Simple Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie Recipe

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If you’re anything like me, you probably have a soft spot for the classic southern desserts that are often featured on the menu at Cracker Barrel. One of my all-time favorites is their buttermilk pie. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and creamy, all wrapped up in a flaky pie crust. After indulging in this delicious dessert too many times, it’s time to create your very own! Copycat recipes are a great way to get started in the kitchen. This great recipe is one you can whip up at home whenever the craving strikes. Be prepared for your family to be asking for this pie every Sunday since you’ve found the best buttermilk pie recipe ever!

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The Charm of Buttermilk Pie

Buttermilk pie is a true southern classic, with roots that go back generations. This type of old-fashioned buttermilk pie is one that has been passed down through families, often found handwritten on a recipe card tucked away in a kitchen drawer. It’s a pie that represents comfort, home, and tradition—three things that are always welcome in my kitchen.

What makes this pie so special is its simple ingredients. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a delicious buttermilk pie that tastes just like the one at Cracker Barrel. The main ingredient, of course, is real buttermilk. This gives the pie its signature tangy flavor along with whole milk and heavy cream that add to that rich custard texture that we all love. And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert baker to get it right. This is an easy recipe that even a first-time pie maker can master.

The Rich History of Buttermilk Pie

The history of buttermilk pie is as rich as the pie itself. Originating in England, this dessert made its way to the southern United States, where it quickly became a staple in many households. In the days before refrigeration, buttermilk was a common byproduct of making butter, and resourceful cooks found ways to incorporate it into a variety of dishes, including pies. The tanginess of the buttermilk was a perfect complement to the sweetness of the sugar, creating a harmonious balance that has stood the test of time.

Buttermilk pie became especially popular during the Great Depression when simple ingredients were all that most families could afford. The ingredients were easy to come by, and the pie was filling enough to serve as both a dessert and a special treat. Over time, buttermilk pie became synonymous with southern hospitality and home cooking, earning its place in the pantheon of classic southern desserts.

Creating Family Traditions with Buttermilk Pie

Buttermilk pie is a delicious dessert and wonderful way to bring the whole family together. The simple act of baking a pie can fill your home with warmth and joy. The sweet aroma of the pie baking in the oven mingles with other comforting scents, creating a cozy atmosphere that everyone will love.

Pies are perfect for starting or continuing family traditions. Whether it’s letting little ones help press the dough into the pie dish or eagerly waiting for that first bite, each step in making a pie can become a cherished ritual. The anticipation of tasting the perfect blend of creamy texture and flaky crust, is something everyone looks forward to. Over time, these moments become more than just about the pie itself—they become memories that bind families together.

The love and care that goes into making a pie make it more than just a meal, it’s a symbol of the warmth and togetherness that comes from spending quality time with loved ones. Each time you bake this delicious buttermilk pie, you’re creating opportunities for connection, laughter, and the building of family traditions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dessert:

• 1 ½ cups real buttermilk (at room temperature)
• ½ cup whole milk (at room temperature)
• ½ cup heavy cream (at room temperature)
• 4 whole eggs
• 2 egg whites
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 flaky pie crust (or graham cracker crust)
• Plastic wrap (for storage)
• Aluminum foil (to protect crust edges if needed)

Now for the fun part, making the pie!
This step-by-step recipe is designed to be foolproof. So, trust us, you’re in good hands!

Prepare Your Ingredients:

• Start by making sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps the filling come together smoothly and bake evenly.
• If you’re making your own crust, prepare it first so it’s ready for the filling.

Mixing the Filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and a pinch of salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the real buttermilk, whole milk, heavy cream, whole eggs, egg whites, and lemon juice until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a hand mixer on low speed until the mixture is smooth. The pie filling should be silky, with just a few small lumps—that’s how you know it’s ready.

Preparing the Crust:

1. Roll out your flaky pie crust or press your graham cracker crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Make sure it fits snugly and is evenly distributed.
2. For a flaky crust, you might want to blind bake it for about 10 minutes. This will help prevent it from getting soggy once the filling is added.

Filling the Pie:

1. Pour the pie filling into the prepared crust. Worried about spills? Place the pie dish on a baking sheet first.
2. As an expert tip, lightly tap the pie dish on the counter to release any air bubbles trapped in the filling.

Baking to Perfection:

1. Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is a golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
2. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
3. You’ll know your pie is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Cooling and Storing:

1. Once baked, let the pie cool on a wire rack. This helps the filling set properly.
2. Once cooled, cover the pie with plastic wrap and store any leftover pie in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for a day or two, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Customizing Your Buttermilk Pie

One of the great things about this copycat recipe is how versatile it is. While the traditional version is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your personal tastes or the occasion. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add a Flavor Twist: If you want to add a little extra zing to your pie, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a hint of nutmeg to the filling. For a citrusy twist, increase the amount of lemon juice or add a bit of lemon zest. These small changes can elevate the flavor profile and make the pie even more special.
• Go Nutty: Pecans or walnuts make a great addition to buttermilk pie. Simply chop the nuts and sprinkle them over the filling before baking. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that compliments the tangy buttermilk.
• Fruit Lovers: If you’re a fan of fruit pies, consider adding a layer of fresh or cooked fruit to the pie. Berries, peaches, or even apples work well with the creamy texture of the buttermilk filling. Just make sure to adjust the sugar in the filling if your fruit is particularly sweet.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: For a decadent twist, stir in some chocolate chips or a swirl of melted chocolate into the filling before baking. The combination of rich chocolate and tangy buttermilk is a match made in heaven.

Why This Recipe Works

What sets this buttermilk pie apart from others is its balance of flavors and textures. The flaky crust provides a sturdy base for the rich, tangy filling. Meanwhile, the touch of lemon juice brightens up the sweetness. Using real buttermilk gives the pie its signature tang, while the combination of whole eggs and egg whites ensures a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. This copycat recipe is designed to be as close to the Cracker Barrel version as possible. Just a few tweaks to make it even better.

Serving Suggestions

This pie is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes this dessert simply perfection. For a little extra indulgence, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the top. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a garnish of fresh berries can add a nice touch.

Looking for another sweet treat? Try our delicious Peach and Mango Pie

Homemade Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie Recipe

The perfect blend of sweet, tangy and creamy, all wrapped up in a flaky pie crust. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a delicious buttermilk pie that tastes just like the one at Cracker Barrel. The main ingredient, of course, is real buttermilk.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups real buttermilk at room temperature
• ½ cup whole milk at room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream at room temperature
• 4 whole eggs
• 2 egg whites
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 flaky pie crust or graham cracker crust
• Plastic wrap for storage
• Aluminum foil to protect crust edges if needed

Instructions

 

Prepare your ingredients

• Start by making sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps the filling come together smoothly and bake evenly.
• If you’re making your own flaky pie crust or graham cracker crust, prepare it first so it’s ready for the filling.

Mixing the Filling

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and a pinch of salt.
• In a separate bowl, mix the real buttermilk, whole milk, heavy cream, whole eggs, egg whites, and lemon juice until well combined.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a hand mixer on low speed until the mixture is smooth. The pie filling should be silky, with just a few small lumps—that’s how you know it’s ready.

Prepare the Crust

• Roll out your flaky pie crust or press your graham cracker crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Make sure it fits snugly and is evenly distributed.
• For a flaky crust, you might want to blind bake it for about 10 minutes. This will help prevent it from getting soggy once the filling is added.

Filling the Pie

• Pour the pie filling into the prepared crust. If you’re worried about spills, place the pie dish on a baking sheet first.
• As an expert tip, lightly tap the pie dish on the counter to release any air bubbles trapped in the filling.

Baking to Perfection

• Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is a golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
• If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
• You’ll know your pie is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Notes

This pie is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For a little extra indulgence, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the top. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a garnish of fresh berries can add a nice touch.