Buttermilk Pie

Name: Buttermilk Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: southern_american
Ingredients: 0.5 cup butter (melted, unsalted); 1.5 cup sugar (granulated); 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 3 pcs egg (large, at room temperature); 1 cup buttermilk (at room temperature); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 pinch nutmeg (freshly grated, plus more for garnish); 1 pinch salt; 1 pcs pie crust (9-inch, unbaked, store-bought or homemade)

RATING

4.6/5(98)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

A classic Southern dessert with a silky, tangy custard filling in a flaky, buttery crust. This old-fashioned pie comes together with simple pantry staples and bakes into a golden, slightly caramelized top with a creamy, tender center. Perfect for holidays or any day you crave a nostalgic slice of comfort.

PREP

15m

COOK

50m

SERVES

1 SLICE

416 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 6 STEPS

prep
Preheat oven and prep the crust.
1.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges as desired.
3.Set the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any spills during baking.
TIPKeep the pie crust cold until ready to fill to ensure a flaky texture.
mix
Mix the custard filling.
1.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
2.Whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth and no lumps remain.
3.Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until fully incorporated.
4.Pour in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and silky.
5.Grate in a pinch of fresh nutmeg and add the salt. Whisk to combine.
TIPMix gently when adding eggs; over-mixing can incorporate too much air and cause the pie to crack.
assemble
Pour filling into crust.
Pour the prepared custard filling into the unbaked pie crust, filling it evenly. The filling will be thin and liquid — that's exactly right.
bake · ~50 min
Bake the pie.
1.Carefully transfer the baking sheet with the pie to the center rack of the preheated oven.
2.Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
3.If the crust edges are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield after 25 minutes.
TIPThe pie will puff up during baking and settle as it cools — this creates the signature texture.
rest · ~60 min
Cool the pie completely.
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. The center will continue to set as it cools. For clean slices, cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
TIPPatience is key — slicing a warm pie will cause the custard to run. Chill for the cleanest cuts.
garnish
Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and serve.
Just before serving, grate a little extra nutmeg over the top of each slice. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Use room-temperature eggs and buttermilk to ensure a smooth, lump-free custard.
2
Mix the batter gently after adding eggs to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracking.
3
Bake until the center jiggles like firm Jell-O; it will set as it cools.
4
Chill the pie for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean, neat pieces.
5
Cover the crust edges with foil after 25 minutes if they brown too quickly.
6
For extra tang, substitute 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with an additional tablespoon of buttermilk.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Citrus Burst

Replace the lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice and add 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest for a brighter, fruitier flavor profile.

Brown Butter Nutmeg

Brown the ½ cup of butter until golden and nutty before mixing. This adds a deep, caramelized richness that complements the tangy buttermilk.

Coconut Buttermilk Pie

Swap ¼ cup of buttermilk for ¼ cup of full-fat coconut milk and fold in ½ cup of toasted shredded coconut. This gives a tropical twist with a hint of chew.

Low Sugar