The Best Homemade Buttermilk Pie Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This buttermilk pie is a delightful treat that’s creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough to satisfy any craving. It’s simple to make, yet tastes like something straight from a bakery.
- Easy to whip up—no fancy ingredients or complicated steps, just mix, pour, and bake.
- Perfectly balanced flavor—the buttermilk adds a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness.
- Crowd-pleasing texture—silky smooth filling with a lightly crisp crust that melts in your mouth.
Recipe

Buttermilk pie is a classic Southern dessert known for its creamy, custard-like filling and flaky crust. It’s simple to make and uses basic ingredients, making it a favorite for home bakers.
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the flour until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and nutmeg (if using).
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving.
Notes:
- Guarantee all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- The pie will continue to set as it cools.
Equipment:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: Southern
Serving: Serves 8
Nutrition
Buttermilk pie is a rich dessert with a creamy custard filling. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 120 mg |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
| Total Carbs | 38 g |
| Sugars | 28 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving buttermilk pie with a fresh fruit garnish—it adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor that balances the pie’s richness. A dollop of whipped cream on top makes it even more indulgent, and I find it’s the perfect finishing touch. You can’t go wrong with either, but why not try both?
Fresh Fruit Garnish
When I’m serving buttermilk pie, I love adding a fresh fruit garnish—it not only looks beautiful but also balances the pie’s richness with a burst of brightness. My go-to fruit selection depends on the season: juicy berries in summer, sliced peaches in fall, or tangy citrus in winter. A seasonal pairing guarantees the flavors complement the pie perfectly. I’ll often toss the fruit with a little honey or lemon juice to keep it fresh. It’s a simple touch, but it elevates each bite. Plus, the vibrant colors make the pie even more inviting on the plate.
Whipped Cream Pairing
Though buttermilk pie is rich and creamy on its own, there’s something magical about pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream—it adds a light, airy contrast that’s hard to resist. I love topping mine with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel for extra flair. Sweet toppings like toasted coconut or crushed nuts add crunch, while dessert sauces—think chocolate or berry coulis—turn each bite into a mini celebration. Trust me, it’s the little touches that make this pie unforgettable. Just don’t skip the whipped cream; it’s the perfect partner for this Southern classic!