Best Southern Buttermilk Pie

Step 2: Roll and Bake the Crust

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it carefully to a 9-inch pie pan.
3. Trim and crimp edges: Trim excess dough, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Fold under and crimp for a decorative edge.
4. Blind bake (optional but recommended): Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 12–15 minutes, then remove weights and parchment and bake 5 more minutes until lightly golden.

Step 3: Make the Buttermilk Filling

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in melted butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Optionally, add freshly grated nutmeg for a subtle warm flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour filling into crust: Carefully pour the buttermilk mixture into the pre-baked pie crust.
2. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–55 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. The pie will firm up as it cools.
3. Cool: Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing. For best results, refrigerate for an additional hour.

Step 5: Serve

• Slice and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
• The pie keeps well for up to 3 days covered at room temperature, or up to a week refrigerated.

Tips for the Perfect Buttermilk Pie

• Use fresh buttermilk: It gives the pie its signature tangy flavor.
• Don’t overbake: The filling should still wobble slightly in the center when done. Overbaking can cause cracking.
• Optional flavor twists: A teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of bourbon can add a subtle depth of flavor.

Buttermilk pie is the kind of dessert that brings people together. Its creamy, custardy center and flaky, buttery crust make it perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a sweet weekend treat. By following these steps, you’ll have a pie that tastes like it came straight from a Southern grandmother’s kitchen—rich in tradition and flavor.

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