• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
Sugar Spun Run
  • All Recipes
  • Desserts
    • Cookies
    • Candy
    • Bars & Brownies
    • Cake
    • Pies
  • Pastries
  • Breads
  • Savory
  • Breakfast
    • Muffins
    • Scones
  • Seasonal
    • Cozy Winter / Holiday Treats
    • Easter / Spring
    • Fall Recipes
    • Summer Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About Me
  • All Recipes
  • Contact/Work with Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
  • ×
    You are here: Home / Desserts / Pies / Buttermilk Pie

    Buttermilk Pie

    November 9, 2018 By Sam 48 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Buttermilk pie slice

    How to make an old fashioned Buttermilk Pie! This simple custard-based pie is made in my easy homemade pie crust and requires only a handful of ingredients.

    Buttermilk pie slice

    Have you ever had Buttermilk Pie?

    Most of my siblings had never even heard of it, and I’ll be totally honest it received mixed reviews with my family members. I’m strongly in the love camp, but my little sister informed me that while the flavor was good, it was a texture thing (which is also how she feels about my coconut macaroons), and she refused a second slice.

    Personally, I love the light custardy texture, the golden, slightly crisped top, and the hint of nutmeg. Zach thought it was like biting into a warm sugar cookie, but I thought it was more tart than that. Perhaps if he’d had the patience to wait until it cooled entirely as I’d suggested, he would’ve gotten a different flavor profile, but patience isn’t his strength (I forgive him for that, because washing dishes is).

    Keep in mind that if you don’t have actual buttermilk on hand, you can always use my easy buttermilk substitute instead (you only need milk and vinegar or lemon juice!).

    Whisking buttermilk pie filling

    Pouring buttermilk pie filling into pie shell

    Can I use Store-bought Pie Crust to Make Buttermilk Pie?

    Honestly I really recommend that you use my homemade pie crust (it’s the same easy one I used for my Pecan Pie and Chocolate Pie). However, in a pinch you can certainly use a store-bought pie crust to make Buttermilk Pie.

    If you’re opting for store-bought, I recommend buying the kind that’s rolled up into itself and not one that’s already in a foil tin. If you do opt to buy a pre-made pie crust that’s already in a tin, I’ve found that those often tend to be smaller/more shallow than your average pie pan. Take care that you do not overfill your pie crust and instead discard of any extra batter, I usually like to have ½″ of space between the surface of my buttermilk pie and the top of the pie crust.

    freshly baked buttermilk pie with golden surface

    I served my buttermilk pie without topping, though in retrospect I bet it would taste incredible with some homemade whipped cream (but really, what doesn’t).

    Enjoy!

    More Easy Pie Recipes You May Enjoy:

    • Key Lime Pie
    • Peanut Butter Pie
    • Apple Pie

    Buttermilk Pie slice

    Buttermilk Pie

    A simple old-fashioned Buttermilk Pie!
    Recipe adapted from Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    Servings: 10 slices
    Calories: 355kcal
    Author: Sam Merritt

    Ingredients

    • 1 homemade pie crust click link for recipe
    • 3 large eggs room temperature
    • 1 ½ cups sugar (300g)
    • ½ cup butter melted and cooled
    • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup buttermilk (237ml)
    • 1 ½ Tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg optional
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Prepare homemade pie crust according to recipe instructions. As per instructions, prepare, chill, roll out, and arrange into a 9 ½" pie plate (do not bake). Return to refrigerator to chill while you prepare buttermilk pie filling.
    • Preheat oven to 400F.
    • Crack eggs into a large bowl and whisk until pale yellow and foamy (about 15 seconds).
    • Add sugar and stir until combined.
    • Add remaining ingredients and stir until mixture is smooth (I like to use a whisk to make sure I break up any flour clump).
    • Pour ingredients into prepared pie crust* and transfer to 400F (205C) and bake for 10 minutes. Then, without opening the oven door, reduce the heat to 350F (175C) and continue to bake another 40-45 minutes or until pie is set (the center may still be a bit jiggly but should not be liquidy. The top of the pie will be golden brown and may have puffed some, this will settle as it cools.
    • Allow to cool completely before serving.

    Notes

    *If you opted to use a storebought pie crust that's already in a foil tin, there's a good chance you'll have too much filling. Don't overfill your pie crust, discard any extra liquid.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice | Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 46mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 650IU | Vitamin C: 5.8mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 0.4mg

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

    Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!

    Slice of buttermilk pie on white plate

    « Brown Sugar Cookies
    The Best Blondie Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nick

      June 15, 2020 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made buttermilk pie before using a different recipe before and was happy with it, but I today tried adding in the lemon juice and nutmeg and the result was even better. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sam

        June 16, 2020 at 12:24 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed it so much, Nick! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Nami

      June 14, 2020 at 12:53 pm

      5 stars
      Made this a couple days ago and it was super easy and delicious! Loved the crispy top. Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Sam

        June 15, 2020 at 10:44 am

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Nami! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Debbie

      May 22, 2020 at 3:31 pm

      5 stars
      This took much longer then anticipated and I believe this is an issue with the humidity as I had a hard time keeping my dough chilled long enough to work with it need to b a very early attempt but will do again and let you know how it came out.

      Reply
      • Sugar Spun Run

        May 22, 2020 at 4:42 pm

        Sorry that it took longer than expected, Debbie! I hope that it tastes delicious. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Karen Traynham

      November 16, 2019 at 10:02 pm

      do you use salted butter or unsalted?

      Reply
      • Sugar Spun Run

        November 17, 2019 at 7:34 am

        Hello, Karen. I recommend using unsalted butter. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Mary

      August 20, 2019 at 10:39 am

      Hi Sam,

      This looks amazing and I know I would love it. I’m a buttermilk fan in all forms and straight up. But if I call it “Buttermilk Pie”my weirdo husband won’t even try it. Could it pass for vanilla custard if I called it that? Is there a very strong buttermilk tang or does the sugar cut that? I think he would like the pie, but the name is an obstacle.

      Thanks,

      Mary

      Reply
      • Sugar Spun Run

        August 20, 2019 at 2:31 pm

        Hello, Mary!

        This recipe is similar to a custard, it does not have a strong buttermilk tang and of my family members even call it a “sugar cookie pie” because the taste reminds them of a sugar cookie. Let me know how your husband likes it! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Nicholas

      July 07, 2019 at 11:21 pm

      5 stars
      Both crust and pie were amazing. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Sam

        July 08, 2019 at 9:04 am

        I am so glad you enjoyed it, Nicholas! 🙂

        Reply
    7. RJ

      May 27, 2019 at 1:52 pm

      What should the texture/composition be throughout the pie? I’m finding a small but moist/soft layer right at the bottom, while it tends to be more solid (though soft) above that, up to the thin and crispy top layer. Want to make sure I’m baking it all the way through. Judging from your picture, there might be a small moist layer in your pie too, but its hard to tell. On my second try, after reducing heat to 350F, I baked for 55 minutes to try and bake it more thoroughly, but no difference. Thanks for your help!

      Reply
      • Sam

        May 27, 2019 at 9:23 pm

        Hi RJ! Hmm, it should be a custard-like consistency all the way through (with a bit of browning/crispness on the very top). I haven’t had a layer of a different texture in the pie. I was going to recommend decreasing the temperature of your oven but it looks like you already tried that without different results. My next best guess would be to make sure all of your ingredients for the custard are entirely and thoroughly combined, I’m wondering if they’re separating a bit while the pie bakes?

        Reply
    8. Marjorie Miller

      May 15, 2019 at 1:32 pm

      5 stars
      Buttermilk pie is the best! It is like eating a custard pound cake.

      Reply
      • Sam

        May 15, 2019 at 10:10 pm

        I am so glad you enjoy the pie, Marjorie! I had never had it and then I found it in a store one day and had to have it. It is really good! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Grace Prewitt

      May 10, 2019 at 7:45 pm

      Is it supposto be hard when qits done?or soft?I really want it a lil hard

      Reply
      • Sam

        May 12, 2019 at 12:26 am

        Hi Grace! It’s like a firm custard 🙂

        Reply
    10. Samantha

      April 23, 2019 at 11:39 am

      My husband has been raving to me since we were dating about Buttermilk Pie. I have never tried it, let alone attempted to make it, but he asked me the other night if I would try to make him a Buttermilk Pie. I searched and found your recipe, so I will be trying this week (:

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 23, 2019 at 12:00 pm

        I hope you love it! Let me know how it goes! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Iram

      November 16, 2018 at 4:33 am

      Did you need to put foil or a pie shield around the edges and if so at what time?

      Reply
      • Sam

        November 16, 2018 at 9:44 pm

        There shouldn’t be any need for a pie shield.

        Reply
        • Phil

          March 21, 2019 at 6:04 am

          5 stars
          After looking up your buttermilk pancakes recipe, I searched your site for buttermilk pie and this page came up. My Gramma in Texas where I grew up made this and now where I live, in Kentucky near Cincinnati, nobody has ever heard of it. Thank you for sharing!

        • Sam

          March 21, 2019 at 10:46 pm

          I am so glad you were able to find this pie Phil! I hope you can introduce everyone to it and show them how tasty it is. 🙂

        • HBCD

          March 24, 2019 at 3:53 pm

          I’m sorry…I’m confused. Do I put the mixture in the pie crust that hasn’t been baked yet? Or do I do the blind baking and put in the mixture after the crust has been cooked and cooled? My first time making a pie and this sounds amazing, so sorry if I’m clueless 🙂

        • Sam

          March 24, 2019 at 9:34 pm

          Hi Cyndi! You do not need to bake the pie crust, as referenced in step 1. 🙂 Enjoy!

    12. Lily Grace

      November 12, 2018 at 12:49 pm

      5 stars
      It looks so yummy 🤤

      Reply
      • Sam

        November 12, 2018 at 2:50 pm

        I hope you love it! ☺️

        Reply
        • Lily Grace

          November 12, 2018 at 3:12 pm

          5 stars
          Thanks

    13. Lily Grace

      November 12, 2018 at 12:46 pm

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious, I’ll do it for Thanksgiving as well

      Reply
    14. Karen Prigmore

      November 10, 2018 at 11:10 pm

      Don’t make the same mistake I made years ago ~ be sure to get whole fat buttermilk and not low-fat. Otherwise, it absolutely will not work.

      Reply
      • Sam

        November 10, 2018 at 11:57 pm

        Great tip Karen! 🙂

        Reply
        • Lily Grace

          November 12, 2018 at 12:50 pm

          5 stars
          Yum

    15. Karen

      November 09, 2018 at 12:19 pm

      5 stars
      Gonna try this for Thanksgiving.

      Thank you

      Reply
      • Sam

        November 09, 2018 at 1:33 pm

        I hope you love it, Karen!

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    The author (Sam) in blue shirt holding donut Hi, I'm Sam! I'm dedicated to bringing you sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes. My life may or may not be controlled by my sweet tooth. Send help (or chocolate). Read more about me.

    Warm Weather Recipes

    golden brown funnel cake dusted with powdered sugar on a white plate

    Funnel Cake Recipe

    mason jar of iced sweet tea with a lemon round garnish

    Sweet Tea

    Lemonade in glass pitcher

    Homemade Lemonade Recipe

    lemon cake on white plate

    Lemon Cake

    glass jar full of homemade lemon curd on a gray marble surface surrounded by lemon halves and small white baby's breath flowers

    Lemon Curd Recipe

    pink strawberry cake on white plate

    Strawberry Cake

    Most Popular

    flaky biscuit on white cloth

    Easy Homemade Biscuits

    Pizza dough in glass bowl, after rising

    The Best Pizza Dough Recipe

    one bite missing from a slice of vanilla cake with chocolate frosting

    The Best Vanilla Cake Recipe

    stack of 5 chocolate chip cookies

    The WORST Chocolate Chip Cookies

    NEVER MISS A RECIPE!

    places sugar spun run has been featured (Women's Day, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Country Living, the huffington post, People, Delish, MSN, TLC, Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, Buzzfeed)
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Youtube

    Privacy Policy|Accessibility Statement

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    ABOUT

    • About Me
    • Policies, Disclosure & Privacy
    • Terms of Use

    CONTACT

    • Contact
    • Work with Me!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Youtube

    © 2020 Sugar Spun Run. All Rights Reserved

    • 83