"It's the BEST!!!"
Many recipes don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated steps to earn a loyal following—just a little know-how and a lot of heart. That’s definitely the case with "Best Buttermilk Pie," a simple, old-fashioned dessert that’s been winning over home bakers for generations.
It was originally shared by Allrecipes community member Lisa, who received the recipe from a 94-year-old woman in Arkansas who has made it her entire life. It’s a classic Southern buttermilk pie featuring a smooth, custardy filling made with eggs, butter, sugar, and tangy buttermilk that’s poured into a pie crust and finished with a sprinkle of nutmeg. The result is rich, sweet, and just slightly tangy, often compared to crème brûlée or chess pie, but much easier to pull off.
With a store-bought crust and pantry staples, this pie comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor. If you make it once, you’ll immediately understand the hype. Reviewer Joan Taramasso summed up the deliciousness perfectly: "First of all, that 94-year-old lady in Arkansas is a freakin’ genius," they wrote. “I wanted/needed a quick pie recipe for Christmas, and I don't think I could have found a better recipe. I cheated and used a store-bought crust. Everything about this recipe is perfect for fast, tasty, and convenient.”
What Is Buttermilk Pie?
Buttermilk pie is a classic Southern dessert with roots that trace back to English settlers, later becoming a staple across the American South. By the late 1800s, it had earned a place among "desperation pies," resourceful recipes made with simple, affordable ingredients that could be kept on hand.
The pie also carries deep cultural significance, including ties to African American culinary traditions, where it was passed down through generations as a reliable, homemade treat. Unlike fruit pies, it didn’t depend on seasonal produce or refrigeration, making it a practical dessert during times of scarcity, from the Great Depression to World War II.
It’s especially fitting that this beloved recipe comes from an Arkansas home cook. The state has a rich pie tradition of its own that's celebrated through the Arkansas Pie Trail, which highlights family-run cafes across the Delta and Ozarks serving specialties like buttermilk pie and possum pie.
How To Make Buttermilk Pie
This recipe comes together in just a few easy steps.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and place your unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
- Beat together sugar and butter until smooth, then mix in buttermilk, eggs, flour, and vanilla.
- Pour the filling into the crust and sprinkle the top with a little nutmeg.
- Bake for about 1 hour, until golden brown, then let it cool slightly before slicing.
Tips and Praise from the Allrecipes Community
- "I didn't change a thing," says Dina. "It was perfect. A bit syrupy like pecan pie filling, but with an eggnogish flavor. It disappears fast."
- "I make this pie just as directed, and it's great," says Laurie Hall. "The first pie I ever made was a buttermilk pie at the age of 13. I remember my dad telling me it was his favorite, so this pie is pretty special. This is a great pie if you need something fast and easy, also great for beginners."
- "My family loves this pie," says ZippyBasil3465. "I almost don’t get any before they eat it all."
- "Delicious!" says mminmich. "My pie only needed 45 minutes in the oven. I used a 6" granola pie crust and reduced the sugar to one heaping cup and the butter to 1/4 cup. Thanks for the recipe! I will be making again!"
- "Very good!!!" says AIAROSSI. "I had never had buttermilk pie before and decided to try this one. Everyone loved it! I did increase the flour from 3 tsp. to 2 tablespoons, and it set up wonderfully! I also covered the edges of the pie crust with foil before baking to prevent it from browning too much."
Read the original article on Allrecipes
