We’re making Atlantic Beach Pie here at Smith’s. Atlantic Beach Pie, popularized by Bill Smith (not related) at Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is a delicious coastal-inspired dessert that swaps the traditional meringue for a cloud of whipped cream. Inspired by the lemon pies served along the North Carolina coast, Smith’s version uses a simple custard filling made from sweetened condensed milk and citrus juice, which mellows the acidity and creates a creamier, less tart texture than a classic citrus curd. The filling sits in a crisp, salty cracker crust that perfectly balances the sweetness, resulting in a dessert that is bright but smooth, rich but refreshing—a true Southern favorite with roots in coastal tradition.