If you’re craving a classic Southern dessert that’s both comforting and incredibly easy, this buttermilk pie recipe is exactly what you need. With a smooth, custard-like filling and a golden flaky crust, this pie delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavor using simple pantry staples. Whether you’re baking for a holiday table or a casual weeknight treat, this timeless pie always feels special.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Buttermilk Pie Recipe
- Simple ingredients you probably already have
- No fancy tools or techniques required
- Perfect texture—creamy center with a lightly crisp top
- Make-ahead friendly, ideal for gatherings
- A true Southern classic that never goes out of style
This recipe is especially great for beginner bakers because the filling comes together in just one bowl.

🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
👩🍳 How to Make Buttermilk Pie (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to create a smooth mixture.
Step 4: Stir in Wet Ingredients
Slowly whisk in the melted butter, followed by the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is silky and lump-free.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top is lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for at least 1–2 hours before slicing. This helps the custard fully set.

💡 Tips & Variations
- No buttermilk? Use 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Extra flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon
- Less sweet: Reduce sugar slightly if preferred
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and replace flour with cornstarch
- For best slices: Chill the pie before cutting
🍽️ Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve buttermilk pie slightly chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh berries
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Storage:
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. This pie does not freeze well due to its custard texture.
Easy Buttermilk Pie Recipe with Creamy Southern Flavor
- Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Southern buttermilk pie with a creamy, tangy-sweet custard filling baked in a flaky crust. Simple pantry ingredients, one-bowl filling, and perfect for holidays or an easy family dessert.
Ingredients
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
1 tbsp (8g) all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until smooth.
4. Whisk in melted butter slowly, then add buttermilk and vanilla. Mix until silky and lump-free.
5. Pour filling into the unbaked crust.
6. Bake 45–50 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the center is just set (a slight jiggle is okay).
7. Cool at room temperature 1–2 hours to fully set before slicing. For cleaner slices, chill before cutting.
Notes
No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar; rest 5 minutes.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon.
Storage: Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days. Custard pies don’t freeze well (texture can change).
Serving ideas: whipped cream, berries, or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 210mg |
✨ Final Thoughts
This easy buttermilk pie recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly memorable. With its creamy texture, classic Southern charm, and foolproof method, it’s the kind of dessert you’ll come back to again and again—perfect for sharing with family and friends.