This Southern Pie is a true testament to the magic of Southern baking. With its smooth, creamy filling, tangy flavor, and perfectly golden crust, this dessert is both comforting and indulgent. Made with a mix of buttermilk, vanilla, and a hint of lemon, it's a pie that never fails to impress, whether you're preparing it for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat to enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Southern Pie combines a rich, velvety filling with a hint of tang from the buttermilk and lemon juice, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and refreshing. The smooth texture melts in your mouth, while the golden crust adds just the right amount of crunch. Not only is it delicious, but it's also incredibly simple to prepare—making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.
The tangy buttermilk balances beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar and the subtle richness of the butter. The hint of vanilla and lemon juice elevate this pie into a true Southern classic that will leave everyone asking for more. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as a holiday dessert, a summer treat, or a cozy family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and flour. Stir in the melted butter until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, stirring until fully combined.
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Pour and Bake: Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the pie is set and golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Serve and enjoy this creamy Southern treat!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 320 kcal per slice
Variations
- Add a touch of cinnamon: To give your pie an extra layer of warmth and flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling mixture.
- Use a graham cracker crust: If you prefer a crunchier base, substitute the traditional pie crust for a graham cracker crust.
- Top with whipped cream: For an extra indulgence, serve the pie with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. If you're serving cold, the pie is just as delicious chilled!
FAQs
1. Can I make this Southern Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this pie the day before serving. Simply store it in the refrigerator once cooled, and it will be ready to serve the next day.
2. Can I use a pre-made pie crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust works perfectly with this recipe, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
3. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.
4. Is it necessary to chill the pie before serving?
While chilling isn't required, it does help the pie set better and makes slicing easier.
5. How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. It should have a slightly firm texture but still be creamy inside.
6. Can I add fruit to the filling?
You can add some fresh berries or even a bit of citrus zest to the filling for added flavor, though it may alter the classic Southern flavor a bit.
7. Can I freeze this Southern Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
8. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger pie or two smaller pies. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
9. How can I prevent the pie from over-baking?
Check the pie around the 50-minute mark. If the edges of the crust start to brown too much before the center sets, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil and continue baking until the filling is set.
10. Can I substitute the sugar with something else?
You can try using honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness, but it may alter the consistency of the filling slightly. You may need to adjust the flour or other ingredients to maintain the texture.
Conclusion
This Southern Pie is a timeless dessert that embodies the charm of Southern baking. Its rich, creamy filling paired with a crisp, golden crust is sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. Whether you're new to baking or a seasoned pro, this simple yet flavorful recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Perfect for any occasion, it offers a balance of sweetness and tang that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Southern Pie: A Classic Southern Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Pie recipe features a rich, creamy filling with tangy buttermilk and lemon juice, all nestled in a buttery, golden crust. Perfect for any occasion, this Southern dessert offers a balance of sweetness and tang. A comforting favorite that will impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients
- ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar and flour. Stir in melted butter until smooth.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir until fully combined.
- Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, until golden brown and a knife inserted comes out clean.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling for extra warmth.
- Substitute a graham cracker crust for a crunchier base.
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
