Description
Classic buttermilk pie celebrates Southern baking traditions with creamy custard and flaky crust. Grandmothers across Texas and Louisiana cherish this simple, comforting dessert you can easily master at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 standard 9-inch pie crust (unbaked)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and brought to room temperature)
- 1 cup refined granulated white sugar
- 3 farm-fresh eggs (thoroughly beaten)
- 1/2 cup premium low-fat buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon (1 Tbs) high-grade cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) fine salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
- Whisk eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, blend granulated sugar, melted butter, cornstarch, and salt until the mixture appears uniform.
- Gently fold the two mixtures together, stirring until completely integrated with no visible streaks.
- Transfer the silky mixture into the unbaked pie crust, spreading evenly to the edges.
- Carefully slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a golden, slightly firm center that jiggles minimally when gently shaken.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to rest at room temperature for 2-3 hours, enabling the filling to set completely.
- Slice and serve the pie either chilled or at ambient temperature, garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Ensure buttermilk is at room temperature to create a smoother, more consistent mixture without lumps or uneven texture.
- Prevent crust burning by covering edges with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking if they start browning too quickly.
- For a gluten-free version, swap traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Add subtle flavor variations by incorporating lemon zest, nutmeg, or cinnamon into the filling for a personalized twist on the classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 162 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 77 mg