Name: Buttermilk Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: PT-486190H12M59S
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 3 large eggs; 1 ½ cups white sugar; ½ cup butter, softened; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1 (9 inch) unbaked deep dish pie crust

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Creamy, tangy, and sweet, buttermilk pie is a classic Southern dessert made with simple pantry ingredients. This old-fashioned pie is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something rich and comforting. In this guide, you’ll learn everything from how to make the perfect buttermilk pie to expert baking tips, variations, and how to serve it.

Contents

1 Introduction to Buttermilk Pie
- 1.1 What Is Buttermilk Pie?
- 1.2 Why This Buttermilk Pie Recipe Works
2 Ingredients for the Perfect Buttermilk Pie
- 2.1 Detailed Breakdown of Each Ingredient’s Role
- 2.2 Choosing the Right Pie Crust for Authentic Southern Flavor
3 Buttermilk Pie Recipe
4 Step-by-Step Buttermilk Pie Recipe Guide
5 Expert Tips for the Creamiest Buttermilk Pie Texture
- 5.1 How to Avoid Overbaking or Underbaking
- 5.2 Achieving the Perfect Custard Consistency
6 Variations of the Buttermilk Pie Recipe
- 6.1 Lemon Buttermilk Pie, Chocolate Buttermilk Pie, and More
- 6.2 Making It Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free Without Losing Flavor
7 Serving Suggestions for Buttermilk Pie
- 7.1 How to Slice, Plate, and Garnish for Maximum Appeal
- 7.2 Best Times to Serve: Holidays, Potlucks, and Family Dinners
8 Storing and Reheating Buttermilk Pie
- 8.1 How Long It Keeps at Room Temperature, in the Fridge, and Freezer
- 8.2 Best Way to Reheat While Preserving Texture and Flavor
9 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Buttermilk Pie Recipes
- 9.1 What Can Go Wrong With Custard-Based Pies
- 9.2 Fixing Cracked Tops, Runny Centers, or Gritty Textures
10 Conclusion: Bake a Buttermilk Pie Worth Sharing

Introduction to Buttermilk Pie

What Is Buttermilk Pie?

Buttermilk pie is a Southern custard pie made with eggs, sugar, butter, and buttermilk. It’s known for its smooth, slightly tangy filling and golden crust. The texture is creamy, like a soft flan or crème brûlée.

Why This Buttermilk Pie Recipe Works

This recipe is quick, uses basic ingredients, and delivers big flavor. With just one bowl and a handful of steps, you get a pie that’s rich yet light, sweet but balanced. It’s a comfort dessert that feels homemade — because it is.

Ingredients for the Perfect Buttermilk Pie

Detailed Breakdown of Each Ingredient’s Role

Every ingredient in this buttermilk pie recipe plays a key role in achieving that creamy, custard-like texture and signature Southern flavor.

Eggs (3 large)
Eggs bind the custard and help the filling firm up while baking. Beating them until frothy adds lightness to the pie.
White Sugar (1 ½ cups)
Sugar brings the sweetness that balances the tang of the buttermilk and enhances the golden top of the pie.
Butter (½ cup, softened)
Butter adds richness and a smooth texture. Make sure it’s softened so it mixes easily with the sugar and eggs.
All-Purpose Flour (3 tablespoons)
Flour thickens the filling slightly and helps the pie set evenly. It also keeps the texture from becoming too loose or runny.
Buttermilk (1 cup)
The star of the show. Buttermilk gives this pie its signature tang and moist, creamy texture. Always use real buttermilk, not a milk-vinegar substitute, for best results.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon)
Lemon juice brightens the flavor and adds just a touch of acidity, enhancing the tang from the buttermilk.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
Vanilla brings depth and warmth to the flavor, balancing the sweetness and tartness.
Nutmeg (⅛ teaspoon, freshly grated)
Nutmeg adds a subtle spice that elevates the overall flavor. A little goes a long way.
Unbaked Deep-Dish Pie Crust (9-inch)
This is the base that holds the creamy filling. Use a store-bought crust for ease or make your own for a fully homemade feel.

Choosing the Right Pie Crust for Authentic Southern Flavor

While a store-bought crust will work fine, a flaky homemade pie crust truly brings out the best in a buttermilk pie. If you decide to make one from scratch, use cold butter or shortening and ice water to get those tender, flaky layers. The crust should be deep enough to hold the custard filling without overflowing.

You can also blind-bake the crust for 5–7 minutes before pouring in the filling to help prevent sogginess at the bottom.

Step-by-Step Buttermilk Pie Recipe Guide

Prepping Your Kitchen and Tools

Before you begin, make sure you have all your tools and ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing bowl (large)
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
9-inch deep-dish pie plate
Cooling rack

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready by the time your pie is mixed and poured.

Mixing, Pouring, and Baking Tips for Best Results

Follow these easy steps to make the perfect buttermilk pie:

Step 1: Beat the eggs
In a large bowl, beat 3 large eggs with an electric mixer until frothy. This adds air and helps create a lighter custard.

Step 2: Add sugar, butter, and flour
Mix in 1 ½ cups sugar, ½ cup softened butter, and 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Stir in liquids and flavorings
Add 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg. Stir until fully combined. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Pour into crust
Place your unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust into a pie dish. Pour the filling in slowly to avoid spills.

Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly golden. Check doneness by gently shaking the pie. The center should no longer jiggle like liquid.

Step 6: Cool
Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let it cool for 1 hour before serving. This helps the custard finish setting.

Quick Baking Tips for Success

If your crust browns too fast, cover the edges with foil halfway through baking.
The pie is done when a knife inserted 1 inch from the center comes out clean.
Letting it cool before slicing makes it easier to cut neat pieces.

Expert Tips for the Creamiest Buttermilk Pie Texture

How to Avoid Overbaking or Underbaking

The texture of buttermilk pie is key. Done right, it should be creamy and set, not runny or rubbery. Here’s how to get it perfect every time:

Watch for subtle jiggle: Around the 40-minute mark, gently shake the pie. It should jiggle slightly in the center, but not slosh.
Use a thermometer: The internal temperature should reach around 175°F (80°C) in the center. This confirms the custard has fully set.
Don’t rush the cool-down: Cooling for at least 1 hour allows the pie to finish setting and firms up the slices.

Overbaking leads to dry, cracked tops, while underbaking gives you a watery center. Timing and temperature control are everything.

Achieving the Perfect Custard Consistency

A smooth custard comes down to a few simple tricks:

Room temperature eggs and butter: These blend more evenly and help create a silky filling.
Don’t overmix: After adding buttermilk and lemon juice, mix just until combined. Overmixing can cause curdling.
Strain the filling (optional): For an ultra-smooth texture, some bakers strain the batter through a fine mesh sieve before pouring it into the crust.

And always, always let the pie cool properly. Serving it too soon ruins the texture.

Variations of the Buttermilk Pie Recipe

Lemon Buttermilk Pie, Chocolate Buttermilk Pie, and More

Once you’ve mastered the classic buttermilk pie recipe, you can explore fun and flavorful variations. Each one keeps the creamy texture but adds something new:

Lemon Buttermilk Pie
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a brighter, citrus-forward flavor. This pairs perfectly with spring gatherings and summer dinners.
Chocolate Buttermilk Pie
Mix ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder into the filling. The result is a rich, chocolate custard pie with a deep flavor that balances the buttermilk’s tang.
Coconut Buttermilk Pie
Stir in ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut before baking. It gives the pie a tropical note and a slightly chewy texture.
Maple Buttermilk Pie
Substitute ¼ cup of the sugar with real maple syrup for a warm, earthy twist. Great for fall baking.
Spiced Buttermilk Pie
Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cloves to bring cozy, holiday flavors into the mix.

You can always customize your pie to fit the season or your personal taste preferences.

Making It Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free Without Losing Flavor

Whether you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions or simply adjusting your lifestyle, you can tweak this buttermilk pie recipe easily.

Dairy-Free Option
- Use plant-based butter (like vegan margarine or coconut oil).
- Swap buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative: mix 1 cup of almond milk or oat milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes.
Gluten-Free Option
- Use a gluten-free pie crust or make your own using almond flour and butter.
- Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

These alternatives still yield a rich, custardy texture that satisfies just like the original.

Serving Suggestions for Buttermilk Pie

How to Slice, Plate, and Garnish for Maximum Appeal

Buttermilk pie might be rustic, but with a few touches, you can make it look bakery-worthy. Here’s how to serve it beautifully:

Let it cool completely: A full hour of cooling makes it easier to slice cleanly.
Use a sharp knife: Wipe the blade between cuts for picture-perfect slices.
Serve chilled or at room temperature: Both are great options, but many prefer it slightly chilled for a firmer texture.

Garnish Ideas:

Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a classic look.
Add a dollop of whipped cream or a swirl of crème fraîche.
Top with fresh berries for color and contrast.
Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

If you’re going for presentation, serve slices on white or pastel plates to make the golden pie pop.

Best Times to Serve: Holidays, Potlucks, and Family Dinners

Buttermilk pie is a dessert for all occasions. It fits right in at both casual and formal gatherings:

Thanksgiving or Christmas: A great alternative to pumpkin or pecan pie.
Potlucks and cookouts: Travels well and tastes even better the next day.
Sunday dinners: Comforting and simple to whip up ahead of time.
Tea parties or brunches: Serve small slices with tea or coffee.

Since it’s not overly rich or heavy, it’s an ideal finish to most meals. Plus, it stays fresh for days, so it’s easy to make in advance.

Storing and Reheating Buttermilk Pie

How Long It Keeps at Room Temperature, in the Fridge, and Freezer

Buttermilk pie stores well, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert. Here’s how to store it safely:

At Room Temperature
Let your pie cool completely after baking. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it needs to be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
In the Refrigerator
Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. This also helps the flavors develop more deeply over time.
In the Freezer
Yes, you can freeze buttermilk pie. First, cool it completely. Then wrap the entire pie (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Freezing doesn’t change the texture too much, especially if the pie is well-wrapped.

Best Way to Reheat While Preserving Texture and Flavor

Buttermilk pie can be enjoyed cold or slightly warm, depending on your preference. If you like it warm, here’s how to reheat it without drying it out:

In the Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Heat for 10 to 15 minutes. This warms the pie gently and keeps the custard from cracking.
In the Microwave (if you’re in a rush)
Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 20 to 30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the custard can become rubbery.

Avoid reheating more than once to maintain the pie’s texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Buttermilk Pie Recipes

What Can Go Wrong With Custard-Based Pies

Buttermilk pie is simple to make, but like any custard pie, it can be tricky if you’re not careful. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Overbaking the pie
Overbaking leads to a dry texture and can cause the custard to crack. Remember, the center should have a slight jiggle when you pull it from the oven.
Underbaking
Taking it out too soon leaves you with a runny center. Always test doneness by inserting a knife 1 inch from the center—it should come out clean.
Not letting it cool
Cutting into the pie too soon can ruin the structure. Let it cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Using imitation vanilla
Real vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Always go for the real thing when possible.
Using low-fat buttermilk
Full-fat buttermilk provides better flavor and texture. If you can find it, use it.

Fixing Cracked Tops, Runny Centers, or Gritty Textures

Even if things go sideways, most problems can be fixed or minimized:

Cracked tops
Usually from overbaking or high oven temps. Next time, check your oven with an external thermometer and tent foil over the pie halfway through if it browns too fast.
Runny center
Chill the pie longer. Sometimes it firms up after an extra hour in the fridge. If it’s severely underbaked, reheat at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.
Gritty texture
Often from overmixing or using grainy sugar. Beat just until smooth and use fine white sugar for best results.

Being aware of these common issues helps you bake a consistently great pie every single time.

Conclusion: Bake a Buttermilk Pie Worth Sharing

Whether you’re new to Southern baking or returning to a family favorite, this buttermilk pie recipe offers the perfect blend of tradition, simplicity, and unforgettable flavor. With its creamy, custard-like filling and golden flaky crust, it’s a dessert that brings comfort to the table in every bite.

From classic versions to unique twists like chocolate or coconut, you can customize this recipe to suit any occasion. And with proper storage, serving tips, and a few expert tricks, your buttermilk pie will turn out just right — every time.