Step into the heart of Southern cuisine with our Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie, a dessert beloved for its delectable blend of creamy, tangy filling and flaky, buttery crust. This traditional pie is a Southern kitchen staple, known for its rich custard texture and distinct buttermilk tang, which provides the ideal balance of sweet and tart flavors. This pie is perfect for any gathering, holiday, or just as a comforting treat, and it promises to add a touch of Southern charm to your dining table.
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Buttermilk Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
For the Pie Crust:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry blender or two forks to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually sprinkle in ice water, stirring with a fork until the dough just begins to come together.
- Chill the Dough:
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and the butter to chill.
- Roll and Prep the Crust:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate, trim the edges, and crimp decoratively. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
For the Buttermilk Filling:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine Filling Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and flour. Beat in eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon juice, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake:
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pie is set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Cool:
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. The pie will firm up as it cools.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve the buttermilk pie either at room temperature or chilled, as preferred.
Tips for Serving:
- Enhance Your Pie: Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a swirl of caramel sauce for a flavorful twist.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Accompany each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
- Storage: This pie tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply cover and refrigerate overnight.
Our Classic Southern Buttermilk Pie is more than just a slice of dessert; it’s a warm, creamy embrace with each bite. Its simplicity, combined with its deep, rich flavors, makes it a perennial favorite that embodies Southern warmth and hospitality. Enjoy baking and sharing this delectable treat, which is sure to please crowds and become a staple in your dessert repertoire.