This delightful buttermilk pie is a classic Southern dessert that boasts a creamy, tangy filling encased in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is both simple to make and irresistibly delicious. The combination of buttermilk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract creates a unique flavor profile that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
While most of the ingredients for this buttermilk pie are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up a few items at the supermarket. Buttermilk is a key ingredient that gives the pie its signature tangy flavor, so make sure to grab a carton if you don't have any at home. Additionally, an unbaked pie crust is essential for this recipe, and you can either make one from scratch or buy a pre-made one from the store.

Ingredients for Buttermilk Pie Recipe
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the pie filling.
Butter: Provides richness and a smooth texture.
Eggs: Helps to set the filling and adds structure.
Buttermilk: Gives the pie its tangy flavor and creamy consistency.
Lemon juice: Adds a hint of citrus brightness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie.
All-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the filling.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Pie crust: Serves as the base for the pie filling.
Technique Tip for Making This Pie
When whisking together the sugar and melted butter, ensure that the butter is not too hot, as this can cause the eggs to scramble when added. To avoid this, let the melted butter cool slightly before combining it with the sugar. This will help achieve a smooth and well-incorporated mixture, resulting in a more consistent pie filling.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral flavor, but reduce the amount to ¾ cup as honey is sweeter than sugar.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and a subtle coconut flavor that can complement the pie.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
buttermilk - Substitute with milk and vinegar: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle. This mimics the acidity and texture of buttermilk.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar acidity and tanginess that lemon juice offers.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract gives a different but pleasant flavor that can enhance the pie.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Use half the amount of cornstarch as a thickening agent to achieve a similar consistency.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same amount and provides a slightly different mineral flavor.
unbaked pie crust - Substitute with graham cracker crust: A graham cracker crust adds a sweet, crumbly texture that pairs well with the filling.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Pie
How to Store or Freeze This Pie
Allow the buttermilk pie to cool completely at room temperature. This ensures that the filling sets properly and prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container.
Once cooled, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents the pie from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge while maintaining its texture.
Store the covered pie in the refrigerator. Buttermilk pie can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to place it on a flat surface to avoid any spillage or deformation.
For longer storage, consider freezing the buttermilk pie. First, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring that no part of the pie is exposed to air. This helps prevent freezer burn.
After wrapping in plastic, cover the pie with a layer of aluminum foil. This adds an extra layer of protection against the cold and helps maintain the pie's flavor and texture.
Label the wrapped pie with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long the pie has been stored.
Place the wrapped pie in the freezer. Buttermilk pie can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of quality.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the pie's creamy texture.
Once thawed, you can serve the buttermilk pie cold or warm it slightly in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will refresh the crust and bring back some of the pie's original warmth.
Always check the pie for any signs of spoilage before serving, especially if it has been stored for an extended period. Look for any unusual odors, discoloration, or changes in texture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the buttermilk pie on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from over-browning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
- For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place a slice of buttermilk pie on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals until warm. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the filling to become rubbery.
- If you prefer a more even reheating, use a toaster oven. Set it to 325°F (165°C) and place the buttermilk pie inside for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain the pie's texture and flavor.
- For a stovetop method, use a skillet over low heat. Place a slice of buttermilk pie in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to ensure it doesn't burn. This method can give the crust a nice, crispy texture.
Essential Tools for Making This Pie
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) to bake the pie.
Mixing bowl: Combine the sugar and melted butter, and mix other ingredients.
Whisk: Blend the sugar and melted butter together.
Measuring cups: Measure out the sugar, buttermilk, and flour.
Measuring spoons: Measure the lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt.
Spatula: Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Pie dish: Hold the unbaked pie crust and the filling.
Cooling rack: Allow the pie to cool completely before serving.
Knife: Slice the pie once it has cooled.
Oven mitts: Safely handle the hot pie dish when removing it from the oven.
How to Save Time on Making This Pie
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Quickly combine the sugar and butter using a food processor instead of whisking by hand.
Room temperature eggs: Use room temperature eggs to ensure they blend more easily into the mixture.
Pre-made pie crust: Save time by using a store-bought pie crust instead of making one from scratch.
One-bowl method: Mix all ingredients in one bowl to reduce cleanup time.
Cooling rack: Place the pie on a cooling rack immediately after baking to speed up the cooling process.

Buttermilk Pie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 unbaked pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and melted butter until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the buttermilk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, flour, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the center is set.
- Let the pie cool completely before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for This Pie
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