Name: Southern Pie: A Classic Southern Delight Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s as comforting as it is irresistible, look no further than Southern Pie: A Classic Southern Delight. This timeless treat boasts a silky custard filling nestled in a flaky crust, with just the right balance of sweetness, tang, and richness. Whether you’re bringing it to a family gathering or simply indulging at home, this pie captures the essence of Southern baking tradition in every single bite.

Southern Pie: A Classic Southern Delight Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Southern Pie: A Classic Southern Delight is how it transforms humble pantry staples into something truly magical. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, lending flavor, texture, or that signature golden color to the final result.

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The buttery shell that holds the luscious filling and bakes up crisp and golden.
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and a beautifully caramelized top.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the custard just enough for a creamy yet sliceable texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in perfect balance.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and depth to the custardy filling.
3 large eggs: The backbone of the custard, giving it structure and silkiness.
1 cup buttermilk: Brings a subtle tanginess that’s a hallmark of the classic Southern flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the pie with warm, aromatic notes that make every bite fragrant.
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens up the filling and cuts through the richness.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): Adds a whisper of spice on top, evoking nostalgic Southern charm.
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): For a pretty finish and a gentle touch of extra sweetness.

How to Make Southern Pie: A Classic Southern Delight

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your unbaked 9-inch pie crust in a pie pan and set it aside. This gives you a head start so your crust is ready to cradle the custard filling as soon as it’s mixed. If you’re using a store-bought crust, let it defrost completely for best results.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. This step ensures the flour and salt are evenly distributed, so the filling bakes up smooth and there are no lumps lurking in your custard.

Step 3: Add the Butter and Eggs

Pour in the melted unsalted butter and mix until everything is well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. This process helps the filling come together seamlessly and creates that signature creamy texture Southern Pie: A Classic Southern Delight is known for.

Step 4: Stir in the Flavorings

Next, pour in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. The buttermilk and lemon juice add tartness that balances the sweetness and gives the pie its classic Southern character.

Step 5: Fill and Top the Pie

Carefully pour the custard mixture into the prepared pie crust. If you love a little spice, sprinkle the ground nutmeg over the top. This small touch goes a long way in adding depth and a cozy aroma to the finished dessert.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the pie to the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and a center that has just a gentle wobble when you jiggle the pan. If the edges brown too quickly, loosely tent them with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the custard to set for clean, beautiful slices. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar if you like. Southern Pie: A Classic Southern Delight is just as delicious chilled or at room temperature!

How to Serve Southern Pie: A Classic Southern Delight

Garnishes

A light shower of powdered sugar can turn this pie into a showstopper. For a fresh burst, add a few berries or a sprig of mint. A dollop of whipped cream never goes amiss, especially if you want to highlight the pie’s creamy custard texture.

Side Dishes

The gentle sweetness of Southern Pie: A Classic Southern Delight pairs beautifully with tart fruit salads or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a full-on Southern feast, serve it alongside a cup of strong coffee or sweet tea to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try mini tarts for individual servings at parties, or layer fresh sliced peaches on the side for a summery twist. You can even serve warm slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-indulgent treat. There’s no wrong way to showcase this classic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cover your Southern Pie: A Classic Southern Delight tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 4 days, and the flavors deepen as it sits, making each slice even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This pie freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the whole pie in several layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture.

Reheating

To enjoy warm slices, place them on a baking sheet and heat in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. The pie will regain its silky texture, and the crust will crisp up slightly. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely! A quality store-bought crust works perfectly for Southern Pie: A Classic Southern Delight and saves you time without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Is buttermilk essential to the recipe?

Buttermilk is key to achieving the authentic tang and creaminess that define this pie. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The center should be just set and still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pan. If it’s still very liquid, give it a few more minutes. The top will be golden brown and slightly puffed.

Can I add other flavors to the filling?

Definitely! A bit more lemon juice or zest adds a brighter, citrusy note. You could also experiment with a hint of almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon for a twist on Southern Pie: A Classic Southern Delight.

Should the pie be served warm or chilled?

Both ways are delicious! Chilled slices are refreshing, especially in warm weather, while room temperature or gently warmed pie has a softer custard texture. Try both and see which you prefer.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing Southern Pie: A Classic Southern Delight with people you love. Its simple ingredients and elegant flavor make it a dessert you’ll turn to again and again. If you haven’t tried this classic yet, now’s the time — your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas, and your taste buds will thank you!

Southern Pie: A Classic Southern Delight Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Southern Pie is a classic Southern custard dessert featuring a smooth, creamy filling made with buttermilk, eggs, and butter, baked to golden perfection in a flaky pie crust. This timeless treat is delightfully sweet with a hint of lemon and nutmeg, perfect for serving chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Filling

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For Serving

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) ensuring the oven is fully heated before baking the pie.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Add Butter: Stir in the melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to create a smooth custard base.
Add Liquids and Flavorings: Mix in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until the filling is a uniform smooth consistency.
Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the custard filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, spreading evenly.
Add Nutmeg (Optional): Lightly sprinkle the ground nutmeg over the top of the filling for added flavor if desired.
Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. The center should jiggle slightly but not be liquidy when gently shaken.
Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack to allow the custard to set fully.
Serve: Dust the cooled pie with powdered sugar before serving if preferred. Slice into 8 pieces and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.