🟫 Introduction

Southern desserts have a way of wrapping you in warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. Among the many classic pies that grace Southern tables—like pecan, chess, and sweet potato—Southern Buttermilk Pie stands out for its simplicity and soulfulness. This old-fashioned pie is made from humble ingredients you almost always have in your kitchen: buttermilk, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla. Yet, when baked together, they transform into a silky, custardy filling with a lightly caramelized top and a flaky pie crust that holds it all together.

It’s a dessert that has been loved for generations because it is dependable, comforting, and unbelievably delicious. With its smooth, creamy texture and subtle sweet-tangy flavor, Southern Buttermilk Pie feels like something your grandmother would pull out of the oven on a Sunday afternoon. It’s the kind of pie that reminds you of family gatherings, potlucks, holiday dinners, and cozy evenings where time slowed down.

This recipe brings you all of that tradition with a beautifully balanced flavor—the tang from the buttermilk, the sweetness from sugar, and the richness from butter and eggs—all coming together in one golden, custard-filled slice. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires no complicated techniques, and always delivers a stunning dessert that feels both rustic and elegant.

🥣 Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Crust:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

👩‍🍳 Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp or flute the edges as desired. Set the crust in the refrigerator while you mix the filling—this helps it bake crisp and prevents sogginess.

Step 2: Mix the Eggs and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until the mixture is smooth and pale. This helps create the creamy custard texture.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Salt

Sprinkle the flour and salt over the egg-sugar mixture. Whisk until fully combined with no lumps. The flour helps the pie set properly as it bakes.

Step 4: Add the Buttermilk, Butter, and Flavoring

Pour in the buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir gently but thoroughly until smooth. The mixture will be thin—that’s normal.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Pour the filling into the chilled pie crust.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top is lightly golden.
The pie should have a slight jiggle in the middle when done, but not be runny.

Let it cool completely before slicing so the custard can firm up.

🧑‍🍳 Variations

Southern Lemon Buttermilk Pie

Add an additional 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice + 1 teaspoon lemon zest.

Buttermilk Pie with Nutmeg or Cinnamon

Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the filling.

Coconut Buttermilk Pie

Fold in ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut before baking.

Brown Butter Buttermilk Pie

Brown the butter before adding for deeper caramel notes.

Chocolate Buttermilk Pie

Whisk ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder into the sugar.

🍳 Cooking Note

• The pie browns quickly, so tent the edges with foil if needed.
• Do not overbake—overbaking causes cracks and a rubbery texture.
• Cooling is crucial. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
• Homemade buttermilk substitute: 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice (wait 10 min).

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve Southern Buttermilk Pie:

• Slightly chilled or room temperature
• With whipped cream
• With fresh strawberries or raspberries
• Lightly dusted with powdered sugar
• Warm with vanilla ice cream
• With a drizzle of caramel or honey

Its simple flavor makes it perfect for pairing with almost anything sweet.

💡 Tips

• Use real buttermilk, not a watered-down substitute, if possible.
• Melt the butter, but let it cool slightly before adding to avoid scrambling the eggs.
• A glass pie dish helps you see the crust color as it bakes.
• Let the pie rest before cutting to avoid messy slices.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes

🔥 Cooking Time: 50 minutes

⏳ Total Time: 1 hour

📊 Nutritional Information (approx. per slice)

Calories: 345
Protein: 5 g
Sodium: 220 mg

❓ FAQs

1. Why did my pie crack on top?

This usually happens when the pie is overbaked. Remove it while the center still jiggles slightly.

2. Can I use a frozen pie crust?

Yes—just pour the filling in frozen. Do not thaw.

3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely. It tastes even better after chilling overnight.

4. Does buttermilk pie need refrigeration?

Yes, because it contains eggs and dairy.

5. Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce it by up to ¼ cup without affecting the texture, but the classic sweetness is part of its charm.

🧾 Conclusion

Southern Buttermilk Pie is a dessert that captures the heart of Southern baking—simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. With its creamy custard filling, lightly caramelized top, and buttery crust, this pie is comfort in every bite. Whether you serve it at a family gathering, holiday feast, or as a cozy dessert for yourself, it delivers that perfect blend of old-fashioned sweetness and home-baked goodness. It’s timeless, easy, and irresistibly delicious—exactly what Southern desserts are meant to be.

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