Streusel Buttermilk Pie

Streusel Buttermilk Pie is a delightful Thanksgiving dessert that combines a rich and creamy buttermilk custard filling with a crumbly, sweet streusel topping. This unique pie offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect treat to savor during the holiday season.

Hey Cousins! Thanksgiving is a time for warmth, gratitude, and indulging in delicious seasonal treats. While pumpkin pie often takes center stage during this festive occasion, there’s another delectable dessert that deserves a spot on your Thanksgiving table: Streusel Buttermilk Pie. This mouthwatering dessert combines the rich creaminess of buttermilk with the crunchy sweetness of streusel, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of buttermilk pie, uncover the secrets to making the perfect streusel topping, and, of course, share a delectable Streusel Buttermilk Pie recipe that will wow your guests and make your Thanksgiving celebration truly special.

A Brief History of Buttermilk Pie

Buttermilk pie has a long history in the United States, dating back to the early 19th century. Originally, buttermilk pie was created as a way to use up leftover buttermilk, a byproduct of churning butter. Early American settlers would mix buttermilk with eggs, sugar, and flavorings to create a custard-like filling that was baked in a pie crust. The result was a simple, comforting dessert that quickly became a Southern favorite.

Over time, variations of buttermilk pie emerged, with different regions and families adding their own unique twists to the classic recipe. Some would add lemon zest for a tangy kick, while others experimented with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Today, buttermilk pie remains a beloved dessert in many Southern households, and its popularity has spread far beyond its original roots.

The Art of Making Streusel

Streusel is a German word that translates to “something scattered or sprinkled.” This delicious crumbly topping has been used in various desserts, such as coffee cakes, muffins, and pies, to add a delightful contrast of texture to soft and creamy fillings. Creating the perfect streusel for your buttermilk pie is an art that requires a few key ingredients and some basic know-how.

Ingredients for a Classic Streusel Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chopped walnuts, optional
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Streusel Topping for Buttermilk Pie

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped walnuts, and salt.

2. Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients and, using your fingers, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Alternatively, you can use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the mixture.

3. Once the streusel has reached the desired texture, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the streusel will help it hold its shape and create a crumbly topping when baked.

How to Make a Streusel Buttermilk Pie

Now that we’ve explored the history of buttermilk pie and mastered the art of making streusel, it’s time to combine these two elements into one sensational dessert: Streusel Buttermilk Pie.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for a tangy twist)

Additional Ingredients:

1 prepared 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.

3. Stir in the buttermilk, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

4. Carefully pour the buttermilk filling into the prepared pie crust.

5. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over the buttermilk filling, covering the entire surface.

6. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and then transfer it to the preheated oven.

7. Bake the pie for approximately 45 to 50 minutes or until the filling is set and the streusel topping is golden brown and crisp.

8. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

This Thanksgiving, surprise your family and friends with a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Streusel Buttermilk Pie combines the rich creaminess of buttermilk custard with the crumbly sweetness of streusel, making it a true delight for the taste buds. As you savor each bite of this delectable pie, you’ll be reminded of the history and traditions that have shaped our culinary landscape over the years.

So, as you gather around the table to give thanks and celebrate, let Streusel Buttermilk Pie take center stage and leave a lasting impression on your guests. Happy Thanksgiving, and may your holiday season be filled with love, warmth, and the joy of sharing delicious treats with the ones you cherish.

If you enjoyed my Streusel Buttermilk Pie, here are some more holiday-worthy pie recipes!

• Southern Pecan Pie
• Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pie
• Cranberry Crumble Pie
• Easy Homemade Apple Pie

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