Buttermilk Pie is one of those timeless Southern desserts that proves you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients to create something extraordinary. With its silky custard center, golden crackly top, and beautifully balanced sweetness, this pie is the kind of recipe that feels like home from the very first bite. Generations of Southern bakers have relied on it for holidays, family gatherings, and cozy Sunday dinners because it is simple, dependable, and always delicious.
In this article, you will find everything you need to master Buttermilk Pie at home: a clear ingredients list with exact sizes, easy-to-follow instructions, and helpful tips for achieving the perfect texture every single time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this pie is wonderfully forgiving and delivers outstanding results with very little effort.
Ingredients
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but traditional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Make Buttermilk Pie
Buttermilk Pie is known for its simplicity, and the steps reflect exactly that. With minimal preparation and a single mixing bowl, you can have this iconic dessert baking in the oven in minutes.
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, lightly pressing it into the edges. Crimp the sides if you prefer a decorative finish. Set the crust aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Mix the Custard Filling
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to achieve a velvety texture. Then stir in the flour to help the filling set properly during baking.
Next, pour in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, salt, and nutmeg if you are using it. Mix gently until you have a smooth, pourable custard. Be careful not to overmix—this pie is meant to be soft, creamy, and delicate.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Pour the custard mixture into the unbaked pie crust. Place the pie dish on the middle oven rack for even heat circulation. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The pie will continue to firm as it cools.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This cooling step is essential because it helps the custard finish setting, ensuring clean slices and the signature creamy texture Buttermilk Pie is known for. Serve at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.
What Makes Buttermilk Pie Special?
Buttermilk Pie has roots stretching back through generations of Southern cooking, relying on simple pantry staples that were found in nearly every home. At its heart, it’s a custard pie that balances richness with a subtle tang from the buttermilk. Unlike many cream pies, it doesn’t require tempering eggs, making pastry cream, or preparing toppings. Everything comes together in one bowl, allowing the oven to do the work.
The flavor is comforting and familiar yet surprisingly elegant. The sweetness is balanced—not overpowering—while the buttermilk adds a gentle acidity that keeps the pie from feeling heavy. The top develops a delicate golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the silky interior.
Serving Suggestions
Buttermilk Pie is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs well with many toppings and accompaniments. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty finish, while fresh berries bring a bright contrast to the creamy filling. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds extra indulgence without overwhelming the pie’s classic flavor profile.
If you’re serving this dessert at a holiday dinner, consider adding a drizzle of caramel sauce for a richer twist. For summer gatherings, pair it with macerated strawberries or blueberries to highlight seasonal freshness.
Tips for the Perfect Buttermilk Pie
• Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother custard texture.
• Avoid overbaking; the center should jiggle slightly when the pie is removed from the oven.
• Let the pie cool fully before slicing to achieve clean cuts.
• If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through baking.
• For a brighter flavor, increase the lemon juice slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Buttermilk Pie recipe embodies everything that makes Southern baking so beloved: simplicity, tradition, and undeniable comfort. With its smooth custard center, lightly browned top, and perfectly balanced flavor, it is the kind of dessert that turns an ordinary day into something memorable. Whether you prepare it for a family celebration or a quiet evening at home, this classic pie offers warmth and nostalgia in every slice.