The first time I heard of Buttermilk Pie, I thought What on earth?! Why would anyone want a pie that tastes like buttermilk? But the first time I actually had Buttermilk Pie, I just thought Can I have another slice? See, Buttermilk Pie doesn’t really taste like buttermilk at all… The flavor is actually mild and sweet, with a clean, creamy flavor. Think custard set in a flaky crust. And yes, it’s every bit as delicious as that sounds.

Buttermilk Pie isn’t a new idea. It’s actually been around a very long time — it’s thought that it originated in England and was brought over to the United States by southern settlers and made popular there in the 19th century, where buttermilk was in abundance. It’s still very popular in the south today, especially on holiday tables.

It’s often confused with Chess Pie, but Chess Pie differs in that it includes cornmeal and lemon juice or vinegar instead of tart buttermilk. They do taste similar though!

It’s a pie that really couldn’t be easier to make. We’re talking five minutes of effort, if that. All you have to do is whisk together butter, sugar, eggs, flour, buttermilk, a touch of lemon juice, vanilla, and salt and pour it into a pie crust. Then you bake. It’s, well, as easy as pie.

So what does it taste like? To me, it tastes a lot like creme brulee, in that it’s simple and creamy with a crackly sugar top. It’s often seasoned with nothing but cinnamon or nutmeg, so it’s all about that delicious silky texture and perfectly balanced flavor. Every bite is creamy and sweet, and just a little tart too.

If you’ve never had it, I think you’ll probably have the same reaction as I did at my first bite. It’s a time-tested long-standing classic for good reason. And it really couldn’t be easier!