This Buttermilk Pie recipe is a classic dessert that’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
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
Did you enjoy this Buttermilk Pie? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Easy Buttermilk Pie
Ingredients
- 1 9 inch unbaked pie crust store-bought or homemade
- 3 eggs room temperature
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line a 9″ pie plate with unbaked pie crust.
- Beat eggs in a bowl until foamy. Beat in butter, sugar, and flour until fluffy.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Pour into prepared crust and bake for 45-55 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
Like our recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest!
Jefferson Davis Pie. Jefferson Davis Pie, a variation of the Southern Chess Pie, is one of the most rich and decadent pies you will ever eat. It is made up of dates, raisins, and pecans, spices, and an insanely creamy custard. If you remember your history, Jefferson Davis was the first President of the Confederacy.A
Can this be made with less sugar or coconut sugar?
I’ve only tried this recipe as written
Hi – I just made this and it came out *really* buttery. Like, I found myself wondering if I put in too much butter, since it was oozing out of the top, but I double-checked and I didn’t. I had to take a bunch of paper towels and use them to absorb the butter off of the top, like you might with a pizza. What did I do wrong?
I can’t say for sure what went wrong as I haven’t had that issue with this recipe.
As it cools the butter will absorb into the pie.
Over the holidays, I made fresh bread and homemade butter as gifts for neighbors. As a result, I had a bunch of fresh buttermilk…this pie fit the bill perfectly. Smooth and velvety, with homemade fresh taste. And my neighbors think I’m a culinary genius. Shhhh…don’t tell them.
I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe and found good use of that buttermilk!
Hi i love to make this as soon as possible
can this be made chocolate?
I’ve have only made this as written. Let us know how it works out if you try it.
Once I added the buttermilk it curdled. Is that expected?
No, the buttermilk shouldn’t curdle.
I’ve made other buttermilk pies and while it can look curdled it will bake and turn out just fine.
Mine also curdled from the lemon juice.
This pie is amazing! I just made it!!
It turned wonderfully!
Debbie
So glad you loved it Debbie!
This looks great. But, I loathe nutmeg. What can I use as a substitute?
I have only tried this as written. I do think that you could either omit the nutmeg, or try cinnamon as a substitute. I think it would still be delicious. If you try making the recipe without nutmeg, please let us know how it works out for you!
I omit the nutmeg. It’s delicious! Always a request for me to make it.
I use cardamom instead and it’s amazing
Turned out picture perfect. I didn’t care for the lemon juice, Taste good.
Will leave out next time I make it.
Does anyone know if I use unbleached flour instead of all purpose flour would there be a difference? Thanks
Has anyone tried making this without the crust? Odd question, I know, but I have family members that hate pie crust and I have adapted a few recipes to make it work. Thanks. This does sound delicious.
I haven’t tried this one without crust however it does set up quite nicely like a thick custard.
Yes, I have made it many times without a crust. I butter the dish lightly.
Love it!!
I think the Jeff Davis pie would be,what I call, a Chess pie. It has cornmeal in it.
Your pie looks more solid and firm than mine was. Ours was tasty, but more custard like (closer to pumpkin pie). I baked for an hour and a clean toothpick inserted. I wonder if there are any hints?!
Did you chill your pie well before serving? I chilled my pie in the refrigerator before serving which helps it to firm up.
I love baki g pies especially these. It reminds me of baking with my Grandpa.He was a chef.in the Navy and came home and opened a Cafe.
What a special memory!
Hi I don’t live in US so what is buttermilk? Can I use something else?
Thanks
You can make a buttermilk substitute if you can’t find it at your local grocery store. Here’s a few ideas.
Holly, should this pie be stored at room temperature, or refrigerated?
I store it in the fridge and take it out about 30 minutes before serving.
Do I precook the pie crust before adding buttermilk mixture?
Thanks
No need to precook the crust.
Holly, I too have an old family recipe box with three to four generations of recipes? It can be a challenge sometimes. I will have to try your Buttermilk Pie next to my Cottage Cheese Pie. After the Holidays will let you know the difference, if anything. Love your site, Thanks!
Thank you Grandma Kiki! I have never tried cottage cheese pie but I bet I would love it!! Have a wonderful holiday!
I love buttermilk pie! I recently made a sweet cream pie and I know I would love yours! And I would kill for a vintage recipe box! My grandma never wrote anything down :( Happy Thanksgiving to you guys!
Thank you! I’m definitely going to have to check out your sweet cream pie! My neighbor requested this as his birthday cake this year! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family too!