Nannie’s Buttermilk Pie
This classic Southern dessert is a comforting and simple treat, beloved for its smooth, custardy filling and golden, flaky crust. Passed down through generations, Nannie’s Buttermilk Pie is known for its sweet, tangy flavor and a slight hint of nutmeg. It’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just an afternoon indulgence. The beauty of this pie is in its simplicity—few ingredients come together to create a rich and satisfying dessert.
Ingredients:
1 unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
1 ½ cups buttermilk
1 ½ cups sugar
3 large eggs
½ cup butter, melted
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat.
Prepare the Pie Crust: If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, place it in a 9-inch pie dish. If homemade, roll out the dough and line the dish with it. Crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sugar, eggs, melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, salt, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until smooth and well-combined.
Pour the Filling:
Pour the buttermilk mixture into the prepared pie crust.
Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The filling should be set but slightly wobbly in the center when done. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center—the knife should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool: Let the pie cool to room temperature before serving. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve at room temperature, or refrigerate for a firmer texture. Top with whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon, if desired.
Description:
Nannie’s Buttermilk Pie is a quintessential Southern dessert, cherished for its creamy texture and light, sweet flavor. The tang of buttermilk balances perfectly with the rich custard filling, creating a delightful contrast with the buttery, flaky crust. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that can be enjoyed on any occasion, especially when served with a cup of coffee or tea. The addition of vanilla and nutmeg adds depth to the flavor, but the true charm of this pie lies in its uncomplicated, nostalgic taste.
Tips:
Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother filling, make sure the eggs and melted butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them incorporate more easily into the buttermilk.
Pie Crust: If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, consider blind-baking it for 5-10 minutes before filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Spices: Nutmeg is optional but adds a nice touch of warmth and complexity. You can also experiment with a dash of cinnamon or lemon zest for a twist.
Check for Doneness: The pie’s filling should be set with just a slight jiggle in the center when done. Overbaking can lead to a dry filling, so be sure to check it around 45 minutes and adjust the time as needed.
Chill Before Serving: While it’s delicious at room temperature, letting the pie chill in the fridge for a few hours can help it set more firmly and make slicing easier.
Correction:
If your pie crust tends to shrink while baking, you can prevent this by chilling the crust before filling and baking. Additionally, make sure to prick the bottom of the crust with a fork (called “docking”) before baking to allow steam to escape, which helps keep the crust from puffing up.