Buttermilk Pie

8 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 1 h Total: 1 h 15 m Beginner
Buttermilk Pie
My mother-in-law always made this buttermilk pie for holidays. It didn’t last long. It’s delicious—a simple Southern custard pie with butter, eggs, and buttermilk baked until golden and set.

Ingredients

  • 1 - 9 inch unbaked pie shell
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 tbsp flour (rounded)
  • 3 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Have butter soft at room temperature. Add sugar. Cream together well.
  2. Add flour to butter/sugar mixture, cut in and blend well. Add eggs. Beat well.
  3. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla.
  4. Pour into unbaked pie shell and bake at 350 degrees until knife inserted into center of pie comes out clean. Approximately 50-60 minutes.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my filling curdled or grainy?

A: Make sure the butter is truly softened (not melted) and cream it well with the sugar. Add the eggs slowly and beat thoroughly to create a smooth emulsion before adding the buttermilk.

Q: How do I know when it's done?

A: The knife test is key—when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, it's ready. The center should still have a slight jiggle but not be liquid. The top will be golden brown.

Q: Can I make this ahead?

A: Yes, buttermilk pie keeps well. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t skip the rounded tablespoons of flour—this helps stabilize the custard and prevents weeping. For a deeper flavor, use European-style butter with higher butterfat content.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • buttermilk: milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
  • butter: margarine

Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch pie pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk

Historical Context

Buttermilk pie is a staple of Southern baking, born from resourcefulness when fresh milk was scarce but buttermilk from butter-making was plentiful. It’s a humble custard pie that became a holiday tradition across the South.