Buttermilk pie is a quintessential Southern dessert, renowned for its simplicity and delightful flavor. This creamy, custard-like pie, with a subtle tang from buttermilk, encased in a flaky crust, offers a comforting taste of home. If you’re searching for the perfect recipe, look no further than the Pioneer Woman Buttermilk Pie Recipe. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, has shared her take on this classic, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
This Pioneer Woman buttermilk pie recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of smooth, rich filling that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of tartness. The buttermilk is the star ingredient, giving the pie its signature moistness and flavor. Baked in a buttery, flaky pie crust, this pie is incredibly easy to make, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Often compared to chess pie and a close relative to sugar cream pie, buttermilk pie distinguishes itself with its unique tangy note derived from buttermilk. This dessert recipe is a standout in its category, celebrated for its uncomplicated nature and memorable taste. The Pioneer Woman’s version elevates this classic, making it a must-try for anyone who appreciates genuine Southern baking.
One of the best aspects of this buttermilk pie recipe is its versatility and ease. It’s a quick and straightforward dessert to prepare, ideal for those busy days when you crave homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. You won’t need any obscure ingredients or advanced baking skills to create this masterpiece. It’s a recipe that welcomes everyone, regardless of their baking proficiency.
Whether it’s a holiday gathering like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or a casual summer get-together, this pie fits seamlessly into any occasion. Served chilled, it’s a refreshing treat for warmer months. Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to elevate it further. And if you are a fan of Ree Drummond, you might also want to explore her famous Chocolate Pie, another 5-star rated recipe that embodies the Pioneer Woman’s home-style cooking.
A single serving of buttermilk pie on a small white serving plate.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Buttermilk Pie
Granulated Sugar: The foundation of sweetness for our pie, granulated sugar provides the perfect level of sugary delight.
Unsalted Butter: Butter is essential for that rich, creamy flavor we all adore. Using unsalted butter allows you to precisely control the saltiness of the pie.
Eggs: Eggs act as the binding agent in this recipe, giving the pie its signature custard-like texture and helping it set beautifully. Always incorporate eggs one at a time for optimal mixing.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour is the thickener in the filling, ensuring your pie isn’t too runny and maintains its shape when sliced.
Buttermilk: The star ingredient! Buttermilk imparts a unique tangy flavor and contributes to the creamy texture that makes this pie so irresistible.
Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon zest and juice introduce a bright, citrusy note that perfectly complements the richness of the other ingredients, adding a refreshing dimension to the pie.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances and balances all the flavors in the pie. It’s a subtle addition that makes a significant difference in the overall taste profile.
Fine Sea Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial in desserts. It balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of all other ingredients, bringing them to life.
Ground Nutmeg (Optional): A sprinkle of ground nutmeg can add a warm, comforting, and slightly spicy depth to your buttermilk pie. While optional, it’s highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor.
Premade Pie Crust: For ease and convenience, a premade pie crust is perfect. It saves time and ensures a consistently flaky and buttery crust every time. However, if you prefer, feel free to use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe.
Powdered Sugar (Optional): A dusting of powdered sugar is an optional but lovely finishing touch. It adds a delicate sweetness and gives your pie a bakery-style presentation.
The labeled ingredients for buttermilk pie.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Buttermilk Pie
Step 1: Combine Sugar and Butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and melted butter until thoroughly combined, creating a thick paste. For detailed, printable instructions, refer to the recipe card at the end of this post.
Adding sugar and butter to a large glass mixing bowl and mixing together until a thick paste is formed.
Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated into the sugar and butter mixture before adding the next. This step is crucial for a smooth and well-emulsified batter.
Adding one egg at a time until the mixture is incorporated.
Step 3: Whisk in the Flour: Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain. Ensure the flour is fully incorporated to prevent any powdery texture in the baked pie.
Adding flour into the egg mixture and stirring in.
Step 4: Add Buttermilk and Flavorings: Slowly pour in the buttermilk while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth batter. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, salt, and ground nutmeg (if using). Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is homogenous.
Stirring in buttermilk, cinnamon and vanilla into the batter.
Step 5: Fill the Pie Crust: Carefully pour the prepared buttermilk pie filling into the premade pie crust. Ensure even distribution of the filling within the crust.
Step 6: Bake the Pie: Transfer the pie to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center of the pie has a slight jiggle.
Pouring the pie filling into a premade pie crust then baking in the oven until golden brown.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature before slicing and serving. Cooling is essential for the pie to fully set and for easier slicing. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar if desired. For full ingredient amounts, detailed instructions, and helpful tips, please see the recipe card below.
Garnishing the pie with multiple thin lemon wedges.
Pro Baking Tips for Perfect Buttermilk Pie
- Incorporate Eggs Gradually: When whisking eggs into the sugar and butter mixture, add them one at a time. This ensures a smooth and well-combined batter, contributing to the pie’s perfect texture.
- Handle with Care: Be cautious when moving the filled pie crust to the oven, as it will be quite full. Consider baking it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any potential spills.
- Prevent Crust Browning: If the crust starts to brown too quickly during baking, use a pie shield or loosely cover the edges with aluminum foil. This will protect the crust from burning while allowing the filling to bake properly.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allow the buttermilk pie to cool completely to room temperature before slicing. This ensures that the filling sets properly, making it easier to cut clean slices and maintain the pie’s structure.
Buttermilk Pie FAQs
What Does Buttermilk Pie Taste Like?
Buttermilk pie offers a unique flavor profile. It’s a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and creamy, with a subtle hint of citrus from the lemon zest and juice. The flaky pie crust provides a lovely textural contrast to the smooth filling.
What’s the Difference Between Chess Pie and Buttermilk Pie?
Both buttermilk pie and chess pie are beloved Southern desserts with similar characteristics, but they have key differences. Buttermilk pie prominently features buttermilk, lending a distinct tang and creamy texture, often enhanced with lemon. Chess pie, on the other hand, typically uses cornmeal as a thickener, resulting in a slightly different texture and a generally sweeter, richer flavor. Both are delicious, but buttermilk pie offers a lighter, tangier experience.
An overhead image of a partially cut pie with multiple slices missing.
What Is Buttermilk Pie Made Of?
The beauty of buttermilk pie lies in its simple ingredients. It’s primarily made of buttermilk, sugar, eggs, and butter, often flavored with vanilla and lemon zest. These basic ingredients combine to create a creamy, custard-like filling when baked in a pie crust, resulting in a pie that is both comforting and irresistible.
Why Is My Buttermilk Pie Watery?
A watery buttermilk pie can be disappointing, but it’s often due to a few common issues. Underbaking is a primary culprit; ensure the filling is set before removing it from the oven. Oven temperature that is too low can also lead to a watery pie. Additionally, the quality of buttermilk matters. If the buttermilk is too thin, it can result in a less set filling. Using a high-quality, thicker buttermilk is recommended. Baking the pie on the lower oven rack can also help the bottom crust cook thoroughly, preventing a soggy bottom and aiding in setting the pie properly.
A slice of pie on a plate with a bite missing next to a fork.
Can You Freeze Buttermilk Pies?
Yes, buttermilk pie freezes well. To freeze, let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How Long Does Buttermilk Pie Last?
Buttermilk pie will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it is covered to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
An overhead image of a partially cut pie garnished with lemon wedges and powdered sugar.
Should Buttermilk Pie Jiggle?
Yes, a perfectly baked buttermilk pie should have a slight jiggle in the center when you take it out of the oven. This indicates that it’s done but still moist. As it cools, the pie will continue to set and firm up. If the entire pie is very jiggly, it may need a few more minutes in the oven.
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A Pinterest pin image with a picture of buttermilk pie, with title text at the top.
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**Prep Time** 10 minutes
**Cook Time** 50 minutes
**Total Time** 1 hourPioneer Woman Buttermilk Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
- 3 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 9 inch premade pie crust
- Powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the granulated sugar and melted butter. Whisk to combine. Next, whisk in one egg at a time until incorporated, then whisk in the flour. Pour in the buttermilk along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Whisk to combine.
- Pour the buttermilk pie filling mixture into the pie crust and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The pie is finished baking when the edges are set and the center of the pie has a very slight jiggle. You may need to cover the crust with a pie shield or tent the pie with aluminum foil after about 25 minutes if you notice that the pie or crust is getting dark too quickly.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature (this will take about 2 hours). Before serving, garnish with powdered sugar.
Recipe Notes
*The Pioneer Woman’s recipe sometimes calls for a blind bake of the pie crust at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, though this version doesn’t typically require it. Feel free to add that step if you prefer a pre-baked crust.
The pie crust will be quite full with filling, so handle with care when transferring to the oven. Baking it on a rimmed baking sheet can prevent spills. Despite being full, it should not spill over during baking.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1/8
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 398
Total Fat: 19.7g
Carbohydrates: 52.2g
Fiber: 0.6g
Sugar: 38.8g
Protein: 3.8g
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
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Buttermilk pie is truly a delightful dessert for any occasion. Its creamy, tangy filling and flaky crust are guaranteed to impress everyone who tries it. Enjoy baking this classic Pioneer Woman buttermilk pie recipe!
