Buttermilk Pie — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

Real cultured buttermilk gives this pie its tang, which is the only thing keeping it from being cloying. The trick is pulling it while the center still jiggles so the custard stays silky instead of grainy.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 9 servings

Milk

Cultured buttermilk provides the signature tang and thin body; do not sub sweet milk.

1 1/2 cups

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Eggs

They set the loose custard; overbaking makes it curdle and weep.

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Unrefined sugar

Sweetens and forms the faint caramelized skin on top.

1 1/2 cups

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Butter

Melted into the filling for richness and cut into the crust.

3/4 cup

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Baking flour

A spoonful thickens the custard; the rest makes the crust.

1 1/2 cups

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Spices

A little vanilla and nutmeg round out the tang.

1 tsp

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Lemon

A squeeze of juice sharpens the buttermilk tang.

1/2

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The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat

A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time

EffortA project

Cook it with

Sheet pan

The Method

Par-bake the shellBlind-bake the crust with weights at 375F for 15 minutes, then remove the weights.
Whisk the baseBeat sugar with 3 tablespoons flour and melted butter, then whisk in eggs one at a time.
Add buttermilkStir in buttermilk, vanilla, nutmeg, and lemon juice until smooth.
BakePour into the shell and bake at 350F for 45-50 minutes.
Check donenessThe top should be golden and the center should still wobble like set jelly.
CoolCool at least 2 hours; the custard sets as it drops to room temperature.

The Toolkit

Pie dish 9-inch · Whisk · Pie weights · Rolling pin · Mixing bowl · Cooling rack

Straight Answers

Can you make Buttermilk Pie in an air fryer? — Sometimes

You can, but a custard needs gentle, even heat and usually a water bath the basket can’t give, so the top tends to set before the middle. Bake it in ramekins that fit and watch closely, or use the oven for a foolproof set.

Can you freeze Buttermilk Pie? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make Buttermilk Pie ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.

Is Buttermilk Pie gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).

Is Buttermilk Pie vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.545

Buttermilk Pie, and where to source it