Silky Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe

Soulful Southern Buttermilk Magic Pie Recipe to Charm Your Taste Buds

Sweet southern buttermilk magic pie tempts taste buds with its creamy, nostalgic charm.

This classic dessert whispers stories of grandma’s kitchen and southern hospitality.

Generations have cherished the simple yet decadent layers of silky custard nestled in a flaky crust.

Butter, sugar, and buttermilk dance together, creating a magical dessert that melts in your mouth.

The pie rustic elegance speaks to comfort and tradition.

Soft, custardy textures and rich flavors promise a delightful escape from ordinary desserts.

Grab your apron and get ready to bake a slice of southern comfort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need for That Buttermilk Pie

For Filling Base:
  • Buttermilk: Creamy foundation that provides tangy richness and helps create the pie's signature silky texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the filling and contributes to the golden caramelized top layer.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps set the custard-like consistency and adds structural integrity.
  • Flour: Thickening component that helps stabilize the filling and prevent separation.
  • Salt: Subtle flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness and rounds out the overall taste.
For Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Melted Butter: Adds luxurious richness and creates a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
  • Vanilla: Introduces warm, aromatic depth that complements the buttermilk's tanginess.
For Finishing and Garnish:
  • Nutmeg: Provides warm, subtle spice that elevates the pie's aromatic profile and adds a sophisticated touch.
  • Pie Shell: Crisp, golden vessel that holds the creamy filling and provides a delightful textural contrast.

Tools to Prep the Southern Buttermilk Pie Right

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect tool for blending buttermilk, sugar, eggs, and other ingredients into a silky mixture.
  • 9-inch pie shell: Standard unbaked shell that will hold the delicious buttermilk filling.
  • Measuring cups: Precise measurements for sugar, buttermilk, and other ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps add exact amounts of flour, vanilla, and salt.
  • Oven: Needed to bake the pie at two different temperatures for perfect texture.
  • Nutmeg grater or shaker: Allows for light, even sprinkling of nutmeg on top.
  • Cooling rack: Helps pie cool evenly and set properly after baking.

Southern Buttermilk Pie: Easy Instructions

  • Filling Preparation

Whisk together buttermilk, sugar, eggs, flour, salt, melted butter, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended. The mixture should have a creamy, consistent texture that hints at the deliciousness to come.

  • Pie Shell Placement

Gently pour the prepared mixture into an unbaked pie shell, creating an even layer that reaches every corner of the pastry. The liquid should look silky and inviting.

  • Flavor Boost

Dust the surface with a light sprinkle of nutmeg, allowing the warm, aromatic spice to add depth and complexity to the pie’s flavor profile. The nutmeg will create subtle hints of warmth and sophistication.

  • Initial Baking

Place the pie in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it bake for a short burst of intense heat that will help set the initial structure of the pie.

  • Final Baking and Cooling

Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and continue baking. Once complete, remove the pie and let it cool completely. This resting period allows the pie to set perfectly, creating a smooth, custardy texture that melts in your mouth.

Flavor Tips for Your Buttermilk Pie Version

  • Replace nutmeg with ground cinnamon or cardamom for a different aromatic twist that transforms the pie's flavor profile.
  • Experiment with graham cracker, shortbread, or pre-baked pastry crusts to add unique textures and complementary taste dimensions.
  • Fold in fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries into the filling for bursts of natural sweetness and colorful presentation.
  • Substitute gluten-free flour and use alternative milk options like almond or oat milk to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
  • Crown the cooled pie with fresh whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or toasted coconut flakes to elevate the dessert's visual appeal and flavor complexity.

How to Plate Southern Buttermilk Pie

  • Serve Chilled Delight: Refrigerate the pie for an hour before serving to enhance its creamy texture and provide a refreshing dessert experience.
  • Garnish with Grace: Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar to add an elegant finishing touch that complements the pie's rich buttermilk flavor.
  • Pair with Perfection: Enjoy alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a cold glass of sweet tea to balance the pie's sweet and creamy profile, creating a classic Southern dessert moment.
  • Slice with Precision: Use a warm knife to cut clean, smooth slices that showcase the pie's delicate custard-like interior and golden crust.

Store & Plan Southern Buttermilk Pie

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store the buttermilk pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covering it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delicate texture.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a delicious treat is always ready when cravings strike.
  • Serve at Perfect Temperature: Allow the refrigerated pie to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its soft, creamy consistency and bring out the rich flavors.
  • Slice with Precision: Use a sharp, clean knife wiped with a warm, damp cloth between each cut to create clean, beautiful slices that showcase the pie's delicate custard-like filling.
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Silky Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe

Silky Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Southern buttermilk magic pie delights with classic Southern comfort and nostalgic charm. Creamy custard nestles in a flaky crust, promising sweet memories for dessert lovers.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 stick (113 grams/4 oz) butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tbsps flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 dash nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather buttermilk, granulated sugar, large eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract at room temperature.
  2. Create Filling Base: Melt butter and cool slightly, then whisk buttermilk, sugar, eggs, flour, salt, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Pie Shell Preparation: Place unbaked pie shell on a sturdy baking sheet, ensuring an even, crack-free surface.
  4. Fill and Garnish: Pour mixture into pie shell, using a spatula to distribute evenly, then delicately sprinkle ground nutmeg across the top for an aromatic touch.
  5. Initial Baking Stage: Position pie in oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes to initiate setting process, creating a golden foundation.
  6. Finishing Bake: Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and continue baking for 45 minutes until center is slightly jiggly but set, with golden-brown edges that have subtly puffed.
  7. Cooling and Setting: Transfer pie to wire rack, allowing it to cool completely for 2-3 hours, which enables the custard to firm up and flavor complexities to develop fully.

Notes

  • Prevent Egg Scrambling: Cool melted butter before mixing to avoid accidentally cooking eggs during preparation.
  • Smooth Mixture Mastery: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to eliminate flour lumps and create a silky, uniform filling.
  • Precise Baking Technique: Start with high heat to set the pie’s structure, then lower temperature for even, gentle cooking.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Allow pie to rest 2-3 hours at room temperature, enabling custard to set perfectly and develop rich, deep flavors.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 33 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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