Recipe for Southern Buttermilk Pie

The Timeless Charm of Southern Buttermilk Pie

Southern buttermilk pie is a dessert that captures the essence of traditional Southern baking—simple ingredients, easy preparation, and a flavor that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

This pie has been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations, cherished for its custard-like filling made from tangy buttermilk, sugar, butter, and eggs.

The beauty of buttermilk pie lies in its balance of sweet and tangy, with a texture that’s both creamy and slightly caramelized on top.

Whether served at a family gathering, a holiday feast, or as an everyday treat, buttermilk pie is a dessert that never fails to bring smiles to the table.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make a classic Southern buttermilk pie, ensuring that you can enjoy this timeless dessert whenever the craving strikes.

Recipe for Southern Buttermilk Pie

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

3 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cornmeal

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for added flavor)

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

Instructions:

Prepare the Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a homemade pie crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp the edges if desired, and place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.

Make the Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly glossy.

Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. This ensures that the filling will be smooth and creamy.

Gradually stir in the buttermilk, flour, cornmeal, vanilla extract, lemon juice (if using), and ground nutmeg (if using). Mix until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the filling is smooth.

Assemble the Pie:

Pour the buttermilk filling into the prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring that the filling reaches all the edges of the crust.

Bake the Pie:

Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. The center of the pie should be slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven; it will continue to set as it cools.

If the crust begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the filling set properly and makes for cleaner slices.

Serve the pie at room temperature or chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Conclusion

Southern buttermilk pie is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking.

With just a handful of ingredients, this pie delivers a rich, custardy filling that’s perfectly complemented by a flaky, buttery crust.

The subtle tang of the buttermilk, balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the butter, creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Whether you’re enjoying it with family and friends or savoring a slice on your own, buttermilk pie is a dessert that’s sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion.

By following this recipe, you can bring a taste of Southern tradition into your own kitchen, creating a pie that’s as timeless as it is delicious.