Decadent Buttermilk Chess Pie with Golden Cornmeal Crust
Indulge in this rich and creamy Deep-Dish Buttermilk Chess Pie, a delightful twist on a classic Southern dessert. This pie boasts a perfectly balanced flavor where the tang of buttermilk is seamlessly blended, leaving only a sweet, custardy richness that melts in your mouth. The cornmeal adds a subtle texture, while the buttery crust ensures every bite is heavenly. A great choice for gatherings, this pie is best served chilled and can easily be made ahead of time. Experience a slice of nostalgia with this timeless treat that promises to become a favorite at your table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups (Measured)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (Measured)
yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup (Measured)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (Measured)
buttermilk
2/3 cup (Measured)
large eggs
5 (Slightly beaten)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Measured)
melted margarine
1/2 cup (Melted)
unbaked deep dish pie shell
1 (Store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until well combined. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps.
4
Carefully add the buttermilk and egg mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5
Stir in the vanilla extract and melted margarine, ensuring a smooth and homogenous filling.
6
Gently pour the mixture into the unbaked deep-dish pie shell, ensuring an even distribution.
7
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center. Keep a close eye on the pie after 40 minutes.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before serving to allow it to set fully.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Buttermilk Chess Pie?
It is a rich and creamy Southern dessert that features a tangy buttermilk custard with a subtle texture from cornmeal.
What role does cornmeal play in this recipe?
Cornmeal is used to add a subtle texture and a golden crust to the pie filling.
How many eggs are required for the filling?
The recipe calls for 5 large eggs, which should be slightly beaten before being added.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the pie.
What type of pie shell should be used?
This recipe requires one unbaked deep-dish pie shell, which can be store-bought or homemade.
How long does the pie need to bake?
The pie should bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
How can I tell when the Buttermilk Chess Pie is done?
The pie is ready when the filling has set but remains slightly jiggly in the middle; keep a close eye on it after 40 minutes.
Should the pie be served warm or cold?
This pie is best served chilled to allow the custard to reach its ideal consistency.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, this pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert and can be prepared before your gathering.
What ingredients are used in the custard filling?
The filling consists of sugar, flour, yellow cornmeal, salt, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted margarine.
How much granulated sugar is needed?
You will need 1 3/4 cups of granulated sugar.
Is yellow or white cornmeal used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of yellow cornmeal.
Can margarine be substituted in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted margarine, though butter is often a common substitute in chess pies.
Why is buttermilk used in a chess pie?
Buttermilk provides a signature tang that balances the sweetness of the sugar, creating a rich custardy flavor.
How should the eggs be prepared before mixing?
The 5 large eggs should be slightly beaten before being whisked with the buttermilk.
How long does the pie need to cool after baking?
It should cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour to ensure the filling sets fully.
Does the pie shell need to be pre-baked?
No, the filling should be poured into an unbaked pie shell.
What is the texture of the finished pie?
The texture is rich, creamy, and custardy with a slight graininess from the cornmeal.
How much vanilla extract should I add?
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling mixture.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included to balance the flavors.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
Is this a traditional Southern recipe?
Yes, Buttermilk Chess Pie is a classic and nostalgic Southern dessert treat.
How should I mix the dry ingredients?
Combine the sugar, flour, cornmeal, and salt in a large bowl and mix thoroughly to remove any lumps.
What are the first steps in the instructions?
First preheat the oven, then whisk the buttermilk and eggs in a medium bowl.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Should I use a regular or deep-dish pie shell?
A deep-dish pie shell is necessary to hold the volume of the filling.
What should the filling look like before it goes into the oven?
The filling should be smooth, homogenous, and evenly distributed in the pie shell.
How much buttermilk is required?
You will need 2/3 cup of buttermilk.
Is this pie suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a great choice for gatherings and can be easily made ahead of time.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe falls under the categories of dessert, pie, and Southern comfort food.