A Slice of the Coast: The Best Classic Pies from Seaside Towns
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Time to read 8 min
February is National Pie Month, and what better way to celebrate than with a slice of something truly special?
Coastal regions across the country have their own beloved pie traditions, each one infused with local flavors that capture the essence of life by the water. From tangy Key Lime Pie in Florida to sweet-tart Wild Blueberry Pie in Maine, these classic pies tell a delicious story of the seaside.
So grab your fork and get ready to explore the most iconic coastal pies - because nothing warms up a winter day quite like a homemade slice of pie!
Table of Contents
1. Key Lime Pie - A sweet slice of Florida 2. Atlantic Beach Pie - A crunchy citrus sensation 3. Wild Blueberry Pie - Maine’s sweetest tradition 4. Mississippi Mud Pie for chocolate lovers 5. Banana Cream Pie - The perfect make-ahead dessert 6. Lemon Meringue Pie for casual summer dinners 7. Seafood Pot Pie - a classic comfort food 8. Huckleberry Pie - A Sweet, tart taste of summer 9. Clatsop Clam Pie - A hearty slice of the Oregon Coast
Key Lime Pie - A sweet slice of Florida
Key Lime Pie is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with just the right tang to keep your taste buds happy. Originating in Key West, Florida, this famous dessert is a classic symbol of the state itself.
Over the years, it has become extremely popular in the Keys and the rest of Florida, and now it’s a timeless dessert the entire country loves. While true Key limes are tiny and tough to find (and you’d need about 20 to make a pie), regular supermarket limes work just as well.
Once Upon A Chef
So, Once Upon A Chef is making life easier and using ordinary Persian limes for this Key Lime Pie recipe. Trust her, it tastes just as good - if not better - than the real deal. Lime juice, sweetened milk, and egg yolks, all nestled in a buttery crunch of graham cracker crust, then topped with whipped cream or meringue… It could not get any more tropical than this.
Atlantic Beach Pie - A crunchy citrus sensation
If Key Lime Pie had a cool Southern cousin, it would be Atlantic Beach Pie from the shores of North Carolina.
With a light salty crunch that perfectly balances the creamy, lemon-lime filling, this pie gained popularity in 2011, thanks to Chef Bill Smith of Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill.
Inspired by the lemon pies he grew up eating at seafood joints along the Carolina coast, Smith took the classic idea and made it unforgettable - with a buttery, salty, Saltine cracker crust.
Southern Living
The whole thing is topped with a cloud of whipped cream, making it the ultimate treat on a hot summer day - or, let’s be honest, any day you need a little sunshine in pie form.
Wild Blueberry Pie - Maine’s sweetest tradition
Bursting with tiny, sweet-tart berries, Wild Blueberry Pie is a summertime staple that captures the essence of Maine’s coastal charm. In fact, blueberry pie made with wild Maine blueberries is our beloved state’s official dessert!
These sweet, tangy berries make a refreshing pie filling, especially when combined with a touch of lemon, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar - all baked into a golden, flaky crust… and local Maine bakeries’ versions of this must-try dessert are nothing short of perfection!
NewEngland.com
Whether you indulge in a slice with a spoonful of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a glass of milk, it’s a true taste of the Maine coast that’s hard to beat.
Mississippi Mud Pie for chocolate lovers
If you believe there’s no such thing as too much chocolate, Mississippi Mud Pie is your kind of dessert.
With a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, a fudgy brownie layer, silky chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream - plus a sprinkle of chocolate shavings and toasted pecans - this Southern classic recipe is pure indulgence (no actual mud involved). The rich, dark filling is said to resemble the muddy banks of the Mississippi River.
The Pioneer Woman
The best part? You can make it ahead. The crust and brownie layer keep for three days, and the pudding layer can be added two days before serving. Just save the whipped cream for last-minute topping, so it stays light and fluffy. Serve it at a summer cookout, or whenever you need a chocolate fix.
Banana Cream Pie - The perfect make-ahead dessert
Bananas have long been associated with coastal living, thanks to their warm-climate origins and easy pairing with island flavors like coconut. If you want to skip the citrus, the Banana Cream Pie never disappoints.
And have you tried a Banana Cream Pie recipe that is 100% made from scratch, no pudding mixes or artificial flavors? Think layers of buttery, flaky pie crust, fresh banana slices, silky vanilla custard, and fluffy whipped cream. Basically, it is banana pudding in pie form, but sturdier, so you get those ridiculously satisfying bites.
Sally's Baking Addiction
Classic pie crust or graham cracker crust? Your choice. Plus, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert (because good things take time to set!). Bonus tip: a sprinkle of cinnamon takes it up a notch!
Lemon Meringue Pie for casual summer dinners
Lemon Meringue Pie is a classic coastal dessert, and for good reason. Its citrusy flavor and light, airy texture make it an irresistible treat for warm-weather dining. Coastal regions love lemons for their fresh, zesty flavor, and this pie shows off exactly why, bringing the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
The crisp, flaky crust holds a silky-smooth lemon filling that’s bold and tangy without being overpowering. Then, there’s the meringue - whipped to perfection and toasted just right (Amateur Gourmet’s tip: pop it into the oven for 10 minutes and it does the job quite nicely).
Amateur Gourmet
This pie is simply smooth sailing ahead. Whether you serve it at a beachside gathering or a casual summer dinner, Lemon Meringue Pie brings that bright, clean flavor that fits right in with coastal living.
Seafood Pot Pie - a classic comfort food
Seafood Pot Pie is as cozy and comforting as your classic pot pie, and it’s just as cozy and comforting - except this one is packed with a delicious mix of crab, shrimp, creole seasoning, bacon, and veggies all wrapped up in a buttery, flaky crust.
If you’re thinking seafood is too fancy for a pot pie, think again. 4 Sons R Us throws in budget-friendly options for a Seafood Pot Pie recipe, like salad shrimp and imitation crab meat so you can make a rich, satisfying dish without breaking the bank.
4 Sons R Us
The rush of flavors feels like you’ve taken a bite out of the ocean, making it perfect for those days when you’re craving something hearty and fresh (and luxurious!)
Huckleberry Pie - A Sweet, tart taste of summer
Huckleberry Pie doesn’t always get the spotlight and may not be the first that comes to mind when thinking of coastal desserts, but it totally should. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and tart, with summery blueberries and early fall cranberries.
With just a bit of sugar and a hint of orange zest, this recipe turns huckleberries into a simple but seriously delicious pie. It’s a great way to use up fresh or frozen huckleberries, especially if you’ve got a stash from last season.
Hilda's Kitchen Blog
Best served with a scoop of French vanilla ice cream and a hot cup of coffee, this pie is a true treat for anyone who loves fresh, seasonal fruit desserts. While it may not be coastal in origin, it certainly feels so with every bite.
Clatsop Clam Pie - A hearty slice of the Oregon Coast
A traditional dish from Oregon’s coast where clamming has long been a way of life, Clatsop Clam Pie mixes fresh razor clams into a creamy filling with onions, celery, butter, and seasonings, all baked inside a flaky pie crust. No fresh clams? Canned clams are great, too.
If you’re looking for a new way to cook clams, this savory, flavorful pie holds together beautifully without being too dry or runny. This hearty Clatsom Clam Recipe is a true taste of the coast, celebrating the region’s love for fresh seafood and time-honored traditions. A true coastal classic!
Portland Pie Lady
Coastal Pies FAQs - A Slice of the Coast
What makes a pie a "coastal pie"?
A coastal pie is any pie that takes inspiration from seaside towns - whether it’s made with fresh, local ingredients like wild blueberries, key limes, or even seafood. These pies often reflect the flavors and traditions of the coastal areas they come from.
What is the most famous coastal pie?
That depends on where you are! In Maine, it’s Wild Blueberry Pie - bursting with tiny, tart berries. In Florida, it’s Key Lime Pie, made from the state’s signature citrus. And if you’re in Oregon, you might find yourself enjoying a traditional Clatsom Clam Pie with fresh razor clams!
What is the best way to serve a coastal pie?
However you like it! I love pairing a slice of Wild Maine Blueberry Pie with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream or a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream. Key Lime Pie is perfect with a zesty twist of lime and a light meringue topping. And for savory pies, a warm, buttery crust is all you need.
Do coastal pies always have fruit?
Not at all - while many seaside pies are fruity and sweet, some coastal regions love their savory pies, like classic seafood pot pies. If it is baked in a crust and inspired by the sea, well, it counts!
Any tips for making the perfect coastal pie?
Keep a well-chilled crust, do not skimp on fresh (or high-quality frozen) ingredients, and most importantly - have fun with it. Experiment with flavors, like adding a splash of rum to a tropical-inspired pie or a sprinkle of sea salt to balance out the sweetness.
No matter which coastal pie recipe you choose to try, each one brings something truly special to the table. If you love the coast like I do, these recipes are worth trying… and if you have not baked one before, now’s a great time to start. I love how each of these coastal pies has its own unique, delicious flavor, so I’ll be trying these recipes too, and I’m excited to see how it turns out!
Meet the Author
Karen Marsh
Karen is the owner of New England Trading Company, a coastal gift shop in Maine. Since 2009, she has enjoyed helping customers find the perfect coastal-inspired gifts and decor. Karen loves connecting with others who share her passion for all things nautical.
