IngredientsFor the pie:1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar3 large eggs, room temperature3 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice1 teaspoon vanilla extract¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg¼ teaspoon saltOptional for serving:Powdered sugarFresh berriesWhipped creamA small pinch of nutmeg or cinnamonInstructionsPrepare the oven and crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it against the bottom and sides. Crimp the edges as desired. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling.Cream the butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar for about 2–3 minutes. The mixture may look slightly grainy, which is perfectly normal.Add the eggs. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Continue beating until the mixture becomes lighter and creamy.Add the flour. Sprinkle in the flour and salt and mix just until incorporated. The small amount of flour helps the custard set while keeping the filling soft and silky.Add the buttermilk. Slowly pour in the buttermilk while mixing on low speed. Add the lemon juice, vanilla, and nutmeg. Mix until everything is well combined. Don’t worry if the filling looks slightly separated—the butter can create tiny flecks that disappear as the pie bakes.Fill the crust. Remove the prepared crust from the refrigerator and pour in the buttermilk filling. Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to make transferring it to the oven easier.Bake. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle when the pan is gently shaken. The top should become beautifully golden with a lightly caramelized appearance.Protect the crust if necessary. If the crust edges start browning too quickly, loosely cover them with strips of aluminum foil or a pie shield.Cool completely. Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow it to cool for at least 2 hours. The filling continues setting as it cools, so avoid slicing it while it’s hot.How to ServeButtermilk pie is delicious at room temperature or chilled. Dust the top lightly with powdered sugar and serve it plain, or add whipped cream and fresh berries.Tips for the Best Buttermilk PieUse full-fat cultured buttermilk for the richest flavor and best custard texture. Room-temperature ingredients also blend more smoothly.Avoid overbaking. The middle should have a gentle wobble when you remove the pie from the oven. If you wait until the center is completely firm, the custard can become dry or grainy.For a brighter flavor, add 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest along with the lemon juice. For a warmer old-fashioned flavor, increase the nutmeg to ½ teaspoon.StorageOnce completely cooled, cover the pie and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. For the creamiest texture, let a refrigerated slice sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before serving.The result: a flaky crust filled with smooth, buttery vanilla-buttermilk custard, finished with a gorgeous golden top—a simple old-fashioned dessert that’s especially good with coffee.
Delicious Buttermilk Pie