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Buttermilk Pie

Buttermilk pie slice with a golden top and creamy filling, on a scalloped white plate beside coffee and whipped cream

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Buttermilk pie turns simple pantry staples into a rich, creamy vanilla custard with a golden top and flaky crust. An easy Southern dessert worth saving room for. Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert or Christmas dessert.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Fit the pastry into a 9-inch pie plate, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Fold and crimp the edge.
  2. Line the pastry with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 8 minutes to partially bake the shell.
  3. Carefully lift out the parchment and weights. Let the crust cool slightly while preparing the filling.
  4. Beat the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until evenly combined and creamy.
  5. Mix in the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl between additions.
  6. Add the flour and mix until incorporated. Gradually blend in the buttermilk and vanilla on low speed.
  7. Pour the filling into the partially baked crust. Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet.
  8. Bake at 400°F for 5 minutes. Without removing the pie, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 45–50 minutes.
  9. Check for a lightly browned surface and set edges. The center should have a slight wobble when gently nudged, without appearing liquid. Cover the crust edges loosely with foil if they brown too quickly.
  10. Transfer the pie to a wire rack. Allow it to cool for up to 2 hours, then refrigerate until ready to serve. The filling will firm as it cools.

Equipment

Notes

Yield: 1 (9-inch) pie; 8 servings.

Timing: Prep 15 minutes; cook 55–65 minutes; cooling about 2 hours, followed by refrigeration until serving. Total time is about 3 hours 10 minutes–3 hours 20 minutes, plus additional refrigeration as needed.

Substitutions: Use a homemade or refrigerated pie crust. If buttermilk is unavailable, place 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar in a measuring cup and add enough whole milk to make 1 cup. Let stand for 5–10 minutes before using. Cultured buttermilk provides a fuller flavor and thicker consistency.

Serving: Serve chilled or let individual slices stand briefly at room temperature before serving. Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream or fresh berries. Pair with coffee or unsweetened tea.

Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Refrigerate within 2 hours of baking, and return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly after serving.

Freezing: Chill the pie completely, then wrap the whole pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. The custard may soften slightly or release a little moisture after thawing.