A timeless Southern classic—creamy, custardy, tangy-sweet, and baked with pure comfort.
⭐ Introduction
Nannie’s Buttermilk Pie is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug from an old-fashioned kitchen. It’s a classic Southern custard pie made from simple pantry ingredients—eggs, sugar, butter, and buttermilk—creating a silky center wrapped in a flaky crust.
This pie is known for its gentle tang, sweet vanilla aroma, and golden top that cracks beautifully as it cools. It’s a dessert that tastes like tradition, nostalgia, and family love passed down through generations.
Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a comforting treat, Nannie’s Buttermilk Pie never fails to bring smiles.
🧺 Ingredients
For the Pie Filling
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
For the Crust
- 1 deep-dish 9-inch pie crust
(homemade or store-bought, unbaked)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare Your Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place your pie crust in a pie dish and set aside.
2. Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk sugar and melted butter until fully combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition.
- Add the flour and salt; mix until smooth.
- Pour in the buttermilk, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- Whisk until creamy and uniform (no lumps).
3. Fill & Bake
- Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake 45–55 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- If crust is browning too quickly, cover edges with foil halfway through.
4. Cool
- Let cool completely on a rack for at least 1 hour.
- Serve at room temperature or lightly chilled.
🔧 Methods Used
- Custard method: Whisking eggs with sugar and dairy for a smooth filling.
- Thickening with flour: Gives the pie body and prevents curdling.
- Slow baking: Ensures the custard sets gently without cracking.
- No pre-bake crust: Classic style for this pie’s heritage.
🕰️ History
Buttermilk Pie is a deeply Southern creation dating back to the early 1800s. It became popular because families often had buttermilk on hand, and the recipe used affordable, everyday ingredients.
Women like “Nannie” or “Grandma” passed the recipe down through handwritten cards, often with slight variations—some added lemon, some nutmeg, some more sugar. Its simplicity and reliability made it a beloved dessert during holidays, church gatherings, and family meals.
❤️ Benefits
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Budget-friendly dessert
- Soft, custardy texture with gentle tang
- Comforting flavor perfect for all ages
- Great make-ahead dessert (improves overnight!)
- Works for holidays, gatherings, and potlucks
🧱 Formation (How the Pie Structure Forms)
- Eggs create the custard structure as they cook.
- Flour gently thickens the filling without making it heavy.
- Buttermilk adds acidity, enhancing smoothness and tang.
- Butter adds richness and helps the custard set.
- Slow baking prevents curdling and keeps a silky, creamy interior.
- Cooling allows the custard to firm up for perfect slices.
🎁 Conclusion
Nannie’s Buttermilk Pie is simple, wholesome, and unforgettable. It’s one of those old-fashioned desserts that brings comfort with every slice. The creamy custard, golden top, and tender tang make it a timeless treasure for any table.
💞 For the Lovers of this Pie
This pie is perfect for:
- Lovers of classic Southern desserts
- Custard pie fans
- People who love homemade, nostalgic flavors
- Those who enjoy simple ingredients with big results
- Holiday dessert makers
- Anyone wanting a warm, comforting treat
🎄 Conclusion for the Lovers
If you adore old-fashioned pies that taste like home, Nannie’s Buttermilk Pie is a dessert that will stay in your heart. It’s sweet, silky, rich, and full of tradition—made to bring families together and remind everyone of the sweetness of simple moments.