Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe (2024)

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This Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe is an easy mouthwatering dessert. It is delicious served hot or cold, plus you can double the recipe and make one for now, then freeze another for later! This old-fashioned pie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe (1)

SOUTHERN BUTTERMILK PIE

This is one of my favorite pies to make; it is simple and velvety smooth! The filling has all the flavor of a delicious creamy custard, but is so much easier to make! This step-by-step recipe tutorial is going to show you exactly how to prepare this dessert!

main ingredients you’ll need:

buttermilk– Of course, it is the base of this dessert that adds a rich, tangy flavor to the pie.

sugar, butter, and flour– These ingredients provide a delicate creamy texture.

eggs– They act as a binder holding the pie together.

vanilla extract – This adds extra flavor that makes everything taste amazing!

pie crust –A flakey and buttery crust adds texture and crunch to this buttermilk pie making it even more delicious and flavorfulSouthern Buttermilk Pie Recipe (2)

Step 1: Cream the butter, flour, and sugar together until they are thoroughly combined. It’s important that the butter is softened so that it will cream easier. Next, add one egg at a time to the batter.

Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe (3)

Step 2: Mix in buttermilk, vanilla, and salt, then pour the filling into a frozen regular-sized pie shell. This is not a deep-dish pie. If you do not have buttermilk on hand, you can make a buttermilk substitute. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes so that the mixture can thicken.

Tip: I use a store-bought pie crust for simplicity, but if you prefer to make a homemade one, here’s is a fantastic recipe, Homemade Buttery Flaky Pie Crust.

Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe (4)

Step 3:Bake on 325 degrees for 45-55 minutes or until the middle is softly set; when you take the buttermilk pie out of the oven, it may still be slightly runny. Allow it to set for a minute. If it is still runny, then it is underbaked. Place it back in the oven until it is done. The perfect consistency for this pie is slightly jiggly and soft in the middle but not running all over the place. Enjoy!

Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe (5)

What is buttermilk pie?

It is a traditional southern recipe with a custard-like pie filling. It comes together quickly, making it a classic recipe that everyone enjoys. Part of its popularity is because it uses pantry ingredients like butter, sugar, buttermilk, and flour. Buttermilk pie is often mistaken for a chess pie. However, it does not include cornmeal and has a tangy flavor, while chess pie is sweeter.

What Does it Taste Like?

Contrary to the name, old fashioned buttermilk pie does not taste like buttermilk. The filling is slightly tangy, sweet, and creamy. When cooked to perfection, the top has a Creme Brule like texture, it will be golden-brown, and the sugar will create a slightly crunchy topping.

Is it best Served Hot or Cold?

You can serve it however you want. I prefer it served warm with a big dollop of whipped cream over the top, but you can also eat straight out of the fridge or at room temperature.

What can I top my pie with?

  • Whipped Cream- Whipped cream makes everything better, and will add extra sweetness and flavor to this dessert.
  • Fresh Berries – For a gorgeous presentation, fresh berries like strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries give this pie an extra special touch.

Does buttermilk pie need to be refrigerated?

Yes, once you take it out of the oven, allow it to cool, then cover with aluminum foil or saran wrap. It can be stored in the fridge for a week.

Can it be frozen?

Yes, however, if your pie is slightly overcooked, it may alter the texture in the freezer. Before you freeze, allow it to cool completely, then cover the top in saran wrap, then aluminum foil. Make sure the seal is as airtight as possible so that it does not get freezer-burned. Buttermilk pie can be frozen for 3 months. To thaw, put the pie in the fridge overnight. Do not leave it out on the counter since it has dairy products.

You can also freeze it before it has been baked. If you do this, then do not assemble your pie before baking. To thaw place the filling in the fridge overnight, but leave the crust in the freezer until you are ready to assemble. If the mixture has broken in the thawing process, put the buttermilk custard in a pan and rewarm; if it is still grainy, add 1 tbs of warm buttermilk at a time until it is creamy again.

Other Dessert Recipes:

Salted Caramel Apple Pie

Homemade Copycat Cosmic Brownies

Easy Peach Cobbler with Fresh Peaches

Mocha Peanut Butter Pie

how to make southern buttermilk pie recipe:

Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe

This Southern Buttermilk Pie is an easy mouthwatering dessert. It is delicious served hot or cold, plus you can make one for now and freeze another for later! This old-fashion pie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time50 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, casual

Keyword: southern buttermilk pie

Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 stick butter softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • pinch salt
  • 1 9 inch regular pie shell unbaked

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325° Fahrenheit.

  • Combine flour, sugar, and butter in a bowl and mix well.

  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one.

  • Next, add buttermilk, vanilla, and salt.

  • Pour the Buttermilk pie filling into a regular pie shell and bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until the middle is softly set.

  • During the final 5 minutes of baking, move to the bottom shelf of the oven to crisp the crust.

  • Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Tip: If you do not have buttermilk on hand, you can make a buttermilk substitute. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes so that the mixture can thicken.

Is it best Served Hot or Cold?

You can serve it however you want. I prefer it served warm with a big dollop of whipped cream over the top, but you can also eat straight out of the fridge or at room temperature.

What can I top my pie with?

  • Whipped Cream- Whipped cream makes everything better, and will add extra sweetness and flavor to this dessert.
  • Fresh Berries - For a gorgeous presentation, fresh berries like strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries give this pie an extra special touch.

Does buttermilk pie need to be refrigerated?

Yes, once you take it out of the oven, allow it to cool, then cover with aluminum foil or saran wrap. It can be stored in the fridge for a week.

Can it be frozen?

Yes, however, if your pie is slightly overcooked, it may alter the texture in the freezer. Before you freeze, allow it to cool completely, then cover the top in saran wrap, then aluminum foil. Make sure the seal is as airtight as possible so that it does not get freezer-burned. Buttermilk pie can be frozen for 3 months. To thaw, put the pie in the fridge overnight. Do not leave it out on the counter since it has dairy products.

You can also freeze it before it has been baked. If you do this, then do not assemble your pie before baking. To thaw place the filling in the fridge overnight, but leave the crust in the freezer until you are ready to assemble. If the mixture has broken in the thawing process, put the buttermilk custard in a pan and rewarm; if it is still grainy, add 1 tbs of warm buttermilk at a time until it is creamy again.

Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my buttermilk pie not set? ›

Your buttermilk pie may not have set if you didn't let it cool completely to room temperature. Custard-based pies continue to cook after coming out of the oven, so digging in during this precious setting time can be detrimental. Another potential cause for a pie not setting is if you underbaked it.

What is another name for a buttermilk pie? ›

To put it simply: All buttermilk pies are chess pies, but not all chess pies are buttermilk pies. The chess pie originates from England, but has long been known as a traditional Southern dish. How and where it got its name is a whole different story.

How long can you keep a buttermilk pie in the refrigerator? ›

Buttermilk pie should be kept in the fridge in an airtight container to prevent spoilage and is best for three to four days after baking. Freeze any leftover buttermilk pie by tightly sealing it in an airtight zip-top bag or container. Pies stored in the freezer are best kept for two months.

What ingredient thickens pie filling? ›

Very often flour or cornstarch is used, but in certain instances tapioca, arrowroot and potato starch can also help achieve the desired consistency.

Can I use buttermilk instead of heavy cream in pie? ›

Yes, you can swap them in a recipe, but it's not as simple as switching buttermilk for heavy cream/heavy cream for buttermilk. For example, if you're replacing buttermilk with heavy cream you'll probably need to switch out your baking soda for baking powder.

Why isn't my butter and sugar getting creamy? ›

Too cold, and your sugar won't properly dissolve into your butter. Too hot, and your cakes will end up flat and greasy.

How can I make my pie more firm? ›

All-purpose flour is an easy solution, as you're sure to have it in your pantry. Since it's lower in starch, you'll use more of it than you would higher-starch thickeners. Quick-cooking tapioca makes filling bright and clear, but also gives it a stippled and somewhat sticky texture.

Why does my buttermilk pie taste like? ›

What does buttermilk pie taste like? Buttermilk pie tastes like a buttery, vanilla custard, baked into a flaky, also buttery pie crust. Buttermilk lends a pleasant creaminess, and lemon zest and juice help to boost the pies tang. It's a simple, sweet, tangy delight!

What is the difference between a chess pie and buttermilk pie? ›

Chess pie is thickened with cornmeal (and sometimes a little bit of all-purpose flour!), whereas buttermilk pies uses only all-purpose flour. Many buttermilk recipes will play up the tartness, with added lemon juice and zest, giving it a pleasant citrus flavor.

Why is my buttermilk pie watery? ›

Custard pies need at least 2 hours to properly set before being cut into. If your Buttermilk Pie is runny, it might have been underbaked.

Where did buttermilk pie come from? ›

Buttermilk pie is one of those old traditional Southern desserts that goes back through generations. Surprisingly though, it's said that buttermilk pie originates from the United Kingdom.

Can I leave buttermilk out all night? ›

The buttermilk has been at room temperature for over 2 hours. In general, dairy products like buttermilk can't be left out or they'll spoil. If you've accidentally left your buttermilk out, but it's been less than 2 hours, just get it in the fridge immediately and plan on using it as soon as possible.

What happens if you leave pie dough in the fridge too long? ›

“Well-wrapped, pie dough can be stored in the fridge for two to three days, or in the freezer for up to three months,” says David. “After day three in the fridge, you can expect your dough to oxidize, turning a grayish color.” This is completely normal, but can be postponed by adding a bit of vinegar to your recipe.

What's the difference between a chess pie and a Buttermilk Pie? ›

Chess pie is thickened with cornmeal (and sometimes a little bit of all-purpose flour!), whereas buttermilk pies uses only all-purpose flour. Many buttermilk recipes will play up the tartness, with added lemon juice and zest, giving it a pleasant citrus flavor.

What is cream pie filling made of? ›

A cream pie, crème pie, or creme pie is a type of pie filled with a rich custard or pudding that is made from milk, cream, sugar, wheat flour, and eggs and typically topped with whipped cream. Cream pies are usually what is used for pieing, or throwing a pie in someone's face.

What are the three basic ingredients of pies and pastries? ›

The three primary ingredients of pastry are fat, flour and water. The ratio and handling of these ingredients give us the full spectrum of pastry, from delicate tenderness to brittle flakiness.

What is pie made of? ›

A pie is a baked dish which is usually made of a pastry dough casing that contains a filling of various sweet or savoury ingredients.

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