Picture sinking your fork into a slice of golden, custardy Southern Pie: tender, buttery pastry cradling a silky filling that melts in your mouth, graced with a hint of nutmeg and the tang of buttermilk. This traditional dessert is a love letter to Southern kitchens, beloved for its simplicity and comforting flavor—just the kind of treat you imagine gracing a family table at Sunday supper. Southern Pie is both rich and unpretentious, perfect for holidays, celebrations, or simply whenever you crave a nostalgic, soul-warming sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Southern Pie lies in its handful of humble ingredients, each one bringing just what the dish needs: richness, sweetness, and that hallmark custardy texture. These pantry staples come together effortlessly to create something truly magical—proof that you don’t need anything fancy to produce a dessert that steals the show.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The foundation of any great pie, ensuring every bite is flaky and tender. Feel free to use homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Provides essential sweetness and helps achieve that signature golden top.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Just a touch for thickening to guarantee the perfect custard texture.
- Unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (1/2 cup): Adds luscious richness and a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Large eggs (3): Bind everything together and create the beautifully silky custard.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that keeps the pie light with a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional): A classic Southern finish that adds a gentle, aromatic spice on top.
How to Make Southern Pie
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your unbaked 9-inch pie crust—homemade if you’re feeling ambitious, or store-bought when you want to keep things simple. Set it in a pie dish and have it ready for the luscious filling.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, and salt. This quick step ensures the flour blends evenly into your custard and the sweetness is distributed right from the start.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Pour in the melted, slightly cooled butter and stir until the mixture takes on a sandy, moist texture. The butter brings a creamy foundation and helps suspend the sugar for a gorgeous, even bake.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs
Crack in the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. This ensures a smooth, cohesive filling and helps your Southern Pie set up beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Finish with Buttermilk and Flavorings
Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well-combined. If you want to take your pie to the next level, add a pinch of nutmeg for that signature Southern touch.
Step 6: Bake Your Pie
Carefully pour the custard filling into the prepared pie crust. If you’d like, sprinkle the top with a bit more nutmeg. Bake for 45–50 minutes until the pie is golden brown and the center is just set. If the crust edges brown too quickly, shield them gently with foil.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Let your Southern Pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This patience is rewarded—the custard settles to become smooth and sliceable, perfect served at room temperature or chilled right from the fridge.
How to Serve Southern Pie
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance, try dusting your pie with a little powdered sugar or a soft cloud of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a light drizzle of honey are equally delightful, offering a contrast that highlights the pie’s creamy sweetness.
Side Dishes
While Southern Pie can easily steal the spotlight on its own, it shines all the brighter when paired with fresh fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a steaming mug of coffee. It’s a flexible finisher for any Southern-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, slice the pie into wedges and layer onto vintage plates with seasonal berries. For a Southern Pie get-together, try cutting small squares for a dessert bar or dress up individual servings with edible flowers and a sprig of mint.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Southern Pie tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to four days, and the flavor deepens with a little extra time.
Freezing
Want to savor a slice next week? Southern Pie freezes surprisingly well. Cool the pie completely, wrap it in a double layer of foil or plastic, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy your pie warm, heat individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. You can also pop the whole pie (covered loosely with foil) into a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes for that just-baked coziness.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought crust for Southern Pie?
Absolutely! Store-bought crusts are a great shortcut and work beautifully here. The filling’s silky richness is the real star, so feel free to use whatever crust you prefer—homemade or ready-made.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
Yes! If you’re out of buttermilk, simply add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a half cup of milk, then let it sit for a few minutes. This tangy swap will still give you the classic flavor of Southern Pie.
Why did my filling crack or sink?
Cracks can happen if the pie bakes too long or cools too quickly. Stick to the recommended time and let your pie cool gradually for the smoothest custard. Even if it’s not perfect, it will still taste amazing!
Can I make Southern Pie a day in advance?
Definitely! Southern Pie is an ideal make-ahead dessert. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it even better the next day. Just keep it chilled and covered until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to know when my Southern Pie is done?
The pie is ready when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle—think custard, not liquid. The top will turn a lovely golden color. If you’re unsure, a knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
Final Thoughts
Few desserts offer the warm, nostalgic comfort of an old-fashioned Southern Pie. It’s simple, timeless, and endlessly delicious—the kind of treat that brings everyone together at the table. I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share a slice with those you love!
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Southern Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and custardy goodness of Southern Pie, also known as Buttermilk Pie. This traditional dessert is a true Southern classic that is simple to make and a delight to savor. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients
Pie:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 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 oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare filling: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt. Add melted butter, mix until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in buttermilk and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fill the crust: Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust. Sprinkle with nutmeg if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set. Cover crust edges with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool completely before slicing. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- This classic Southern pie is rich, custardy, and simple.
- Sometimes referred to as ‘buttermilk pie.’
- Pairs well with fresh berries or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
