Name: Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 (9 inch) pre-made pie crust (unbaked); ½ cup butter; 3 eggs; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 ½ cups sugar; ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Whipped cream for topping

The Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie Recipe is a nostalgic southern classic that brings the comforting charm of homestyle baking right into your kitchen. Perfect for sharing at family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just because you’re craving something sweet and tangy, this pie balances the richness of buttermilk with a silky custard filling. It’s incredibly simple to make, and the result is a toasty golden crust enveloping a tender, melt-in-your-mouth filling that’ll remind you of cozy afternoons and warm smiles.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie Recipe - Recipe Image — Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie, southern buttermilk pie, homemade custard pie, easy southern pie recipe, comforting pie dessert

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In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

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In the Kitchen

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie Recipe nails that southern charm with its luscious, custardy texture and perfectly balanced tang from the buttermilk and lemon. I love how simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that feels both elegant and homey. Whether it’s your first time making buttermilk pie or you’re seeking that authentic restaurant-inspired flavor, this recipe never disappoints.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: The buttermilk and eggs combine to create a silky custard that sets beautifully, never rubbery or dry.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: The lightly toasted edges of the crust add just the right crunch to complement the creamy filling.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Pantry staples make this an easy recipe to whip up without any stress or extra errands.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: It’s quick to prepare and bakes unattended, making it perfect no matter what your schedule looks like.

Ingredients at a Glance

When it comes to this Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie Recipe, sourcing quality ingredients makes a surprising difference. Fresh eggs, real butter, and fresh lemon juice elevate the flavor and texture, turning a humble pie into a memorable treat that your taste buds will thank you for.

Pre-made Pie Crust: Choose a flaky, buttery crust; store-bought is fine, but homemade adds an extra loving touch.
Butter: Use unsalted, real butter for depth and richness without excess saltiness.
Eggs: Fresh eggs give your filling structure and creaminess; older eggs can affect texture.
Flour: A little all-purpose flour helps stabilize the filling, so don’t skip it.
Buttermilk: The star ingredient—its tanginess balances the sweetness perfectly.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness; bottled juice won’t deliver the same zing.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth—pure extract is best.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie Recipe

Step 1 — Prep and Melt the Butter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, gently melt ½ cup of butter in a small saucepan or microwave until it's fully liquid but not browned. Set it aside to cool slightly—too hot and it might scramble the eggs when combined. This step ensures a smooth, velvety filling without lumps.

Step 2 — Whisk Eggs and Sugar to Perfection

In a large bowl, whisk together 3 eggs and 1½ cups sugar until fully combined and a little lightened in color. I like to whisk by hand to keep control and notice the mixture become glossy and fluid. This blending is key for a smooth filling texture later in the bake.

Step 3 — Add Flavor and Texture Boosters

Next, stir in your melted butter, 2 tablespoons flour, ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon salt, 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 cup buttermilk, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Whisk everything until silky and uniform. The flour adds a subtle body, cinnamon gives warmth, and the lemon lifts the custard’s brightness. At this stage, a smooth finish without visible flour lumps means you’re on track.

Step 4 — Fill the Pie Crust and Bake

Pour the luscious filling into your unbaked 9-inch pie crust, smoothing the top gently. Place it on the oven's middle rack and bake for 50–55 minutes. You’ll notice the edges become nicely golden and the center sets with just a slight jiggle—that’s the sweet spot to avoid a dry pie. Let it cool before slicing to allow the custard to firm up.

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Things to Remember

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie Recipe is straightforward but needs attention to texture and timing. I’ve found that following these pointers helps keep the pie silky with just the right bounce.

Doneness Cue: The pie’s edges should be golden and firm, but the center still jiggles slightly—like jelly.
Temperature Trick: Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for faster, even mixing without lumps.
Make-Ahead Move: Bake the pie a day ahead and chill overnight—the flavors deepen and the texture firms perfectly.
Common Pitfall: Avoid overbaking; it turns the filling dry and crumbly instead of creamy.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

I adore topping this pie with a generous swirl of fresh whipped cream—its lightness balances the rich custard perfectly. A sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a few toasted pecans adds texture and a nutty note that complements the pie’s mellow sweetness.

Plays Well With

Pair this Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong coffee for a classic combination. For brunch or a light snack, fresh berries or a berry compote provide a tangy counterpoint to its custardy smoothness.

Simple Plating Upgrades

For special occasions, dust the plate with a little cinnamon sugar and garnish the pie slice with a mint sprig. Serving it on a colorful or rustic plate also elevates the cozy, southern vibe instantly. Even a drizzle of honey around the edge can add a pretty and delicious touch.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover buttermilk pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It lasts well for 3 to 4 days in the fridge, maintaining its creamy texture without becoming soggy or dry if stored promptly after cooling.

Freezing Tips

This pie freezes pretty well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. Freeze individual slices for easier thawing. To enjoy later, thaw in the fridge overnight. It might lose a bit of its fresh texture but remains delicious—just refresh with a little whipped cream.

Reheating Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie Recipe Without Drying Out

To gently rewarm slices, place pie on a baking sheet and heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to keep moisture in. For a quick fix, microwave on low power in 20-second bursts, checking frequently to avoid drying. Adding a small dab of butter or a spoonful of cream before reheating helps keep every bite luscious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade pie crust for this Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! A homemade crust can make your pie even more special with extra flakiness and flavor. Just be sure to blind bake slightly if your crust recipe calls for it.

What’s the best way to tell when the buttermilk pie is done?

Look for golden edges and a filling that’s set but still has a slight wobble in the center. It will firm up as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep it creamy.

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

For best results, stick to buttermilk because it adds tang and helps the filling set. If needed, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk and letting it sit 5 minutes.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Using a buttery crust and baking the pie on a middle rack helps. Some bakers like to brush the crust edges with egg wash before filling to seal it, which you could try if sogginess worries you.

Final Thoughts

Making this Copycat Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pie Recipe feels like a sweet little victory every time. Its blend of creamy tang, gently spiced notes, and flaky crust makes it a dessert that’s both trustworthy and thrilling. Once you taste that first warm, tender slice topped with whipped cream, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this recipe. It’s as much comfort as it is celebration—perfect for your kitchen anytime.

Full Printable Recipe