Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe: A Classic Dessert for Any Occasion

Buttermilk Pie is a Southern classic that embodies the charm of simple, comforting desserts. With its creamy, custard-like filling and a perfectly crisp pie crust, this traditional pie is a sweet indulgence that’s perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a family reunion or a Sunday supper. The rich and tangy buttermilk adds a unique twist to this pie, which makes it stand out from other custard pies. Follow this easy recipe to create a delicious homemade Buttermilk Pie that your family will love.

Ingredients for Southern Buttermilk Pie

For the Filling:

• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup), room temperature
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon buttermilk

For the Crust:

• 1 9-inch pie shell, unbaked

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature will allow the pie to cook slowly, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture without overcooking the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Buttermilk Pie Filling

1. Cream the sugar and butter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and room-temperature butter. Use an electric mixer or hand whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial to ensure that the pie has a smooth texture.
2. Beat in the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar and butter mixture. Make sure to beat well after each addition until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
3. Add dry ingredients: Stir in the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and the all-purpose flour. Beat until the ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Add buttermilk: Finally, add the buttermilk to the mixture and beat again until the filling is smooth and silky.

Step 3: Prepare the Pie Shell

1. Prepare the pie shell: Place the unbaked 9-inch pie shell onto a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. This helps catch any spills or overflow during baking and makes it easier to transfer the pie in and out of the oven.
2. Pour the filling: Pour the buttermilk mixture into the pie shell, filling it almost to the top. If you have any extra filling, pour it into an ungreased custard cup and bake it alongside the pie.

Step 4: Bake the Buttermilk Pie

1. Bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the pie during the last 10 minutes to ensure that the crust does not overbrown. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when done.
2. Cool the pie: Once the pie has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow the pie to cool completely before serving, as this will help the filling set properly.

Step 5: Serve and Store

1. Serve: Serve the Buttermilk Pie at room temperature or chilled. It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. Store: Store any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve after the pie has had time to chill.

Tips for the Perfect Southern Buttermilk Pie

1. Use room-temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. Cold butter will not blend properly and can result in a lumpy filling.
2. Avoid overbaking: Buttermilk Pie is supposed to have a creamy, custard-like texture. Overbaking can cause the filling to crack or become too firm. Check the pie around the 1-hour mark, and if it still jiggles slightly in the center, it’s done.
3. Pie shell alternatives: If you want to make the pie crust from scratch, go for it! A homemade crust will add a personal touch, but a store-bought crust works perfectly fine for convenience.
4. Experiment with flavors: While the traditional recipe uses vanilla extract, you can try adding a little lemon zest or almond extract for a different flavor profile. Lemon zest adds a refreshing brightness to the richness of the pie.
5. Don’t skip the cooling time: It’s tempting to cut into the pie right away, but letting it cool allows the filling to fully set. For the best texture, chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Buttermilk Pie?

Buttermilk Pie is a traditional Southern dessert with a custard-like filling made from sugar, butter, eggs, buttermilk, and flour. The buttermilk gives it a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugar, resulting in a rich, creamy pie.

2. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust to save time. However, if you prefer a homemade touch, you can make your own crust using a basic pie dough recipe.

3. How do I know when the pie is done?

The pie is done when the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly. This usually takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes at 300°F. The filling will firm up as it cools.

4. Can I make Buttermilk Pie ahead of time?

Yes, Buttermilk Pie can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors improve after it has been chilled for several hours. Simply store it in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to serve.

5. How should I store leftover pie?

Store leftover Buttermilk Pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature.

6. Can I freeze Buttermilk Pie?

Yes, Buttermilk Pie can be frozen. Once it has completely cooled, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

7. What can I serve with Buttermilk Pie?

Buttermilk Pie is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Enjoy your homemade Southern Buttermilk Pie—it’s a true classic that’s sure to impress!