If you have a soft spot for desserts that deliver a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, you are going to absolutely adore this Southern Lemon Buttermilk Pie Recipe. This classic Southern favorite is a luscious custard-like pie with bright lemon notes beautifully complemented by the richness of buttermilk and butter. Every slice offers a heavenly contrast of creamy filling with a crisp, buttery crust, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at a traditional Southern dessert for the first time, this pie will quickly become one of your cherished go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Southern Lemon Buttermilk Pie Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one serves a crucial role, from the sweetness and texture to the tangy lemon kick and buttery richness, creating a pie that’s both straightforward and extraordinary.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness and helps create a smooth custard texture.
- All-purpose flour: A small amount works as a thickener to help the filling set perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the filling.
- Large eggs: Essential for structure and that custardy consistency we love in lemon buttermilk pie.
- Buttermilk: Brings a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and enhances tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth, rounding out the pie’s flavor beautifully.
- Lemon juice: The star of the dish, delivering a fresh, bright citrus punch.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: A flaky, buttery base that holds everything together and provides a delightful crunch.
How to Make Southern Lemon Buttermilk Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A steady, moderate temperature ensures the pie bakes evenly, allowing the filling to set without cracking or browning too quickly.
Step 2: Prepare Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour until combined. Slowly add the melted unsalted butter, stirring continuously to blend everything smoothly. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice, blending until the filling is silky and uniform. This combination guarantees a filling that’s rich but with just the right zing of citrus to keep things lively.
Step 3: Pour and Bake
Pour the luscious filling into your unbaked 9-inch pie crust, filling it nearly to the top. Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is lightly golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Patience is key here—don’t rush the bake as this will ensure a perfectly set filling with a delicate crust.
Step 4: Cool
Once baked, allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature. This step is crucial because it lets the filling firm up, making slicing easier and preventing the custard from oozing. Plus, it gives all those wonderful flavors time to meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Southern Lemon Buttermilk Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, dust the pie with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or add a few delicate lemon zest curls on top. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of crème fraîche pairs wonderfully, adding a creamy contrast that complements the tartness of the pie.
Side Dishes
This pie shines as the star dessert, but pairing it with fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries can enhance the experience with bursts of natural sweetness and color. A cup of hot tea or a mild coffee also makes for a comforting, classic Southern-style treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive gatherings, serve individual mini pies or tartlets using the same filling for personalized treats. Alternatively, drizzle a homemade berry coulis or a few mint leaves atop each slice to elevate the look and add a fresh herbal note to each bite. The Southern Lemon Buttermilk Pie Recipe adapts beautifully to your creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keeping it chilled ensures the custard stays firm and fresh while protecting the crust from becoming soggy. Be sure to cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap to preserve its delicate texture.
Freezing
If you want to make this pie in advance, you can freeze it after baking and cooling completely. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. For best taste and texture, consume within one month of freezing.
Reheating
When reheating, allow the frozen pie to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes to regain a freshly baked feel without melting the custard. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While regular milk can be used in a pinch, buttermilk is key to achieving the pie’s characteristic tang and tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can simulate it by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
What kind of pie crust works best?
A classic, flaky, buttery pie crust is ideal for this recipe. Whether you make your own or use store-bought, ensure it’s chilled before filling to support the custard and maintain a crisp base.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
The pie is ready when the top turns lightly golden and the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. A clean knife inserted into the middle is a great test—the blade should come out mostly clean with just a hint of moistness.
Can I add more lemon flavor?
Absolutely! If you love an extra lemony punch, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the juice to the filling. Just be careful not to add too much liquid as it might affect the pie’s texture.
Is this pie suitable for special occasions?
Definitely! The Southern Lemon Buttermilk Pie Recipe is elegant enough for holidays and celebrations yet simple enough for casual family desserts. Its vibrant flavor and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser anytime.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s not only deeply rooted in Southern tradition but also bursting with bright, fresh flavor, this Southern Lemon Buttermilk Pie Recipe is calling your name. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. So go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of Southern sunshine—you won’t regret it!
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Southern Lemon Buttermilk 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 classic Southern Pie is a rich and creamy dessert with a buttery, tangy filling baked in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for gatherings, it combines sugar, buttermilk, eggs, and a hint of lemon for a luscious, custard-like texture with a golden top.
Ingredients
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
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for an even bake by the time your pie filling is ready.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and flour. Add the melted unsalted butter and mix well to incorporate the butter evenly. Beat in the eggs one at a time to create a smooth mixture. Then stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until the filling is well combined and smooth.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the prepared filling mixture into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, until the pie filling is set and the top turns lightly golden. Test doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This resting time allows the filling to set properly and makes for clean, neat slices when serving.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Let the pie cool fully before cutting to avoid a runny filling.
- You can serve this pie with whipped cream or fresh berries for added garnish.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
