Southern Buttermilk Pie: A Delightful Comfort Dessert

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Southern buttermilk pie. With its flaky crust and custard-like filling, this timeless dessert is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Whether for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy treat at home, this easy recipe will become a go-to favorite for all occasions.

Ingredients

For the Homemade Pie Crust:

• 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

Short on time? Use a pre-made 9-inch pie crust.

For the Buttermilk Filling:

• 1½ cups (360ml) fresh buttermilk
• 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (115g) melted unsalted butter, cooled slightly
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg or cinnamon (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking the dough.
4. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges, then chill while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sugar, melted butter, eggs, flour, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
2. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
2. Check the crust after 20-30 minutes; if the edges are browning too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.

Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving. Sprinkle a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon on top for a finishing touch.

Tips for Success

1. Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use fresh buttermilk for the best tangy flavor and creamy texture.
2. Don’t Overbake: Remove the pie from the oven when the center is slightly wobbly—it will firm up as it cools.
3. Keep the Dough Cold: A cold crust ensures a flaky, golden base for your pie.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Southern Flavor: The creamy, tangy filling is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the pie.
• Simple and Elegant: With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a dessert that’s both easy to make and stunning to serve.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight indulgence, this pie never fails to impress.

Serve It Up!

Enjoy this Southern buttermilk pie as is, or pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. It’s a dessert that brings everyone to the table for seconds. Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy baking!