Buttermilk Pie Recipe
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Buttermilk Pie is a classic pie recipe well loved for generations in my family. A custardy pie that comes together quickly and easily with a light texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
Similar in texture to a Chess Pie, this Buttermilk Pie recipe uses simple ingredients found in most southern kitchens. It has a delicious yet sweet and tangy taste with a light and silky texture. I love to make it for special family suppers and holiday desserts. It’s an impressive yet simple-to-make pie that everyone enjoys!
Buttermilk Pie Recipe
I use buttermilk in so many recipes, especially in baking, but it really shines in this delicious yet oh-so-easy pie. But, if you aren’t a buttermilk lover, don’t fret, this pie doesn’t taste like buttermilk. Buttermilk pie has a tender, tangy texture that just works perfectly in a good, flaky pie crust.
Buttermilk Pie Variations
Buttermilk pie can have many variations: add pecans to the top, a dollop of homemade whipped cream, or a drizzle with a bit of blackberry syrup when serving. But honestly, there is nothing better than a slice of this pie, a cup of coffee, or a glass of sweet tea.
This pie makes a great addition to the holiday dessert buffet with its light, comforting taste.
I’m not calling it a light as in low-calorie pie, I’m just saying it tastes light. It doesn’t have a heavy texture or taste and you usually don’t feel “stuffed” after eating it.
Just look at that flaky pie crust and the golden top of this amazing pie! It’s so impressive to serve to guests for a special dinner and always a hit on holiday dessert tables.
Can You Use Graham Cracker Crust for Buttermilk Pie?
As an option, you can make this with a pre-baked graham cracker crust. Just follow the directions for making my Simple Graham Cracker Crust Recipe. Pre-bake your crust according to the directions for Baked Graham Crust. Once the pie ingredients are mixed, pour into the pie crust and bake the pie for 45-50 minutes.
Since it is so easy and elegant, it makes the perfect pie to serve anytime—no need to save this beauty just for the holidays.
Storage Tips
To Store. Cover tightly with wrap and refrigerate for three to four days after baking.
To Freeze. Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator to serve.
Here’s my Buttermilk Pie recipe. I can’t wait to hear how you love it.
Buttermilk Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) Pie Crust Recipe, unbaked
- 3 large (150 g) eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups (248 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (15 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (113 g) butter, melted
- 1 cup (227 g) buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (6 g) lemon zest
- pinch (0.4 g) kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F.
- Mix together eggs, granulated sugar, flour, butter, buttermilk, vanilla, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until well-combined. Pour into the unbaked pie crust and bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool prior to slicing.
- Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
From the Add a Pinch recipe archives. Originally published in 2013.
robyn,
a friend passed on her b-pie recipe several years ago and i made it for my wife and me. similar to yours except (a) 2 cups sugar (gagarama sweet!) and (b) no lemon. naturally, it was somewhat overpowering.
looking for a different approach, i stumbled upon yours. oh, my! perfect in every way. the lemon renders it so elegant and light yet nicely balanced. i’ve now begun to look at your other recipes to see if this nice touch is everywhere. thank you for loving cooking and for bringing creativity to it.
I’m so glad you loved the recipe, Henry, and thank you for your kind comment. I hope you enjoy many of the other recipes just as much.
Thanks!
Hello Robyn. Just as I thought this was a great addition to my family’s Thanksgiving dinner. I sprinkled chopped pecans on top of the pie and you know pecans add to so many different things. My mom and sisters said that it was very, very melt in your mouth good. Thanks again.
The bottoms of my buttermilk pies were runny, what could have caused the problem?
This recipe was simple and good. I will make it again & try some new twists. Great photos too!
Hello Robyn.
I made this pie for Thanksgiving for family. It was so simple because of the way you explained it step by step. It is beautiful. I will let you know how everyone likes it. Thanks again and Happy Thanksgiving:)
Great recipes
I am baking this right now!!!! Looks fabulous! Can’t wait to dig in. Not sure if I can wait until tomorrow =) I am not sure if anyone else in my family will eat it. We are also having pumpkin and apple, so I guess that just means more pie for me!!!! Yum!
I have never heard of buttermilk pie. It looks wonderful like a creme brûlée or a custard. So easy, I think I will make this for thanksgiving!
Northern girl here, but I’ve been making buttermilk pie for ages from my Indiana Historical cookbook. It calls for butter the size of a walnut. No vanilla, less sugar, and 3 egg yolks baked in a cornmeal pie crust. I have not made the crust. It
is very good and enjoyed by all. I pinned your recipe to try.
Vicky
I’ve never had a proper buttermilk pie before! This looks divine!!
I think I need to add this classic southern pie to my Thanksgiving menu! Super delicious!