Unlike our gooey peach cobbler, festive bourbon balls, and classic caramel cake, buttermilk pie is an old-fashioned Southern dessert that doesn’t quite get the attention it deserves. Light and silky smooth, this creamy custard-based pie hails from an era of “desperation pies.” (Also known as “make-do pies.”) As penny-pinchers and rationers during the Depression and World War II, Southern women worked with what they had, making pies with clever ingredients like vinegar and green tomatoes, instead of citrus fruit or crisp apples. These vintage pies feature fillings that are simple but hard-working, with a mixture of pantry staples taking the lead.While some confuse buttermilk pie with similar variations like chess pie and custard pie, it has a distinct personality all its own, and this buttermilk pie recipe proves it. Chess pie typically includes either vinegar or cornmeal in the filling, often both, while custard pie skips the buttermilk altogether and often opts for a dash of nutmeg. In contrast, buttermilk pie gets its signature tangy flavor from buttermilk, a splash of lemon juice, and a hint of vanilla. From there, everyday ingredients like sugar, eggs, and butter handle the rest. (You’ll find yourself saying, “One and a half cups of sugar? For this single pie?” Like Mama told us: Just don’t ask questions.) There’s never been a better time to try your hand at learning how to make our Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie, one of our favorite forgotten pies of the South. 

Southern Buttermilk Pie Recipe

sugar

all-purpose flour

eggs

buttermilk

butter, melted

lemon zest

lemon juice

vanilla extract

Perfect Pastry Crust

Garnishes: fresh berries, whipped cream, fresh mint

Preheat oven to 350°. Whisk together first 2 ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk eggs and next 5 ingredients into flour mixture; pour into Perfect Pastry Crust.


Bake at 350° for 35 to 45 minutes or until almost set, shielding edges with aluminum foil after 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and cool 1 hour.


This sweet treat is the perfect finish to any dinner.

southern buttermilk pie recipe

Total: 3 hours, 35 minutes

Servings: 8

Author : Pam Lolley

Ingredients

Instructions

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