Buttermilk Pie (American South Chess Pie)

american-southern-chesspiebuttermilk This traditional southern dessert, buttermilk chess pie is rich and creamy with a flaky crust. There are purists who will say that a Southern Chess Pie doesn't have buttermilk, and that this would be a Buttermilk Pie instead. Serve with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pastry:
1 recipe Pâte Sucrée (French Sweet Shortcrust)

Filling:
3 large eggs
1½ tsp. cornstarch
1 cup sugar
1½ cups buttermilk
8 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 tsp. lemon zest, freshly grated
1 Tbsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
1 pinch sea salt

Turn the oven down to 400°F (200°C/180°C fan, Gas Mark 6) and place the pie shell in it. Bake for about 12 minutes until slightly golden. Press the base with a fork if it puffs up when cooking.

Reduce the oven heat to 325°F (165°C/140°C fan, Gas Mark 3).

In a large bowl beat the eggs, cornstarch and sugar until well mixed.

Beat in the buttermilk and melted butter alternately followed by the lemon juice, zest, nutmeg and salt.

Place a cookie sheet into the preheated oven.

Pour the filling into the pie shell.

Bake for 60-70 minutes and the top is crusted and puffy. It will still be jiggly but will firm up as it cools.

Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for an hour and then place into the fridge for at least 4 hours to cool and set.

Great served with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkling of flaky sea salt.

Cook's Notes:

What Does Buttermilk Chess Pie Taste Like?
It tastes a little sweet but not too sugary, a bit like a creme brûlée dessert.The filling is cooked in a light flaky crust and then dusted with powdered sugar. Buttermilk chess pie is best served at room temperature and can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

What Is Buttermilk Chess Pie Made Of?
It's essentially a buttermilk based custard pie. It has sugar in it but as I mentioned, it doesn't taste particularly sweet like a fruit pie or pecan pie. The filling is cooked in a light flaky crust and then dusted with powdered sugar. Buttermilk chess pie is best served at room temperature and can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

What If I Don't Have Any Buttermilk?
Don't worry, you can create your own buttermilk by combining 1 cup of whole milk with 1 Tbsp. of fresh lemon juice. Let it stand for 10-15 minutes until it curdles slightly. It's a good substitute for the real thing but, if you can get real buttermilk easily, then stick with that method.

Should I Serve My Pie Warm Or Cold?
I would say neither and go with room temperature. It's best eaten with a good sized scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Dust the whole pie with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra special presentation.

When Is My Chess Pie Done Baking?
The pie takes just over an hour to bake, the surface should be puffed up and look dry on top. It'll still be a little wobbly when you tap the sides but the i.e. will firm up as it cools. This pie has to cool completely before slicing or you'll end up with a runny mess.

Tips:

A frozen pie crust is a great way to save time and stress when the kitchen gets busy.
When pre-baking your pie crust, pierce it a few time on the base with a fork to reduce it puffing up in the oven.
Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for an hour and then place into the fridge for at least 4 hours to cool and set.
Great served with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkling of flaky sea salt.