CLASSIC SOUTHERN BUTTERMILK PIE RECIPE

Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe

1 hour 50 mins
Vadim Rachok
18.12.2023
14.01.2024
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Recipe Ingredients Video Nutrition
3 / 10
Health score
Nut Free DishVegetarian Dish

Classic buttermilk pie is a Southern loved for its simplicity and delicious flavor. This traditional pie features a custard-like filling with a perfect balance of sweet and tang flavor. Its soft texture and creamy consistency are complemented by a light hint of vanilla and a dusting of nutmeg on top. Each slice evokes the essence of comfort, coziness, and nostalgia, making it a treasured dessert for any occasion. Well, follow the buttermilk pie recipe to enjoy the taste of this delicious treat!

Ah, the Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie – a symphony of simplicity and soul-soothing sweetness! This cherished dessert embodies the heart and history of Southern cuisine, bringing together a perfect medley of basic ingredients to create a custard-like marvel that's both comforting and crave-worthy. The beauty of buttermilk pie lies in its unpretentious charm, a testament to the belief that the simplest things often bring the greatest joy. The amalgamation of eggs, sugar, butter, and the gentle tang of buttermilk gives birth to a custard that's velvety, with a subtle dance of sweetness and tanginess. A sprinkle of nutmeg on top and a hint of vanilla complete this Southern masterpiece, inviting us to savor each bite as a journey through tradition and nostalgia.

What Is Buttermilk Pie?

Buttermilk pie is a popular Southern dessert with a smooth, custard-like filling made from basic ingredients such as buttermilk, eggs, sugar, and a touch of flour or cornmeal. You can easily make this dessert in your chicken in just 40 minutes.

Buttermilk pie is known for its smooth texture and slightly tangy flavor from the buttermilk, which gives it a unique flavor. Its simplicity and hearty flavor make it a favorite in Southern cuisine. Make it for any occasion and wow your guests with a simple and delicious dessert at the same time.

CLASSIC SOUTHERN BUTTERMILK PIE step by step RECIPE

Ingredients for Buttermilk Pie

Here are the basic ingredients needed to make this homemade buttermilk pie recipe:

  • Eggs: They add rich flavor and a smooth texture to the custard.
  • Sugar: It adds sweetness and helps to form the custard that is the foundation of this pie.
  • Butter: It contributes to the pie’s creamy texture and buttery flavor, and enhances its richness.
  • Flour: It is a thickener for the custard filling of the pie. 
  • Buttermilk: Whole buttermilk is ideal for the most delicate flavor and texture. 
  • Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds some brightness to the custard flavor.
  • Vanilla: Freshly grated nutmeg adds a cozy, comforting flavor.
  • Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg lends a warm, cozy flavor. 
  • Pie crust: Use a store-bought pie crust or make preparing easier.

How to Make Buttermilk Pie

Below is a complete step-by-step recipe, but here is a quick summary of what you’ll experience when making buttermilk pie:

  1. Beat the eggs until frothy, then add the sugar, butter, and flour.
  2. Stir in the rest of the ingredients and then pour the mixture into the pie shell.
  3. Bake until almost set, for about 40-60 minutes. Let cool before serving.

how to cook CLASSIC SOUTHERN BUTTERMILK PIE RECIPE

How to Store Buttermilk Pie?

To store buttermilk pie, follow these steps:

Refrigeration: After the pie has cooled, loosely cover it with plastic wrap or foil. Store in the refrigerator.

Duration: Buttermilk pie will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 days.

Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the pie again, you can microwave individual slices for a few seconds or heat the whole pie in the oven at a low temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Can You Freeze Buttermilk Pie?

Of course, you can freeze the buttermilk pie! Just wrap it in one layer of storage wrap and one layer of foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before eating.

the best CLASSIC SOUTHERN BUTTERMILK PIE RECIPE

Recipes Tips

  • You can substitute the fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice if you need it. It will not make the cake taste worse. However, if you appreciate the vibrant flavor of fresh lemons, choosing the first option is recommended.
  • Try to use an unbaked pie crucifix if you want to make the cake quickly and easily. This is a perfect option for those who have less time to make a homemade pie crucifix.
  • Top your buttermilk pie with whipped cream to enhance its flavor. Also, add fresh berries, a dash of nutmeg, or chocolate sauce.

Certainly, this pie is not considered a healthy dessert because the combination of sugar and flour provides a significant number of calories from fast carbohydrates. I do not recommend using sugar in homemade dishes, not because it negatively affects your figure, but because it accelerates the aging of the body's cells. Therefore, I would replace sugar with any natural sugar substitute, making this pie healthier. In terms of macronutrient ratios, this recipe is best suited for those who are on a muscle-building program or simply not aiming to lose weight. The best time for the pie is during the first half of the day, and it can serve as a snack between breakfast and lunch.

Jenny Dobrynina
Jenny Dobrynina
Nutrition Editor
Health score:
3 / 10
Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe
Author:Vadim Rachok
Category:Desserts
Classic buttermilk pie with creamy, custard-like filling!
CLASSIC SOUTHERN BUTTERMILK PIE RECIPE
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Additional Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr 50 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
1 (9-inch) pie
The ingredients you need:
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 pie crust
Let’s start !
1

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2

2. In a large bowl, beat eggs with an electric mixer until frothy. Add sugar, butter, and flour; beat until smooth.

3

3. Stir in buttermilk, lemon juice, vanilla, and nutmeg. Pour into pie shell.

4

4. Bake in a preheated oven until set in the center, 40 to 60 minutes. Remove from oven and cool 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Information
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Calories: 413
% Daily Value *
 % Daily Value *
Total Fat 21g27%
Saturated Fat 10g50%
Cholesterol 102mg34%
Sodium 257mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 52g19%
Dietary Fiber 1g3%
Total Sugars 39g 
Protein 5g 
Vitamin C 1mg6%
Calcium 52mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
Potassium 96mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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For an extra layer of indulgence, consider grating fresh nutmeg just before serving. Its aromatic essence will elevate the pie's flavor profile, adding a warm and comforting note that resonates with the overall simplicity of this dessert. The key lies in moderation – a gentle dusting is all you need to enhance the experience without overpowering the delicate custard. Whether you opt for a store-bought crust or venture into the world of homemade pie crusts, the result is a pie that's bound to evoke fond memories and create new ones. Top it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, adorn with seasonal berries, or drizzle with chocolate sauce – each variation adding its unique touch to this beloved Southern classic. So, embark on this culinary journey, guided by the nostalgia of the South, and relish in the joy of creating a buttermilk pie that not only satisfies the taste buds but also warms the heart. May your kitchen be filled with the delightful aroma of tradition, and may each slice be a testament to the timeless allure of Southern desserts!

Vadim Rachok
Vadim Rachok
Pro tip from chef
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