Name: Delicious Buttermilk Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 (9-inch) Pie Crust Recipe (unbaked); 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup butter (melted); 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; pinch kosher salt

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug from grandma, this Delicious Buttermilk Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a Southern classic that’s as comforting as it is simple, with a light, custardy texture and just the right tang of lemon to keep things interesting. Trust me, once you make this pie, you’ll keep coming back to it for every special occasion or just because you deserve a slice of homemade goodness.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Southern Flavor: This pie captures that nostalgic, comforting taste that reminds you of slow Sundays and family gatherings.
Simple Ingredients: No hard-to-find items, just pantry staples that come together effortlessly.
Perfect Texture: Creamy, custardy filling with a slight tang from the buttermilk and lemon zest.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this one — it’s always the first pie to disappear at our dinners.

The image shows a pie with a flaky, pale golden crust that forms a scalloped edge around the pie. Inside, there is a smooth, pale yellow filling that looks soft and creamy. The top layer is lightly browned with a caramelized texture, showing one slice has been taken out, revealing the thick filling inside. The pie sits on a white marbled surface in a white pie pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Delicious Buttermilk Pie, Southern custard pie recipe, easy buttermilk dessert, homemade buttermilk pie, classic southern pie

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that iconic taste and texture. I love how each component plays its part — the lemon zest gives a bright note, while the buttermilk keeps the custard tender and slightly tangy. When shopping, try to pick fresh lemons for zesting and quality butter, since that really makes a difference in flavor.

Flat lay of a pristine unbaked 9-inch pie crust on a simple white ceramic plate, three whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing melted golden butter, a small white bowl filled with fresh buttermilk, a small white bowl of clear lemon juice, a small heap of bright yellow lemon zest, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of kosher salt arranged symmetrically in a balanced composition, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Delicious Buttermilk Pie, Southern custard pie recipe, easy buttermilk dessert, homemade buttermilk pie, classic southern pie

Unbaked Pie Crust: You can use store-bought if you’re in a pinch, but homemade crust adds that extra loving touch.
Large Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend better and help the pie set evenly.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens just enough without overpowering the tangy filling.
All-Purpose Flour: Stabilizes the custard to give it structure.
Butter (melted): Adds richness and a lovely silky texture.
Buttermilk: The star ingredient that brings that signature tang and tender crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds depth.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the pie with a subtle zing.
Lemon Zest: This little burst of citrus aroma takes the pie to the next level.
Kosher Salt: Just a pinch balances and enhances all the other flavors.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve tried this pie with a few twists over the years, and honestly, it’s so versatile! Feel free to make it your own by tweaking citrus elements or using a flavored vanilla. You’ll find that small changes can make a big difference while still honoring the original Southern feel.

Coconut Buttermilk Pie: Adding shredded coconut to the filling gives a fun tropical twist my family loved during summer BBQs.
Gluten-Free Crust: Swap your pie crust for a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary needs without losing flavor.
Orange Zest and Juice: Substitute lemon zest and juice with orange for a sweeter, fruity spin.
Less Sweet: If you’re not big on sweet desserts, reduce the sugar slightly — the buttermilk and lemon keep it flavorful on their own.

How to Make Delicious Buttermilk Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat with Care

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. This is crucial so your pie bakes evenly from the moment it hits the oven. While the oven warms up, prepare your unbaked pie crust by placing it in your pie dish — whether homemade or store-bought, make sure it’s properly chilled so it holds up during baking.

Step 2: Combine Your Custard Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and flour until smooth. Then gradually add the melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of kosher salt. I love standing here for a minute, really whisking well so that everything combines nicely — this helps prevent lumps and keeps the filling silky.

Step 3: Pour and Bake with Patience

Pour that luscious custard mixture into your chilled pie crust. Place it carefully into the oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden and the filling looks set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. Resist the urge to open the oven too often — that temperature drop can cause cracking.

Step 4: Cool Completely Before Serving

Once the pie is beautifully baked, take it out and let it cool to room temperature before slicing. I learned this trick the hard way — slicing too soon makes the custard runny. After it’s cool, pop it in the fridge for a bit if you want your pie chilled, which brings out that tender texture even more.

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Pro Tips for Making Delicious Buttermilk Pie Recipe

Use Room Temperature Eggs: I find that eggs at room temp mix more evenly and make for a smoother custard.
Don’t Overbake: The pie should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out; it will continue to set as it cools.
Fresh Citrus Zest: Freshly grated lemon zest really amps up the flavor much more than pre-packaged zest.
Chilling Helps Set: Letting the pie cool completely, then refrigerating, makes slicing a breeze and improves texture.

How to Serve Delicious Buttermilk Pie Recipe

A close-up image shows a piece of yellow cake with a golden brown crust on top and the sides, held by a silver fork. The cake looks soft and moist inside, with a slightly crumbly texture. The fork is resting on a white plate with a beaded edge, which sits on a white marbled surface. The background is softly blurred, focusing on the cake piece. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Delicious Buttermilk Pie, Southern custard pie recipe, easy buttermilk dessert, homemade buttermilk pie, classic southern pie

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra lemon zest for brightness. Sometimes, a few fresh berries on the side add a lovely pop of color and a sweet, tart counterpoint that keeps each bite exciting.

Side Dishes

This pie makes for a stellar dessert after a comforting meal like roasted chicken or even a casual Southern-style bbq. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a cup of strong coffee or sweet tea — trust me, that combo’s a winner all around.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I sometimes serve individual mini buttermilk pies in ramekins, topped with a caramel drizzle or a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a cute presentation that impresses guests and is super fun to slice into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover the pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, though honestly, in my house, it rarely lasts that long! The chill also helps deepen the flavor and keeps the custard firm.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They freeze well for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Rather than microwaving, I gently warm slices in a 325ºF oven for about 10 minutes to keep the filling creamy and avoid overheating. If you prefer it cold, just enjoy straight from the fridge — both ways taste amazing!

FAQs

What makes buttermilk pie different from regular custard pie?

Buttermilk pie uses buttermilk instead of milk or cream, which adds a slight tanginess and tenderness to the custard. This gives the pie a unique flavor and lighter texture compared to regular custard pies.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely! While I love making my own crust for that homemade touch, a quality store-bought crust works just fine and saves time without sacrificing flavor.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?

The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is set around the edges but has a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! This pie tastes even better the next day after chilling in the fridge, so you can certainly make it in advance and store refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Delicious Buttermilk Pie Recipe brings a bit of Southern charm into my kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that feels both festive and homey, making it perfect for gatherings or a quiet night in. When I first tried this pie, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such a dreamy, custardy dessert. Now, it’s one of my go-to recipes, and I hope you find just as much joy in baking and sharing it as I do. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!