Classic Southern Buttermilk Pecan Pie

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A buttery, flaky pie crust filled with a rich, caramelized pecan filling that balances sweetness and nuttiness beautifully. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 80 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, chilled and cubed, ice water into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 8 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: To make the crust, combine 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup chilled, cubed unsalted butter with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Step 2: Gradually add 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water, tossing with a fork until dough holds together when pressed. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Fit into a 9-inch pie pan and trim edges.
  4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk 1 cup light corn syrup, 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup buttermilk until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, then pour filling into prepared crust.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 55-60 minutes until filling is set and crust is golden. Cool completely before slicing to allow filling to firm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Southern Buttermilk Pecan Pie take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Classic Southern Buttermilk Pecan Pie?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Southern Buttermilk Pecan Pie?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Southern Buttermilk Pecan Pie for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Classic Southern Buttermilk Pecan Pie?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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