A Classic Buttermilk Pie is one of those treasured Southern desserts that manages to be simple and sophisticated at the same time. With its golden custard center, flaky crust, and subtle tang, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and creamy. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving something nostalgic, this pie feels like home in every bite.

The charm of this pie lies in its unpretentious ingredients and timeless appeal. You don’t need any fancy techniques or hard-to-find items. Just a few pantry staples and a bit of patience as it bakes into golden, custardy perfection. If you’re new to buttermilk pie, you’re in for a silky, buttery treat with a gentle tang that makes each forkful irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Buttermilk Pie

This pie is a showstopper in its simplicity. The filling is smooth and velvety, with a delicate custard texture that’s perfectly sweetened. It’s a vintage dessert that never goes out of style, and it fits just as well on a fancy dessert table as it does on a weeknight dinner plate. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make – no mixer required.

The buttermilk gives it that unique tang that pairs so beautifully with the sugar and butter. A hint of vanilla brings it all together. You don’t have to fuss with meringue or whipped cream unless you want to. The pie shines all on its own.

What Kind of Pie Crust Works Best?

You can absolutely use a store-bought pie crust to save time, but if you have the chance to make a homemade one, it really elevates the pie. A buttery, flaky crust complements the creamy filling beautifully. Just make sure to blind bake it for a few minutes so it doesn’t get soggy from the custard filling.

Ingredients for the Classic Buttermilk Pie

Name: Classic Buttermilk Pie
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

The magic of this pie comes from how humble ingredients come together into something extraordinary. There are no unusual elements here – just basics with big impact.

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Buttermilk
Vanilla extract
Lemon juice
Salt
Pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role. The unsalted butter gives the filling its rich, creamy base. Granulated sugar sweetens without overpowering the tang of the buttermilk. Eggs bind the filling and create the custard texture. A touch of all-purpose flour ensures the filling sets properly. Buttermilk is the star, adding depth and tang. Vanilla and lemon juice brighten the flavor. And the pie crust gives it that much-loved flaky crunch.

How To Make the Classic Buttermilk Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

If using a homemade crust, roll it out and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges as desired. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F. Blind bake it with pie weights for 10 minutes if you want a crispier bottom.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, melt the butter and whisk it with the sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the flour and salt, mixing until no lumps remain. Slowly pour in the buttermilk, then stir in the vanilla and lemon juice until well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Bake at 350°F for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top is lightly golden. If the edges of your crust brown too quickly, shield them with foil.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool completely before slicing. It will continue to set as it cools. Serve at room temperature or chilled, with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream if you’d like.

Serving and Storing Buttermilk Pie

This pie serves about 8 generous slices. It’s best served the same day, once it has cooled to room temperature, but it stores beautifully too. Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture stays silky and the flavors mellow into something even more delicious with time.

If you want to make it ahead, you can bake the pie the night before and chill it overnight. Just be sure to let it come to room temp before serving, or warm it slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.

What to Serve With Classic Buttermilk Pie?

Whipped Cream

A lightly sweetened whipped cream brings a fluffy contrast to the dense custard.

Fresh Berries

Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries offer a juicy, tart counterbalance.

Coffee or Espresso

The richness of the pie pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee.

Lemon Zest

A sprinkle of lemon zest adds brightness to every bite.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Warm pie with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream is an unbeatable duo.

Toasted Pecans

Add a sprinkle for crunch and a nutty finish.

Mint Leaves

Fresh mint adds a hint of herbaceousness and elevates the plate presentation.

Want More Pie Ideas?

If you’re a fan of comforting, homey desserts, here are more treats to keep the pie party going:

Try the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for a rich, sticky slice of heaven.
Bake the Lemon Truffles if you’re drawn to citrusy treats.
Explore our Creamy and Easy Egg Custard Pie for a smooth, subtle classic.
For something fruity, the Refreshing Homemade Peach Sorbet is a great warm-weather pie pairing.
And don’t miss Baby Lemon Impossible Pies for mini-sized, tangy fun.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a special twist or keep it old-school? Did you go homemade crust or store-bought?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other bake better.

Explore beautifully curated comfort-baking and Southern desserts on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorites!

Conclusion

Classic Buttermilk Pie is the kind of dessert that feels timeless for a reason. It’s easy, elegant, and made with love. Whether it becomes your go-to holiday dessert or just a weekend treat, it brings warmth and flavor to every table. Make it once, and it’s bound to become part of your baking rotation.