If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances tangy brightness with rich, comforting creaminess, then this Southern Buttermilk Lemon Pie Recipe is exactly what your sweet tooth needs. This classic Southern favorite boasts a luscious, velvety filling made with buttermilk and fresh lemon juice, baked to a golden finish in a flaky pie crust. Every bite offers a delightful harmony of tart and sweet, making it an irresistible treat to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy or complicated here—just simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create that signature creamy, tangy filling and perfectly flaky crust. Each component plays a vital role in delivering texture, flavor, and that unmistakable Southern charm.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the tart lemon juice while helping to set the pie filling.
- All-purpose flour: Acts as a gentle thickener to give the pie that custard-like consistency without being heavy.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel to the filling.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help the pie set perfectly during baking.
- Buttermilk: The star of this Southern Buttermilk Lemon Pie Recipe, for its creamy texture and slight tanginess that brightens the entire dessert.
- Vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth to round out the lemon’s zing.
- Lemon juice: Brings that fresh, vibrant citrus punch that makes this pie unmistakably lemony and refreshing.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Your foundation—whether store-bought or homemade, it crisps up beautifully to hold the luscious filling.
How to Make Southern Buttermilk Lemon Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This precise temperature allows the filling to bake slowly to a smooth and creamy texture without cracking or curdling.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and flour first—this simple step ensures your pie will have the perfect balance of sweetness and structure. Then add the melted butter, stirring well to incorporate that buttery richness. Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully blend them, which helps with the pie’s smooth consistency. Finally, stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until everything comes together into a silky custard mixture.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour this luscious filling into the unbaked pie crust, smoothing out the top. Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, and the top has a delicate golden hue. A clean knife inserted in the center is your best test for doneness.
Step 4: Cool Before Serving
Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. This crucial step lets the filling set up fully, making slicing neat and easy while preserving the creamy texture that makes the Southern Buttermilk Lemon Pie Recipe so special.
How to Serve Southern Buttermilk Lemon Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh lemon zest curls on top beautifully highlight the pie’s lemony flavor. For an extra special touch, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds luxurious creaminess that complements the tart filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a light afternoon tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Fresh berries on the side can add a burst of color and subtle sweetness, enhancing the Southern Buttermilk Lemon Pie Recipe’s inviting brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual mini pies or tartlets for a charming presentation at parties. Alternatively, cut the pie into triangles and layer with a serving of berry compote for a stunning plated dessert that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Buttermilk Lemon Pie Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining that creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze the pie either whole or in slices. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When stored properly, it can last up to 1 month in the freezer without losing taste or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the pie after chilling or freezing, let it come to room temperature or warm it gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the filling watery and disrupt that classic creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a quality store-bought crust saves time and still yields fantastic results. Just be sure to use an unbaked crust as specified, so it crisps up perfectly with the filling.
Is buttermilk necessary, or can I substitute it?
Buttermilk is key to achieving the authentic tang and creamy texture in this Southern Buttermilk Lemon Pie Recipe. If you don’t have any on hand, you can create a simple substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Why does the pie need to cool completely before slicing?
Cooling allows the custard filling to firm up so that when you slice it, each piece holds together nicely without being runny or messy. Patience here really pays off!
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
This traditional recipe relies on eggs, butter, and buttermilk for its unique taste and texture, so substitutions can be tricky. However, experimenting with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter, non-dairy buttermilk, and egg replacers could work, but the flavor will differ from the classic Southern Buttermilk Lemon Pie Recipe.
How long will this pie last if left at room temperature?
Because it contains dairy and eggs, it’s best to keep the pie refrigerated. Leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours can risk food safety, so always store it in the fridge after serving.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Buttermilk Lemon Pie Recipe is a treasure from the heart of Southern kitchens, combining simplicity with unforgettable flavor. It’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh, perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, give this pie a try—it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy lemon pie!
Print
Southern Buttermilk Lemon Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Southern Pie is a classic dessert featuring a rich, tender custard filling made with buttermilk, eggs, and a hint of lemon, all nestled in a buttery unbaked pie crust. Perfectly baked until set and lightly golden, this pie offers a delightful balance of sweetness and slight tang, ideal for any occasion or holiday table.
Ingredients
Pie Filling
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour. Add the melted unsalted butter and mix well to incorporate. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next. Stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared filling mixture into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust. Place the pie on the center rack of the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the pie is set and the top is lightly golden. Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial as it allows the filling to set properly, ensuring clean slices for serving.
Notes
- Use fresh buttermilk for the best tangy flavor.
- If you prefer, make your own pie crust or use a store-bought one to save time.
- Ensure the pie is fully cooled before slicing to maintain structure.
- For added flavor, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries.
- If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil during baking to prevent burning.
