Lemon Buttermilk Pie

This unique Lemon Buttermilk Pie has the most silky, luscious texture, with a vibrant citrus flavor. It’s incredibly easy to make, and is all whisked together in ONE BOWL! It’s a staple for Thanksgiving and holiday meals.

While I do love my fair share of fussy desserts like Baklava or Pavlova with Blackberry Compote, I love desserts like this buttermilk pie, which is incredibly easy and wildly delicious.

What’s Great About This Recipe

✅ So easy my 5-year-old can make it – No joke, my 5 year old can mix together this pie filling. It’s very simple and doesn’t require more than a bowl and a whisk.

✅ One bowl – The entire filling is whisked together in one bowl, for minimal dishwashing.

✅ Silky custard texture – The filling bakes into a creamy, silky smooth texture that is absolute heaven, with an almost creme brûlée-like effect on top.

✅ Tart and sweet – This has the sweet and sour thing going on just like Lemon Bars. It’s really good!

You can see the golden brown caramelized crackly goodness in the above photo. Swoon. And here’s a closeup on the creamy filling:

What Citrus to Use

When I originally shared this recipe in 2014, I used Meyer lemons for the pie. They can be hard to find certain times of year, but when you see them, snatch them up. They have such a unique flavor and fragrance that is showcased so well in a recipe like this.

If you can’t find Meyer lemons, this pie is also fantastic with other citrus. Try:

• Standard lemons
• Any type of orange (Cara cara, clementine, tangerine, etc.)
• Lime (standard or Key lime)
• Grapefruit
• A 50/50 mix of lemon and orange

How to Make It Step by Step:

In a big bowl, start the filling by combining eggs, sugar, and melted butter:

Add pure vanilla extract and salt to the bowl:

Next add freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh citrus zest:

As mentioned above, use Meyer lemons if you can find them. If not, use a 50/50 mix of standard lemon and orange. You may also use standard lemon only, but it will be a little more tart. 

Now, add pure buttermilk to the pie:

The buttermilk is such a key ingredient here, so please do not use a buttermilk substitute. 

Buttermilk tends to come in a quart size container, which is more than you need for this recipe, but it’s a good excuse to try these incredible Blueberry Muffins.

Or make Buttermilk Pancakes, this amazing Cornbread Recipe, or this legendary Fried Chicken Recipe. My friend Lindsay also has a post on How to Freeze Buttermilk, though I haven’t tried it myself. 

Whisk everything together until thoroughly blended, then add all-purpose flour to the filling:

This will help thicken it slightly.

Pour the lemon custard filling into an unbaked pie crust:

I have a great all-butter pie crust recipe from scratch that you can use, or you can use a store-bought crust.

I admit to using store-bought crust quite often with this recipe, because that keeps it all really easy. Try to find one that uses butter.

Bake the pie for about an hour, until it’s jiggly but set. Then, let it cool completely, for at least 45 minutes. 

It’s now ready to be cut into slices.

I think it’s perfect as is, but you could also dollop the top with a bit of whipped cream, or even some freshly whipped meringue!

Strawberry Tart is another one of my favorite fruit-focused desserts.

My Peanut Butter Pie is also a HUGE favorite amongst my friends and family. Enjoy!

Did you enjoy the recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.

Post updated with new photos and writing in June 2020. Originally published November 2014.