If you’re craving a dessert that’s steeped in tradition and wrapped in comforting, Southern charm, this Southern Pie Recipe offers the perfect balance of creamy, custardy filling and a flaky, golden crust. Known affectionately as buttermilk pie, this classic dessert captures the essence of Southern hospitality—simple ingredients coming together to make something truly special. With its sweet, tangy notes and a velvety texture, this Southern Pie Recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection for celebrations or any day that deserves a delicious treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Southern Pie Recipe plays a starring role, coming together to create a dish that’s rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced. You don’t need anything extravagant—just simple pantry staples that combine to give the pie its signature creamy texture, tartness, and comforting sweetness.
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Provides the classic flaky, buttery foundation for the pie filling.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the pie and helps achieve a golden top crust.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Acts as a gentle thickener to keep the filling just right.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Adds richness and smoothness to the custard.
- 3 large eggs: The key ingredient for structure and creamy texture in the filling.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Brings a subtle tang and tender crumb that defines this Southern classic.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional): Provides a gentle hint of spice to add depth to the pie.
How to Make Southern Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have the oven at the right temperature so your pie bakes evenly and develops that beautiful golden top without overbaking the crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt until thoroughly combined. This step ensures the flour is evenly distributed to give the filling its perfect set, and the sugar is ready to melt into a smooth custard.
Step 3: Add Butter and Eggs
Slowly pour in the melted butter while mixing gently. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. This helps create a cohesive batter with a silky texture that will bake into custard perfection.
Step 4: Incorporate Buttermilk and Vanilla
Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract last to infuse the filling with that signature Southern tang and warm aroma. Mix just until the batter is smooth and homogenous—overmixing isn’t necessary here!
Step 5: Prepare Pie for Baking
Pour the luscious filling into your unbaked pie crust, spreading it evenly. If you like, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top to add a delicate, spicy note. This finishing touch is optional but highly recommended for authentic flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the pie’s top turns golden and the center is set but still slightly wobbly. Keep an eye on the crust edges; if they brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning while the filling finishes baking.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, allow the pie to cool completely. This lets the custard set firmly, making it easier to slice and enjoy. The Southern Pie Recipe tastes fantastic served at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.
How to Serve Southern Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a handful of ripe berries makes a delightful garnish that adds color and an extra layer of freshness to this rich dessert. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation without overpowering the pie’s delicate flavors.
Side Dishes
This Southern Pie Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like vanilla ice cream or custard sauce for extra indulgence. For a brunch twist, try serving alongside fresh fruit salad or a cup of perfectly brewed Southern-style sweet tea.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic, yet charming presentation, serve individual slices on vintage plates with sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers beside them. You can also create mini pies using the same recipe in ramekins for a fun, personalized dessert experience at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Southern Pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its creamy texture and fresh taste.
Freezing
If you want to keep this beloved Southern Pie Recipe on hand longer, freeze it after baking and cooling completely. Wrap the whole pie tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To reheat slices, warm them gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 10–15 minutes. This breathes life back into the custard without drying it out. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture smooth and custardy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust for this Southern Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Using a ready-made pie crust is a great time-saver and still yields delicious results. Just make sure to follow the baking instructions closely so the crust doesn’t burn.
Is buttermilk essential in this recipe?
Buttermilk provides the signature tangy flavor and tender texture that defines this Southern Pie Recipe. If you don’t have buttermilk, a good substitute is milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, left to sit for 5 minutes.
How can I tell when the pie is fully baked?
The top should be a lovely golden color and the filling slightly set but still gently wobbly in the center when you tap the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center may come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I add other flavors to the pie?
Definitely! While the traditional Southern Pie Recipe is simple, adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon can add sophistication and depth. Just be sure not to overpower the delicate buttermilk custard.
Is this pie suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Southern Pie Recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat products, just dairy and eggs. It’s a comforting dessert that fits well into a vegetarian diet.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about settling in with a slice of this Southern Pie Recipe—its creamy texture, rich flavors, and nostalgic appeal bring a little warmth and sweetness to any day. Whether you’re a seasoned Southern cook or a newcomer eager to explore classic desserts, you’ll find this pie both straightforward to make and utterly satisfying to eat. Give it a try, and you might just discover a new family favorite that everyone looks forward to.
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Southern Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Southern Pie, also known as buttermilk pie, is a rich and custardy dessert featuring a delicate balance of sweetness and tang from buttermilk. The filling is smooth and creamy, baked in a flaky unbaked pie crust, resulting in a golden top and a set custard center. Perfect served at room temperature or chilled, it pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream, making it a timeless favorite in Southern American cuisine.
Ingredients
Pie Base
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Butter: Pour the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly to integrate the fats.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat the eggs in one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next to create a smooth mixture.
- Combine Remaining Liquids: Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is smooth and homogenous.
- Prepare the Pie: Pour the filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust evenly and, if desired, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg over the top for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The pie is done when the top is golden and the center is set. To prevent the crust edges from browning too quickly, cover them with foil as needed during baking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Serve at room temperature or chilled, optionally accompanied by fresh berries or whipped cream.
Notes
- This classic Southern pie is often called buttermilk pie and is known for its rich and custardy texture.
- For best flavor, let the pie cool completely before slicing.
- Pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Cover pie crust edges with foil if they begin to brown too quickly during baking.
