Flaky Buttermilk Pie with Brown Sugar Crust
A tender, slightly tangy buttermilk custard baked in a rich brown sugar-infused flaky crust, perfect for a southern-inspired dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 75 minutes layers all-purpose flour, brown sugar, 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 350 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.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks), cold and cubed unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 6 tbsp ice water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 6 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour with 3 tbsp brown sugar. Cut in 1 cup cold unsalted butter cubes using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 6 tbsp ice water, stirring with a fork until dough just holds together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll chilled dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle and gently place into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp edges.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 3 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Step 4: Pour custard mixture into prepared crust. Bake on the middle rack for 50-55 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center and the crust is golden brown.
- Step 5: Cool pie completely on a wire rack before serving to allow custard to firm up.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Flaky Buttermilk Pie with Brown Sugar Crust take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 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 Flaky Buttermilk Pie with Brown Sugar Crust?
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 Flaky Buttermilk Pie with Brown Sugar Crust?
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 Flaky Buttermilk Pie with Brown Sugar Crust 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 Flaky Buttermilk Pie with Brown Sugar Crust?
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.
