Buttermilk Pie
Buttermilk pie is a classic Southern dessert known for its rich, creamy filling and simple, comforting flavor. Made with pantry staples like buttermilk, sugar, eggs, and butter, it bakes into a smooth custard with a lightly golden, slightly crisp top. The taste is perfectly balanced—sweet with a subtle tang from the buttermilk and a warm hint of vanilla. With its silky texture and old-fashioned charm, buttermilk pie is both easy to make and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of dessert that feels nostalgic and homemade, perfect for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you want a slice of something simple and delicious.
4/20/20262 min read
Here’s a classic, easy-to-follow recipe card:
Classic Buttermilk Pie
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
Ingredients
Pie Filling
1 3/4 cups sugar
½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp nutmeg
Pie Crust
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter or shortening
1/4 - 1/3 cup ice water
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat to 400°F.Make Pie Crust
In a medium bowl, stir together flour and salt. Using pastry blender (or fork), cut in shortening and butter until pieces are pea size. Sprinkle water (1 tbsp at a time) into flour mixture and stir with fork. Repeat until flour mixture is moistened. Gather flour mixture into ball and knead gently until holds together.
Line Pie Pan
On a lightly floured surface, slightly flatten pastry. Roll from center to edges in a circle (about 12 inches in diameter). Wrap pastry circle around rolling pin and unroll on 9-inch pie pan. Trim edges.
Mix Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and melted butter. Add eggs and mix until smooth.Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in buttermilk, flour, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt until fully combined.Fill Pie Crust
Pour the mixture into the unbaked 9 in pie crust.Bake
Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce oven to 350° and bake for 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.Cool & Serve
Let cool completely before slicing. The filling will firm up as it cools.
Tips
The center should have a slight jiggle when you remove it—it will set as it cools.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg on top.
Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.
Creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy—this old-fashioned pie is pure comfort in every bite!
