe/