Delicious Blueberry Buttermilk Pie: An Easy Old-Fashioned Southern Dessert
Discover the irresistible charm of Blueberry Buttermilk Pie, a true Southern classic that combines a rich, velvety filling with a burst of juicy blueberries, all nestled within a perfectly flaky crust. This dessert is deceptively simple to make yet delivers an indulgently creamy experience that will transport you back to grandma’s kitchen. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a festive gathering.
Have you ever found yourself with leftover buttermilk in the fridge after a baking project? It’s a common dilemma! Many of us buy buttermilk for a specific recipe, only to be left with a partial carton wondering how to use it up before it expires. That was exactly my situation last week. After whipping up three different varieties of waffles for my kids (those snow days definitely call for leisurely late-morning breakfasts!), I had an abundance of both fresh blueberries and buttermilk. Instead of letting them go to waste, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to create a delightful Blueberry Buttermilk Pie for a special treat. This pie isn’t just a delicious dessert; it’s also a fantastic and flavorful solution to the leftover buttermilk problem, transforming a common kitchen conundrum into a culinary triumph.
Buttermilk itself is an unsung hero in the baking world. Its acidity reacts with baking soda to create a wonderfully tender crumb in cakes, muffins, and breads, and it imparts a subtle tang that balances sweetness beautifully. In pies, especially this Southern classic, it creates a unique, custardy texture that is both incredibly rich and surprisingly light, without being overly heavy. This pie takes full advantage of buttermilk’s magical properties, transforming simple, pantry-staple ingredients into something truly extraordinary and memorable.
More Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Buttermilk!
Don’t let any precious buttermilk go to waste! It’s a versatile ingredient that shines in numerous baked goods. Here are some other fantastic recipes that brilliantly incorporate this flavorful ingredient, ensuring you always have a plan for those extra cups lingering in your refrigerator. From sweet breads to fluffy pancakes, buttermilk adds a depth and tenderness that is unmatched.
- Lemon Blueberry Bread with Buttermilk Glaze
- Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins
- Blackberry Bread
- Bara Brith (Welsh Tea Bread)
- Banana Pancakes
Buttermilk pie has held a special place in my heart for a very long time. It’s an ideal solution for using up that leftover buttermilk and creating something truly memorable. Growing up, I often requested buttermilk pie for my birthday, preferring its creamy indulgence over a traditional birthday cake. There’s just something about a perfectly baked pie that feels more comforting and personal. Perhaps you share this sentiment? If you’re a “pie person” at heart, then you might also adore this incredibly easy chocolate chip cookie pie too! It’s another personal favorite that consistently brings smiles and satisfies that sweet craving.
The beauty of buttermilk pie lies in its inherent simplicity and the profound depth of flavor it achieves with humble, readily available ingredients. It’s an unpretentious dessert that never fails to impress with its rich taste and smooth texture. While traditional buttermilk pie is undeniably wonderful on its own, the thoughtful addition of fresh, ripe blueberries elevates it to new culinary heights. The berries introduce a delightful fruity tang, a vibrant burst of color, and a juicy texture that perfectly complements the rich, vanilla-infused filling. It’s this combination that makes the Blueberry Buttermilk Pie truly shine, offering a delightful contrast in every bite.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of trying this exquisite Southern classic, allow me to attempt to describe it, though words truly can’t capture its full deliciousness. Buttermilk pie boasts an incredibly rich, sweet, and velvety vanilla filling. What makes it distinct and so appealing is that, despite its custardy nature, it doesn’t have the heavy, overly eggy texture often associated with traditional custards. Instead, it’s remarkably smooth, almost silken, and melts in your mouth with every spoonful. The top of the pie bakes to a beautiful golden brown, developing a delicate, crisp crust that provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft, creamy interior. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors, with the vibrant blueberries adding bright, juicy notes that cut through the richness perfectly, preventing it from being cloying.
The subtle tang from the buttermilk is, without a doubt, the key to this pie’s unique and captivating allure. It expertly prevents the dessert from being overly sweet, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. It’s a comforting, nostalgic flavor that evokes cherished memories of simpler times, home-baked goodness, and warm kitchen aromas. The vanilla notes are prominent yet not overwhelming, forming a beautiful, fragrant foundation that allows the other ingredients, especially the blueberries, to truly shine. This pie is a celebration of classic flavors and textures, making it a timeless dessert.
This pie is incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both experienced bakers and those just starting their culinary journey. While its appearance might seem humble and unadorned, the resulting treat is wonderfully rich, satisfying, and deeply flavorful. The addition of fresh blueberries is my preferred choice, as they offer the best natural flavor and texture, bursting with sweetness and a hint of tartness. However, don’t hesitate to use frozen blueberries if fresh ones aren’t available or in season; just remember to thaw and drain them thoroughly before incorporating them into the recipe to prevent excess moisture from compromising the filling’s consistency. The light flour dusting on the blueberries is a clever trick that helps them suspend evenly throughout the filling, preventing them from sinking to the bottom of the crust during baking.
Blueberries are not just delicious; they are also packed with antioxidants and add a beautiful pop of vibrant color to the pie. Their slight tartness is the ideal complement to the sweet, creamy buttermilk custard, creating a dynamic and engaging flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. This pie truly celebrates the natural goodness of simple, quality ingredients, proving that sometimes, the most basic combinations yield the most spectacular results. It’s a comforting dessert that feels gourmet without requiring extensive effort, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire for special occasions or just a cozy evening at home.
Essential Tips for Making the Perfect Blueberry Buttermilk Pie:
- **Opt for a Deep Dish Pie Pan:** Using a 9.5-inch deep dish pie pan is absolutely crucial for this recipe. It ensures there’s ample room for the generous, creamy filling and all those delicious blueberries without any risk of overflowing during baking. I recently discovered my favorite pie pan is a unique size, so I often use a high-quality store-bought deep dish pie crust, which sometimes leaves me with just a tiny bit of extra filling – a small, delightful bonus for the baker! This extra space is essential for the filling to achieve its perfect set and rise.
- **Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Preparation is Key:** Both fresh and frozen blueberries work beautifully in this pie, allowing you to enjoy this treat year-round. If you’re using frozen blueberries, it’s vital to thaw and drain them thoroughly first. Excess moisture can lead to a soggy crust or a runnier, less set filling, which we want to avoid for that perfect custardy texture. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel for the best results, and don’t skip tossing them with a tablespoon of flour to help them suspend evenly throughout the filling.
- **Chilling for Optimal Set and Flavor:** For the best possible texture and flavor, I highly recommend making this pie the night before you plan to serve it. Chilling the pie completely allows the delicate, custardy filling to fully set, resulting in that perfectly firm yet creamy slice that holds its shape beautifully. It also enhances the overall flavor profile, letting the ingredients meld together harmoniously. Serve it cold or at a cool room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
- **Prevent Burnt Edges with a Pie Crust Shield:** To achieve a beautifully golden-brown crust without any unsightly burnt edges, cover the edges of your pie crust with strips of aluminum foil or a reusable pie crust shield. Apply the shield for the majority of the baking time, typically the first 45 minutes. Then, remove it 10-15 minutes before the pie is completely done. This technique ensures the edges get just enough direct heat to become perfectly browned and delightfully flaky, complementing the pie’s rich interior.
- **Crust Choice Matters for Taste and Convenience:** You have the flexibility to use either a store-bought pie crust for ultimate convenience or a homemade crust for that extra touch of artisanal flavor and texture. A high-quality store-bought crust can still yield a fantastic pie and save significant time. If you’re feeling ambitious and want to make your own, this homemade buttery flaky pie crust tutorial is an excellent resource to guide you through creating a perfect foundation. Remember, the base of any good pie truly starts with its crust, so choose wisely according to your time and skill level.
- **Don’t Overmix the Filling:** When preparing the buttermilk filling, it’s important to mix only until the ingredients are just combined and smooth. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which might lead to cracks in the top of the pie as it bakes and cools, detracting from its smooth, aesthetic appeal. A gentle, homogeneous mixture is what you’re aiming for, ensuring a consistently creamy texture throughout.
- **Test for Doneness with Confidence:** The pie is done when the edges are set, lightly golden brown, and the center still has a slight, gentle jiggle when the pan is carefully nudged. It’s crucial not to overbake, as the filling will continue to set as it cools completely. An internal temperature of about 200-205°F (93-96°C) is a good indicator if you have a thermometer, but the visual jiggle test is often sufficient and reliable for pies of this type.
- **Proper Storage Instructions:** Once the pie has cooled completely on a wire rack (which can take several hours at room temperature), cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. While it’s utterly delicious straight from the fridge, you can also let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, if preferred, to soften the filling slightly.
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This Blueberry Buttermilk Pie recipe isn’t just about creating a delicious dessert; it’s about celebrating simple pleasures and making the most of every ingredient. It’s a versatile pie that can be enjoyed year-round, bringing a taste of comfort and sunshine to your table, no matter the season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is accessible, incredibly rewarding, and promises a delightful outcome. The subtle tang of the buttermilk, the perfect sweetness of the fresh blueberries, and the rich, creamy custard combine to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Imagine serving this beautifully baked pie to friends and family – the enticing aroma filling your kitchen, the anticipation building, and then the sheer delight of that first exquisite bite. It’s more than just a pie; it’s a moment of pure culinary joy and shared happiness.
Beyond its incredible taste, this pie offers a nostalgic trip to the past, reminding us of old-fashioned baking traditions and the profound warmth of a homemade dessert crafted with love. It’s a testament to how humble ingredients, when combined with care and a touch of buttermilk magic, can produce something truly extraordinary and deeply satisfying. Don’t be surprised if this Blueberry Buttermilk Pie quickly becomes a new favorite in your recipe repertoire, cherished for its ease of preparation, its elegant presentation, and its undeniable deliciousness. It’s a timeless dessert that will surely earn rave reviews from everyone who tries it.
Blueberry Buttermilk Pie
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Ingredients
- 1 deep dish pie crust
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 Tablespoon all purpose flour
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Mix the melted butter into the flour mixture. Add the eggs, one at a time and mixing until the eggs are thoroughly incorporated. Mix in the buttermilk and vanilla and set the filling aside.
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Toss the rinsed blueberries or thawed and drained blueberries with 1 Tablespoon of flour and place the blueberries in the pie crust. Discard any remaining flour. Pour the buttermilk filling over the blueberries and gently push any berries that rise to the top back under the surface of the filling.
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Cover the edges of the pie with aluminum foil or with a pie crust shield and place on the middle rack of the oven. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes remove the aluminum foil or shield. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes or until the pie is evenly golden brown across the top and set in the middle.
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Remove to a wire cooling rack and cool completely. Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition
I’d love to know what you think of this Blueberry Buttermilk Pie! If you make it, please feel free to leave a review, or drop me a note. Thanks for baking with me!