Southern Buttermilk Magic Pie Recipe

The Most Heavenly Southern Buttermilk Magic Pie Recipe Ever

Southern buttermilk magic pie enhances simple ingredients into a culinary marvel that whispers sweet promises of comfort.

Creamy, custard-like textures dance between delicate layers of richness and nostalgia.

Home cooks treasure this dessert as a cherished family secret passed through generations.

Rustic and unpretentious, the pie captures the essence of traditional southern baking with its humble yet extraordinary profile.

Unexpected ingredients meld together, creating a dessert that defies conventional expectations and delights taste buds.

southern kitchens have long celebrated this magical confection as a testament to their innovative culinary spirit.

Each slice tells a story of warmth, tradition, and unexpected deliciousness.

Why Southern Buttermilk Pie Is a Classic Favorite

  • Craft Creamy Comfort: This Southern buttermilk pie delivers an incredibly smooth, custard-like texture that melts in your mouth with pure, rich creaminess that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
  • Simplify Baking Brilliance: With just a few basic pantry ingredients and straightforward mixing steps, even novice bakers can create a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like a professional pastry chef made it.
  • Embrace Southern Charm: The classic buttermilk base combined with subtle nutmeg creates a nostalgic flavor profile that captures the essence of traditional Southern baking, making it perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a sweet weekend treat.

Ingredients for Southern Buttermilk Pie

Pie Crust:
  • Unbaked Pie Shell: Classic base for Southern-style pies, provides a delicate foundation for the buttermilk filling.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk: Tangy dairy ingredient that creates the signature creamy texture and rich flavor of the Southern magic pie.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the pie and helps create a smooth, caramelized top layer.
  • Large Eggs: Binding agent that helps set the pie and provides structure to the filling.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the filling and helps create a consistent texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth to the pie's flavor profile.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic undertone to the pie's taste.
Finishing Touches:
  • Nutmeg: Warm spice that adds a subtle, fragrant note and complements the creamy filling.

Making Southern Buttermilk Pie

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

  • Buttermilk
  • Sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • Flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 stick () melted butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
  • Nutmeg for garnish

Collect all ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature for optimal mixing.

Step 2: Create Silky Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, sugar, eggs, flour, salt, melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated, with no lumps visible.

Step 3: Prepare Pie Shell

Carefully pour the creamy filling into the unbaked pie shell. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, ensuring it reaches all corners of the pie shell.

Step 4: Add Aromatic Touch

Gently sprinkle a light dusting of nutmeg across the surface of the pie filling. This subtle spice will create a warm, inviting aroma and add depth to the flavor profile.

Step 5: Preheat and Initial Bake

Set the oven to 400°F. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This initial high temperature helps create a beautiful golden crust.

Step 6: Complete Baking Process

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Continue baking for an additional 45 minutes. The pie is done when the center is slightly jiggly but set, and the top has a golden-brown appearance.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Remove the pie from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for about 2-3 hours. This resting period helps the filling set and intensifies the flavors.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the pie into wedges and serve at room temperature. For an extra touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of additional nutmeg on top.

Tips for Southern Buttermilk Pie

  • Whisk with Precision: Blend ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, lump-free filling that guarantees a silky texture.
  • Temperature Control Matters: Start with a high heat burst, then lower the temperature to achieve a perfectly golden, evenly baked pie crust.
  • Nutmeg Nuance: Use freshly grated nutmeg for a more intense, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Cooling Technique: Let the pie cool completely at room temperature to allow the custard-like filling to set and develop its rich, creamy consistency.
  • Serving Sweet Spot: Serve slightly warm or at room temperature to maximize the pie's delicate flavor profile and tender texture.

Storing and Reheating Southern Buttermilk Pie

  • Refrigeration: Carefully wrap the buttermilk pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping its delicate texture and rich flavor intact.
  • Freezing: Seal the pie tightly in a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm individual slices in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. This gentle method helps restore the pie's original creamy consistency and prevents drying out. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy and compromise the pie's delightful texture.

Pairing Southern Buttermilk Pie with Ice Cream

  • Pair with Warm Spiced Chai: Complement the pie's creamy texture and sweet notes with a rich, aromatic chai tea that echoes the nutmeg's warmth and adds a delightful spicy contrast.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a heavenly dessert experience by serving a scoop of smooth, cold vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm buttermilk pie, balancing temperatures and enhancing the creamy vanilla undertones.
  • Enjoy with Caramel Bourbon Sauce: Drizzle a homemade caramel bourbon sauce over the pie to elevate its Southern charm, adding depth and a sophisticated adult twist that highlights the pie's buttery richness.
  • Serve with Fresh Berries: Add a bright, tangy element with a small side of fresh mixed berries like raspberries or blackberries, cutting through the pie's sweetness and providing a refreshing palate cleanser.

Southern Buttermilk Pie Variations to Try

  • Citrus Zest Fusion: Incorporate fresh lemon or orange zest into the filling for a bright, tangy flavor profile that complements the rich buttermilk base.
  • Chocolate Marble Swirl: Gently fold melted dark chocolate into half the filling, creating a marbled effect when poured into the pie shell for a decadent chocolate undertone.
  • Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted pecans or sliced almonds over the pie before baking, adding a delightful crunch and subtle nuttiness to the creamy buttermilk base.
  • Spiced Autumn Remix: Mix in ground cinnamon, ginger, and a touch of cloves to transform the pie into a warm, seasonal treat that captures cozy fall flavors.
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Southern Buttermilk Magic Pie Recipe

Southern Buttermilk Magic Pie Recipe


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4.5 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Southern Buttermilk Magic Pie delivers pure Southern comfort with its silky custard and rustic charm. Creamy layers melt together, promising a delightful slice of homemade goodness that connects you directly to cherished kitchen memories.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 stick (113 grams) butter
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell

Secondary Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 pinch salt

Topping:

  • 1 dash nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients: buttermilk (237 milliliters/), granulated sugar (200 grams/), large eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract.
  2. Melt the butter completely and allow it to cool slightly to prevent scrambling the eggs during mixing.
  3. In a spacious mixing vessel, combine the buttermilk, sugar, eggs, flour, salt, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  4. Whisk the ingredients vigorously until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency with no visible flour lumps.
  5. Prepare an unbaked 9-inch (23-centimeter) pie shell, ensuring the surface is level and free from cracks.
  6. Gently transfer the whisked mixture into the pie shell, using a spatula to distribute the filling evenly across the entire surface.
  7. Delicately sprinkle ground nutmeg over the top of the filling, creating a light, aromatic dusting that enhances the pie’s flavor profile.
  8. Position the pie in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) and bake for 15 minutes to initiate the setting process.
  9. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes.
  10. The pie is ready when the center appears slightly jiggly but set, with a golden-brown surface and slightly puffed edges.
  11. Remove the pie from the oven and place on a wire cooling rack, allowing it to cool completely for approximately 2-3 hours.
  12. The cooling process allows the custard to set firmly and intensifies the intricate flavor combinations within the pie.

Notes

  • Capture the essence of Southern comfort with this magical buttermilk pie that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, custardy delight.
  • Whisking ingredients thoroughly creates a smooth, silky filling that guarantees a perfect texture every single time.
  • Nutmeg sprinkled on top adds a warm, aromatic touch that elevates this classic Southern dessert from good to extraordinary.
  • The two-stage baking method ensures a golden-brown crust and a perfectly set, slightly jiggly center that melts in your mouth.
  • Cooling the pie completely is crucial for allowing the filling to set and develop its rich, full-bodied flavor profile.
  • Best served at room temperature or slightly chilled, this pie becomes even more delicious the next day as flavors continue to meld and intensify.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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