Pineapple Buttermilk Pie

This Pineapple Buttermilk Pie is a tropical twist on a classic Southern dessert, combining the rich, tangy flavor of traditional buttermilk pie with sweet crushed pineapple. It features an easy homemade custard filling that bakes up creamy and smooth, with bursts of pineapple in every bite. Serve this pineapple buttermilk pie on its own or top it with fresh whipped cream and berries for an eye-catching, bakery-worthy presentation that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, and summer gatherings.

Is Buttermilk Pie the Same as Chess Pie?

Not exactly—though they’re closely related and often confused. Both are Southern custard-style pies with a simple base of sugar, eggs, butter, and milk, but the differences come down to liquid and binder:

• Buttermilk vs. No Buttermilk: Traditional chess pie recipes typically do not use buttermilk in the filling, while buttermilk pie gets its signature tang and tenderness from—you guessed it—buttermilk.
• Binder: Classic chess pie is usually thickened with cornmeal, which gives it a slightly grainy texture and firmer set. Buttermilk pie, on the other hand, relies on all-purpose flour to stabilize the custard, resulting in a smoother, softer filling.

In short, they share a common heritage, but buttermilk pie is tangier and creamier, while chess pie is sweeter and more structured.

Easy Pineapple Buttermilk Pie Recipe

Buttermilk pie is one of my go-to desserts thanks to its iconic status as a tried-and-true Southern sweet. It’s wonderfully easy to make and comes in a variety of flavors, which only adds to its appeal. Most often in the South, you’ll find a simple version flavored with a hint of lemon to brighten the rich custard. Depending on the baker’s preference, it may also be finished with a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg on top. It’s simplicity at its finest, and a true win for Southern cooks.

Checkout this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need to make Southern Buttermilk Pie with pineapple just like mama made: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Pie Crust: One 9-inch deep dish pie shell frozen or homemade.
• Pineapple – One 8 ounce can crushed pineapple, well drained.
• Sugar – Two cups granulated sugar for sweetness.
• Flour – All purpose flour binds and stabilizes the filling.
• Baking Soda – Gives slight rise to the filling.1/4 tsp baking soda
• Spices – Salt and ground nutmeg.
• Buttermilk – One cup whole or low fat buttermilk, not fast free.
• Butter – Salted or unsalted butter adds richness to the filling.
• Whole Eggs – Three large eggs.
• Flavoring – One teaspoon vanilla extract and one teaspoon lemon extract.

How to Make the Best Pineapple Buttermilk Pie Recipe

• Pie Shell – Place pie crust on a baking sheet. Set aside.
• Dry Ingredients – Stir together sugar, flour, baking soda, salt and nutmeg.
• Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl using an electric mixer beat together buttermilk, butter, eggs, vanilla and lemon extracts until smooth.
• Combine – Add to the sifted dry ingredients. Whip until smooth. Mix in drained pineapple by hand.
• Pour Filling into Unbaked Pie Shell – Pour filling mixture into the pie shell and sprinkle the top with additional nutmeg.
• Oven – Bake in a preheated 350°F oven per the recipe checking at 40 minutes and covering the edges with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield to prevent the edges from over browning.
• Serve – Cool the pie completely on a wire rack before slicing. Chill until serving.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Delicious Pineapple Pie Recipe

• A deep dish pie pan or 9-inch pie plate.
• Hand mixer.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Large rubber spatula or spoon.
• Large bowl and medium bowl.
• Balloon whisk.
• Wire rack.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Crushed Pineapple – If you use pineapple packed in heavy syrup, reduce the sugar to 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar.
• Fresh Pineapple – I don’t recommend using fresh pineapple for this pie. Canned crushed pineapple works best.
• Lemon Extract – You can replace the lemon extract with lemon juice but it isn’t as concentrated in flavor as lemon extract. Should you choose to do so, you may want to add fresh lemon zest to amp up the flavor.
• Use a Frozen or Homemade Pie Crust – Southern buttermilk pie is traditionally baked in a pastry dough pie shell and not a graham cracker crust. For this pineapple pie recipe you can begin with a quality frozen or homemade pie shell depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. If you’d like to make your own crust, checkout my recipe for Flaky Pie Crust.
• Do I Have to Parbake the Crust? When using a frozen pie shell, I’ve never found the need to go this extra step. If you choose to make your own crust then yes, you will need to parbake the crust.
• How Do You Parbake a Homemade Pie Crust? For this pineapple pie recipe, press a homemade pie crust into a deep dish pie pan. Dock the bottom using the tines of a fork. Cover with parchment or foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes, then proceed with the recipe.
• How to Serve Pineapple Buttermilk Pie – You can serve pineapple pie topped with fresh whipped cream or Cool Whip or similar store-bought whipped topping. Add fresh berries or simply dust with powdered sugar.
• Homemade Buttermilk – To each one cup of whole milk add one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes then stir, and proceed with the recipe.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – How long does Pineapple Buttermilk Pie keep? I recommend storing this pie chilled covered with aluminum foil, plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It won’t last that long.
• Freezer Storage – You can freeze this pineapple pie for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and enjoy.

More Popular Southern Pie Recipes to Make

I have three favorite kinds of pies. Warm, chilled or at room temperature. More Southern-style pie recipes to add to your dessert rotation:

• Chocolate Chess Pie with it’s crackled top is always a winner.
• Mile High Banana Cream Pie is proof no skimpy pies will ever be allowed in my kitchen.
• Vintage Oatmeal Pie is an oldie but goodie that needs to be preserved.
• Southern style Sweet Potato Pie topped with a crunchy streusel.
• German Chocolate Pie is rich and fudgy.
• Lattice Topped Apple Pie is a made from scratch classic.
• Creamy meringue topped Butterscotch Pie recipe.
• Strawberry Rhubarb Pie from Simply Recipes.

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Helpful Kitchen Items

• Deep Dish Pie Pan
• Mixer
• Measuring Set
• Mixing Bowls