Pastry cutter or food processor (for crust)
Cooling rack
Oven thermometer (optional, but recommended)
Step 1: Making the Flaky Pie Crust
1. Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Cut in butter
Add cold, cubed butter to the flour. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
Pro tip: Do not overwork. Some larger butter bits help create flakiness.
3. Add ice water gradually
Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until dough just holds together when pressed.
4. Form and chill
Gather dough into a ball, flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle.
Carefully transfer to your pie dish, easing the dough into the edges without stretching.
Trim excess dough, leaving about ½-inch overhang.
Fold under the edges and crimp as desired.
6. Blind bake (optional but recommended for crisp crust)
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
Bake 15 minutes, remove weights and parchment, bake an additional 5 minutes.
This prevents soggy crust under the custard.
Step 2: Preparing the Buttermilk Pie Filling
1. Combine sugar, eggs, and melted butter
In a large bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until smooth.
Add melted butter and whisk until incorporated.
2. Add dry ingredients and flavorings
Add flour, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon juice (if using).
Whisk to combine thoroughly.
3. Stir in buttermilk
Slowly pour in buttermilk while whisking constantly.
The mixture should be smooth, pourable, and slightly thick.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking the Pie
Pour filling into the prepared crust.
Smooth the top gently with a spatula.
Bake in preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the custard is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
Tip: To test doneness, insert a knife or toothpick near the center; it should come out mostly clean.
Step 4: Cooling and Serving
Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. The filling will continue to set as it cools.
For best flavor and texture, chill the pie in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Runny filling: Make sure to measure flour carefully and don’t underbake. The custard should be set at edges and slightly jiggly in center.
Soggy crust: Blind bake crust or bake the pie on a lower rack to prevent sogginess.
Cracking filling: Don’t overbake or bake at too high temperature.
Variations and Enhancements
1. Brown Sugar Buttermilk Pie
Replace granulated sugar with 1 cup brown sugar and ½ cup white sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
2. Nutty Crunch
Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling or sprinkle on top before baking.
3. Citrus Twist
Add 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon or orange zest to the filling for added brightness.
4. Bourbon Buttermilk Pie
Add 1-2 tablespoons bourbon for a rich, boozy twist.
Serving Suggestions
Buttermilk pie is divine on its own but can be elevated with:
Whipped cream or crème fraîche
Fresh berries or fruit compote
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for warm slices
A drizzle of caramel or honey
Storing and Reheating
Store pie covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For best texture, consume within 2 days.
Reheat slices gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes if desired warm.
Baking Science Behind Buttermilk Pie
Buttermilk’s acidity reacts with the baking flour and eggs to create a tender custard with slight tang. The eggs coagulate on baking, thickening the mixture, while butter adds richness. The balance of sugar ensures sweetness without overwhelming the tang.
Tips for Perfect Buttermilk Pie Every Time
Use real buttermilk for authentic tang and texture. Cultured buttermilk works best.
Don’t skip chilling the crust; it makes rolling easier and helps flakiness.
Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and fluffier texture.
Be patient letting pie cool fully; this enhances flavor and sets texture.
Final Thoughts
Buttermilk Pie is a perfect marriage of simplicity and flavor—using humble ingredients to create something truly special. Once you taste the creamy, tangy custard and flaky crust, you’ll understand why this pie has been a Southern treasure for generations.
