Easy Buttermilk Pie

This pie has a sweet tangy flavor with a custard-like texture and is delicious served chilled or at room temperature.

Why You’ll Love This Classic

It’s super easy to make.
It’s a bit different than the usual pies we serve but so flavorful.
This version has a slight lemon flavor from the juice but this recipe can be changed by adding extracts.
It needs to cool completely before serving making it the perfect make ahead dessert.

What is Buttermilk Pie?

Buttermilk pie is an American favorite originating from the southern states. It’s sometimes referred to as chess pie, or even sugar cream pie. It’s has a vanilla flavor (or a slight hint of citrus if you use lemon juice).

The texture of buttermilk pie is similar to a thick custard a slightly caramelized top, so good! I have an old box of vintage recipes loaded with tons of classic desserts and that’s where this recipe came from.

What’s in Buttermilk Pie?

You don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to create something amazing and you’ll likely have everything you need on hand for this dessert.

BUTTERMILK Of course this pie has buttermilk but it can be made without it! We make a buttermilk substitute with milk (1 cup) and vinegar or lemon juice (1 tablespoon).

You can also mix plain yogurt or sour cream with water/milk until it has the consistency of buttermilk.

PIE CRUST For ease and speed, use a pre-made crust or make this Flaky Homemade Pie Crust if time allows. With a store bought pie crust, it’s ready to go in the oven in under 10 minutes!

FLAVOR This recipe calls for vanilla, lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best), and nutmeg.

How to Make Buttermilk Pie

It’s so easy to make this recipe.

Beat eggs until foamy. Add butter, sugar, and flour.
Mix in the remaining ingredients until smooth.
Pour into a pie crust and bake (per the recipe below.)

You’ll know it’s done when it has a browned caramelized sugar coating with a very slightly “jiggly” center. Insert a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean.

How to Store

Buttermilk pie should be stored in the refrigerator, and it tastes great chilled but can be set out to warm slightly before serving too.

This pie can be frozen. Freeze in double wrapped slices, or double wrap and freeze the entire pie. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and serve warm or chilled with Whipped Cream or Easy Caramel Sauce.

Favorite Pie Recipes

Pumpkin Cheesecake – full of warm fall spices
Easy Banana Cream Pie
Easy Pecan Pie – made without corn syrup
Rhubarb Pie – sweet and tart
Fresh Homemade Apple Pie

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