This Buttermilk Pie has a rich and creamy custard-like filling that tastes like a sugar cookie! This old-fashioned dessert couldn’t be easier to make.
What is buttermilk pie?
Buttermilk pie is a traditional Southern dessert that became popular during the Great Depression and World War II, because of its budget-friendly kitchen staple ingredients.
Why you’ll love it
- Easy. Whip up a quick filling then pour into a pre-made crust for an easy, yet impressive dessert.
- Delicious. A creamy, rich filling on a flaky pie crust is sure to make anyone’s mouth water.
- Versatile. This is a basic custard-y pie with a very subtle almond flavor (this pie tastes like a sugar cookie), so if you’re serving this to fruit pie lovers, serve it up with some fruit. More of a chocolate lover? Drizzle on some homemade hot fudge with a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients
- Eggs – be sure to use large eggs that have been brought to room temperature.
- Sugar – you’ll need 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar. You may be able to reduce the sugar to 1 cup to lessen the sugar content, but I wouldn’t do more than that. I, personally, don’t think this pie is overly sweet with 1 1/2 cups.
- Flour – use all-purpose flour. Try using a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour for a gluten-free alternative.
- Salt – just enough to bring out the flavors of the pie, I think it’s bland otherwise, but it may be omitted if necessary.
- Butter – you’ll need 1/2 cup unsalted butter that’s been melted and cooled slightly. If the butter is too hot, you may scramble and cook the eggs.
- Buttermilk – any variety (low-fat, full-fat) will do, but I love using full-fat for the creamiest texture.
- Lemon Juice, Vanilla Extract, and Almond Extract – I really don’t recommend omitting any of them, because they all work together to add a tremendous amount of flavor to the pie.
- Pie Crust – use 2 (9 inch) frozen unbaked pie crusts or 1 frozen deep dish unbaked pie crust. You can also make your own homemade crust.
How to make
- Beat the eggs until frothy (using a hand mixer or stand mixer), beat in the sugar, flour, and salt, then drizzle in butter, buttermilk, lemon juice, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Pour the mixture into the pie shell(s), bake until the center is firm, then cool, serve, and enjoy!
What to serve with buttermilk pie
Serve as-is or add some fun toppings…the choice is yours!
- Whipped cream
- Cool whip
- Fresh fruit or fruit sauce
- Hot fudge sauce
- Bourbon salted caramel
- Vanilla ice cream
How to store
Leftover pie will last in a sealed airtight containerin the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze: wrap in saran wrap and tin foil before placing in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To enjoy again, thaw in the fridge, if frozen, then serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
– Jennifer
Buttermilk Pie
Equipment for this recipe
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
- 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 (9 inch) frozen unbaked pie crusts or 1 frozen unbaked deep dish pie crust
- Whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat eggs in a large bowl until frothy, about 2 minutes.
- Beat in sugar, flour, and salt until combined.
- With the mixer going, slowly drizzle in the butter until smooth, then slowly drizzle in the buttermilk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. Set aside.
- Place pie shell(s) onto a rimmed baking sheet, fill evenly with the mixture, then bake in the preheated oven until the center of the pie is firm (there may be a slight jiggle in the center) and the top is golden-brown and crackly, about 45-60 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool for 1 hour before slicing and serving (can be served warm, chilled, or room temperature).
- Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!
Notes
Nutrition Information
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.