Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pie – A Southern Classic with Timeless Flavor

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both simple and spectacular, you need this Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pie in your life. With its golden crust, sweet custard-like center, and the perfect balance of tang and richness, this pie is a true Southern gem that deserves a comeback.

Made with pantry staples and no fancy techniques, this recipe is as easy as it is unforgettable. Whether you’re new to Southern baking or a lifelong fan, you’ll love the creamy texture and sweet, slightly tangy flavor of this vintage pie that’s stood the test of time.

Ingredients & What They Do

Here’s what makes this buttermilk pie so irresistibly good:

• 1 ¾ cups sugar – Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the top for that signature golden finish.

• 1 stick unsalted butter (½ cup), at room temperature – Adds richness and creaminess to the custard.

• 3 large eggs – Help the pie set with a smooth, custardy texture.

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with subtle warmth and aroma.

• Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the filling so it holds together when sliced.

• 1 tablespoon buttermilk – Adds signature tang and depth of flavor.

• 1 9-inch unbaked pie shell – The vessel for all the creamy goodness. Use store-bought or homemade.

How to Make Buttermilk Pie

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

• Place the unbaked 9-inch pie shell on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. This catches any overflow and makes cleanup easy.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar

• In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until well combined and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The mixture should be smooth and pale.

Step 4: Mix in Flavor & Flour

• Add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and flour, then stir until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Add Buttermilk

• Pour in the buttermilk and mix until the filling is smooth and cohesive.

Step 6: Fill & Bake

• Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared pie shell. If you have extra filling, pour it into an ungreased custard cup and bake alongside the pie.

• Bake at 300°F for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the center is just set and a slight jiggle remains.

Step 7: Cool & Chill

• Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool almost completely before slicing. The pie will continue to set as it cools.

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Pro Tips for Buttermilk Pie Success

• Don’t skip the foil-lined baking sheet – It saves your oven from sticky spills.

• Room-temperature ingredients blend better and create a smoother custard.

• Want more tang? Add an extra ½ tablespoon of buttermilk.

• Serve at room temperature or chilled, topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or berries.

Serving Suggestions

This classic pie is incredibly versatile:

• Serve chilled or lightly warmed

• Top with whipped cream, lemon zest, or a dusting of powdered sugar

• Pairs beautifully with coffee or sweet tea

Perfect for:

• Holiday dinners

• Potlucks

• Sunday suppers

• Or just a cozy night in

Final Thoughts: The Pie You Didn’t Know You Needed

This Classic Buttermilk Pie is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. Sweet, creamy, and just a little tangy, it’s a slice of comfort you’ll crave again and again. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, soul-satisfying dessert, look no further—this pie is as timeless as it is delicious.

Try it once, and it’ll earn a permanent place in your recipe box.