Nannie's Buttermilk Pie is a classic dessert that hails from the Southern United States, offering a delightful blend of tangy buttermilk flavor and creamy sweetness. This pie stands out for its simple, yet irresistible taste and texture, making it a beloved treat for family gatherings, holidays, and everyday dessert cravings. The recipe combines basic ingredients in a way that creates a dessert much greater than the sum of its parts. Let's dive into the details of how to create this comforting, traditional pie.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups of sugar
- 1 stick of unsalted butter (½ cup), room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 9-inch pie shell, unbaked
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This lower temperature is crucial for slowly baking the pie, ensuring the filling is gently set to perfection without overcooking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until well blended. This step is foundational, as it ensures that the sugar is evenly distributed throughout the butter, creating a smooth base for the other ingredients.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This method helps to create a smooth, homogenous mixture that forms the base of the pie's filling.
Step 4: Add in the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and the all-purpose flour. The vanilla enhances the pie's aroma and flavor, while the salt balances the sweetness, and the flour provides the necessary thickening to the filling.
Step 5: Gradually beat in the buttermilk until well combined with the rest of the mixture. The buttermilk is the star ingredient, imparting a unique tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, creamy filling.
Step 6: Place the unbaked pie shell on a baking sheet lined with foil (to catch any overflow) and carefully fill the pie shell with the buttermilk mixture, just to the top of the shell. If there's any remaining mixture, pour it into an ungreased custard cup.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The pie should be set, yet slightly jiggly in the center. Once done, remove from the oven and let it set until almost cooled before serving. This resting period allows the pie to firm up for slicing.
COOKING Note:
The pie will continue to set as it cools. Be patient and avoid cutting into it too soon to ensure the perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Nannie's Buttermilk Pie slightly warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes an excellent accompaniment.
Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth filling.
- For a deeper flavor, you can brown the butter before mixing it with the sugar.
- A sprinkle of nutmeg or lemon zest can add an extra layer of flavor to the pie.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (plus cooling time)
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 300-400 per slice, varying by specific ingredients and serving size.
- Protein: 4-5 grams per slice.
- Sodium: Approximately 150-200 mg per slice.
Nannie's Buttermilk Pie is more than just a dessert; it's a warm hug from the past, a reminder of simple yet profound pleasures. Its silky texture and unique flavor profile make it a standout among pies, embodying the essence of Southern comfort food. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or as a treat for yourself, this pie promises to deliver a taste of home-cooked perfection. With this detailed guide, even novice bakers can achieve a deliciously successful result, creating memories and flavors that linger long after the last bite.
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