This buttermilk pie is a delightful Southern classic that combines a creamy, tangy filling with a perfectly flaky crust. It's a simple yet elegant dessert that is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. The rich, custard-like texture and the subtle hint of lemon make this pie a must-try for any occasion.
While most of the ingredients for this buttermilk pie are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up buttermilk and an unbaked pie crust if you don't have them on hand. Buttermilk adds a unique tangy flavor and creamy texture to the pie, which is essential for achieving the classic taste. Make sure to get a high-quality unbaked pie crust to ensure a flaky and delicious base for your pie.
Ingredients for Buttermilk Pie Recipe
Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the tanginess of the buttermilk.
Butter: Provides richness and a smooth texture to the filling.
Eggs: Help to set the filling and give it a custard-like consistency.
Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the pie.
All-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the filling.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
Lemon juice: Adds a subtle citrus note that brightens the flavor.
Unbaked pie crust: Serves as the base for the pie, providing a flaky and delicious crust.
Technique Tip for Making This Pie
When whisking together the sugar and melted butter, ensure the butter is not too hot, as this can cook the eggs prematurely when added. To avoid this, let the melted butter cool slightly before combining. This will help achieve a smoother, more cohesive mixture, resulting in a better texture for your buttermilk pie.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral note, but reduce the amount by about ¼ cup since honey is sweeter than sugar.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and a subtle coconut flavor that can complement the pie.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients together.
buttermilk - Substitute with milk and lemon juice: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle. This mimics the acidity and thickness of buttermilk.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the pie filling similarly to flour.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor profile that can enhance the pie.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides the necessary acidity and a slight fruity note.
unbaked pie crust - Substitute with graham cracker crust: A graham cracker crust adds a sweet, crunchy texture that pairs well with the creamy filling.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Pie
How to Store or Freeze This Pie
Allow the buttermilk pie to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This ensures that the filling sets properly and prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container.
Once cooled, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can place it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Store the covered pie in the refrigerator. Buttermilk pie can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cool temperature helps preserve the texture and flavor of the pie.
For longer storage, consider freezing the pie. Wrap the cooled pie in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn and maintains the pie's quality.
Label the wrapped pie with the date of freezing to keep track of its storage time. Buttermilk pie can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of quality.
When ready to enjoy the frozen pie, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This gradual thawing process helps retain the pie's texture and flavor.
If you prefer to serve the pie warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or place the entire pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to cover the pie with foil to prevent over-browning.
Always check the pie for any signs of spoilage before consuming, such as an off smell or unusual texture. Proper storage and handling will help ensure that your buttermilk pie remains delicious and safe to eat.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the leftover buttermilk pie on a baking sheet.
- Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from over-browning.
- Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pie is warmed through.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to crisp up the crust.
Microwave Method:
- Cut a slice of the buttermilk pie and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the slice with a microwave-safe cover or another plate to prevent splattering.
- Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals until the pie is warmed through, usually about 1-2 minutes.
- Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the buttermilk pie slice on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn't overheat.
- For a crispier crust, you can remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating.
Stovetop Method:
- Use a non-stick skillet and set it to low heat.
- Place the buttermilk pie slice in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet with a lid to create a mini-oven effect.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it warms evenly.
- Remove from heat once the pie is warmed through.
Essential Tools for Making This Pie
Oven: Used to bake the pie at the required temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the sugar, melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, flour, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
Whisk: Used to whisk together the sugar and melted butter, and to incorporate the eggs one at a time.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the sugar, buttermilk, and flour accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract and lemon juice accurately.
Pie dish: Used to hold the unbaked pie crust and the filling mixture.
Cooling rack: Used to let the pie cool completely after baking.
Spatula: Used to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Oven mitts: Used to safely remove the hot pie from the oven.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and set out all ingredients before you start. This will streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Quickly mix the sugar and butter using a food processor to save time on whisking.
Pre-made pie crust: Use a store-bought unbaked pie crust to cut down on preparation time.
Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing.
One-bowl method: Mix all ingredients in one bowl to reduce cleanup time.

Buttermilk Pie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 unbaked pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and melted butter until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Stir in the buttermilk, flour, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the pie is set and lightly browned on top.
- Let the pie cool completely before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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