Southern Buttermilk Pie

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Southern Buttermilk Pie is one of those timeless desserts that feels like home the moment you take a bite. With its silky custard style filling and lightly crackled top, this pie delivers a delicate balance of sweet and tangy in every forkful. It is simple, humble, and deeply comforting.

This old fashioned Southern classic has been passed down through generations for good reason. Made with pantry staples and baked into a flaky pie crust, Southern Buttermilk Pie transforms basic ingredients into something truly special. It is the kind of dessert that fits just as beautifully on a holiday table as it does at a quiet Sunday dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Buttermilk Pie

Southern Buttermilk Pie is incredibly easy to make, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The filling comes together in one bowl, and the oven does the rest of the work. As it bakes, the top turns golden and slightly crisp while the inside stays soft and custardy.

You will also love how versatile it is. Serve it chilled for a firm, sliceable texture or slightly warm for a softer, creamier bite. It pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or simply on its own with a cup of coffee.

What Does Southern Buttermilk Pie Taste Like?

If you have never tried Southern Buttermilk Pie before, you might wonder what to expect. The flavor is rich and buttery with a gentle tang from the buttermilk. It is sweet but not overpowering, with a subtle vanilla aroma and a smooth, melt in your mouth texture.

The top forms a delicate sugary crust as it bakes, while the center remains creamy and custard like. Think of it as a cross between a chess pie and a baked custard, with its own unique Southern charm.

Ingredients for the Southern Buttermilk Pie

Southern Buttermilk Pie relies on simple ingredients that work together to create its signature texture and flavor. Each component plays an important role in achieving that smooth custard filling and lightly crisp top.

• Buttermilk – The star of the pie, giving it a slight tang and creamy consistency.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling and helps create the delicate crust on top.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and a smooth buttery flavor.
• Eggs – Provide structure and help set the custard filling.
• All purpose flour – Thickens the filling just enough for clean slices.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with warmth and depth.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and highlights the buttery notes.
• Unbaked pie crust – Holds the filling and bakes into a flaky base.

How To Make the Southern Buttermilk Pie

Making Southern Buttermilk Pie is wonderfully straightforward. A few simple steps lead to a beautifully baked dessert.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9 inch pie dish and gently press it into place. Crimp the edges as desired and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the flour and salt. Whisk gently until the mixture is fully incorporated and free of lumps. The filling will be thin, which is exactly what you want.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Carefully transfer the pie to the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 5: Cool and Set

Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. As it cools, the filling will firm up and develop its signature custard texture.

Serving and Storing Southern Buttermilk Pie

This Southern Buttermilk Pie serves about 8 people, depending on how generously you slice it. It is lovely served at room temperature or chilled straight from the refrigerator.

To store, cover the pie tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The texture becomes even more set after chilling, making it easy to slice cleanly. If you prefer a softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.

What to Serve With Southern Buttermilk Pie?

Fresh Berries

A handful of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds brightness and a pop of color.

Whipped Cream

Lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the rich custard filling without overpowering it.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over a slice creates a beautiful contrast of temperatures.

Hot Coffee

The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the pie perfectly.

Sweet Tea

For a true Southern experience, serve your slice with a glass of iced sweet tea.

Toasted Pecans

Sprinkle a few toasted pecans on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you love this Southern Buttermilk Pie, you will probably enjoy these other sweet favorites:

• Butter Pecan Cheesecake for a rich and nutty Southern inspired dessert: https://lifewithzoe.com/butter-pecan-cheesecake/

• Mama Sewards Iconic Strawberry Cake for a fruity and nostalgic treat: https://lifewithzoe.com/mama-sewards-iconic-strawberry-cake-recipe/

• Warm and Cozy Apple Crisp when you are craving something comforting and spiced: https://lifewithzoe.com/warm-and-cozy-apple-crisp/

• Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies if you love buttery bakery style sweets: https://lifewithzoe.com/kentucky-butter-cake-cookies-recipe/

Save This Recipe For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a hint of lemon zest or keep it classic? Did you serve it chilled or slightly warm?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health boosting drinks and daily recipe inspiration on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go to favorites: https://www.pinterest.com/lifewithzoerecipes/

Conclusion

Southern Buttermilk Pie is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly memorable. With its creamy center, golden top, and buttery crust, this pie delivers classic Southern comfort in every slice.

Whether you are baking it for a holiday gathering or just because you are craving something sweet and nostalgic, Southern Buttermilk Pie is

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