Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pie
A true Southern classic, Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pie features a flaky crust and a sweet, custard-style filling with a delicate crackly top. It’s simple, nostalgic, and made with pantry staples — the kind of dessert that brings back warm family memories.
Time
Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
Bake Time: 50–55 minutes
Cooling Time: About 2 hours
Total Time: About 3 hours
Ingredients
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1/2 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
3 large eggs (room temperature)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins (for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Pinch of salt
Light dusting of nutmeg on top
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place your oven rack in the center position.
2️⃣ Prepare the Pie Crust
Fit the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate.
Crimp or flute the edges as desired.
Place the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
3️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
Whisk together the flour and sugar until fully combined.
This prevents lumps in the custard filling.
4️⃣ Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the melted (slightly cooled) butter.
Add the buttermilk.
Crack in the eggs.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Whisk until smooth and fully blended. The mixture will be thin — that’s normal.
5️⃣ Fill the Pie Shell
Remove the chilled pie crust from the refrigerator.
Pour the filling mixture into the unbaked crust.
Gently tap the pie plate on the counter to remove air bubbles.
6️⃣ Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–55 minutes, or until:
The top is lightly golden
The center is set but slightly jiggly
A knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean
If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
7️⃣ Cool Completely
Remove from oven and place on a wire rack.
Allow the pie to cool completely (about 2 hours).
The filling will continue to set as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Dust with powdered sugar.
Top with whipped cream.
Add fresh berries for a modern touch.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Best served slightly chilled or brought to room temperature before serving.
Helpful Tips
✔️ Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for a smoother filling.
✔️ Don’t overbake — the center should still have a slight wobble.
✔️ For extra richness, add 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream.
✔️ For a deeper flavor, substitute half the sugar with light brown sugar.
