This North Carolina Pie Shop Feels Like A Hug In Every Slice
Nestled in Huntersville, North Carolina, Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop has become a must-visit destination for anyone craving pies that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Located at 16836 D Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville, this bakery delights visitors with an array of handcrafted pies, each baked to golden perfection with flaky, buttery crusts and rich, flavorful fillings.
From classic fruit pies to inventive seasonal creations, every slice tells a story of Southern tradition and sweet craftsmanship. The counter is a feast for the eyes, lined with desserts that look almost too good to eat, almost.
With every bite, the balance of flavor and texture proves why locals and visitors alike return time and again. This North Carolina bakery proves that happiness can be baked, sliced, and shared.
Whether grabbing a pie to-go or lingering over a slice in the cozy space, Buttermilk Sky delivers unforgettable, homey indulgence.
1. Founders Who Bake With Heart
Scott and Meredith Layton didn’t just open a bakery. They brought their grandmothers’ recipes back to life in 2012 when they launched the original Buttermilk Sky in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Their goal was simple but powerful: recreate the comforting flavors and feelings of Southern home kitchens. Standing at the counter in Huntersville, I could feel that mission come through.
Every pie looked handmade, not mass produced. The staff spoke about the founders with genuine affection, explaining how the Laytons wanted everyone to experience the same joy they felt growing up with homemade desserts.
This wasn’t some corporate chain trying to fake authenticity. These were real people who loved pie enough to build an entire business around it.
That passion showed in every detail, from the recipes to the warm service. Learning about Scott and Meredith made me appreciate my slice even more.
They weren’t just selling dessert. They were sharing family memories, one pie at a time, and that made all the difference.
2. The Legendary I-40 Pie
My server practically glowed when describing the I-40 pie. Named after the interstate highway connecting Knoxville and Memphis, this creation combines pecans, chocolate chips, toasted coconut, and smooth pecan filling inside a buttery shortbread crust.
Just hearing about it made my mouth water. When I finally tasted it, I understood the hype immediately.
The chocolate added richness without overwhelming the pecans. The coconut brought unexpected texture and a hint of tropical sweetness.
The shortbread crust held everything together like a delicious edible foundation. Some customers mentioned the flavors felt a bit muddled, but I found them perfectly balanced.
Each bite offered something different depending on where your fork landed. One moment you’d get chocolate and pecan, the next coconut and buttery crust.
This wasn’t your standard pecan pie. It was an adventure on a plate, a road trip for your taste buds.
The I-40 earned its reputation as a customer favorite, and I could see why people ordered it again and again.
3. Handcrafted Daily From Scratch
Nothing at Buttermilk Sky comes from a box or a freezer truck. Every single pie gets made from scratch each day using real, simple ingredients.
You can actually watch through the window as bakers roll dough and prepare fillings. I asked one of the staff members about their process, and she explained how they start early each morning.
Fresh butter, real cream, actual fruit, quality chocolate. No shortcuts, no artificial flavors, no preservatives extending shelf life for weeks.
That commitment to freshness showed in every bite I took. The crust flaked perfectly because it was made that morning.
The cream filling tasted rich and pure because it came from actual dairy, not powder. The fruit filling burst with natural sweetness.
In a world where most desserts come pre-made and shipped frozen, this approach felt almost revolutionary. Sure, it costs more and requires more work, but the difference was undeniable.
These pies tasted like someone’s grandmother made them, because essentially, someone’s grandmother’s recipe did.
4. Perfect Portions For Every Occasion
Buttermilk Sky understands that not everyone needs a whole pie. They offer both 9-inch family-sized beauties and adorable 4-inch minis perfect for solo indulgence or small gatherings.
This flexibility changed everything for me as a customer. I wanted to try multiple flavors without committing to three full pies.
The mini size let me sample key lime, chocolate cream, and pumpkin all in one visit. Three people could easily share two minis and feel completely satisfied without the sugar overload.
The family size worked perfectly for holidays or dinner parties. Several customers mentioned ordering full pies for Thanksgiving, and staff told me those large pies disappeared fast at gatherings.
The generous portions meant everyone got a proper slice. This sizing strategy was brilliant.
Singles could treat themselves without waste. Families could feed a crowd.
Curious first-timers could experiment without breaking the bank. Whatever your situation, Buttermilk Sky had a pie that fit, making great dessert accessible to everyone.
5. Beyond Pies: Sweet Treats Galore
While pies are the star, Buttermilk Sky offers other temptations worth exploring. Thumbprint Cookies, Cloud Cookies, Pie Pops, and something called Cloud 9s lined the counter, each one looking more tempting than the last.
I couldn’t resist grabbing a few extras. The Pie Pops were genius: pie filling and crust on a stick, perfect for kids or anyone who wanted dessert without a fork.
Cloud 9s took the concept of pie à la mode and elevated it into something special. The cookies were soft, buttery, and dangerously addictive.
One customer review mentioned receiving beautiful holiday cookies as a gift after a mix-up, and she raved about them. I tried the Thumbprint variety and understood why.
These weren’t afterthoughts or filler items. They received the same attention and quality as the pies.
Having these options meant you could create a whole dessert spread from one shop. Pies for the main event, cookies for the kids, Pie Pops for easy serving.
Buttermilk Sky thought of everything.
6. Seasonal Flavors Keep Things Fresh
The menu at Buttermilk Sky rotates with the seasons, ensuring you’ll always find something new. Lemon Ice Box appears in summer, Spiced Pumpkin arrives for fall, and other limited-time flavors pop up throughout the year.
This strategy kept regular customers coming back. During my visit, I tried the Lemon Meringue, a seasonal offering that one couple called a must-try.
They were absolutely right. The tart lemon filling balanced perfectly with sweet, fluffy meringue.
The crust provided just enough buttery richness to tie everything together. Staff mentioned that customers often ask about seasonal favorites months in advance.
People plan their visits around specific pies, waiting all year for pumpkin or strawberry to return. This created a sense of excitement and anticipation.
The seasonal approach also meant the bakers could experiment and showcase different skills. Summer fruit pies highlighted fresh berries.
Fall offerings embraced warming spices. Winter brought rich, comforting flavors.
Spring featured bright, refreshing options. Every season brought new reasons to visit.
7. Giving Back Through Pie It Forward
Buttermilk Sky doesn’t just take from the community. They give back through their Pie It Forward program, donating a portion of proceeds from a designated pie each month to local charities and nonprofits.
This wasn’t just good marketing. It was genuine community engagement.
I asked the staff which organizations they had supported recently, and they rattled off several local names with obvious pride. Food banks, youth programs, animal shelters.
The list showed they cared about diverse causes affecting their neighbors. As a customer, knowing my purchase helped someone else made the pie taste even sweeter.
I wasn’t just treating myself. I was contributing to something bigger.
That feeling of connection and purpose added value beyond the delicious dessert. Many businesses talk about community involvement, but few follow through consistently.
Buttermilk Sky built giving into their regular operations, making charity a natural part of doing business. That commitment to kindness reflected the same warmth and care they put into their baking.
8. Pie Perks Make You Feel Special
Signing up for Pie Perks was the easiest decision I made all week. Members receive a free 4-inch pie on their birthday when they purchase another pie, plus updates on seasonal offerings and special deals.
The program made me feel valued as a customer. Several reviews mentioned using their free birthday pie, and the excitement in their words was genuine.
Who doesn’t want free pie on their special day? The requirement to purchase another pie seemed fair, not greedy.
It encouraged celebration rather than just claiming freebies. The updates about seasonal flavors helped me plan future visits.
I didn’t want to miss limited-time offerings, and the emails kept me informed without being annoying or overwhelming. The communication felt personal, not like mass marketing spam.
Loyalty programs often feel transactional and cold, but Pie Perks had warmth built in. The free birthday pie wasn’t just a discount.
It was Buttermilk Sky saying happy birthday and inviting you to celebrate with something special. That personal touch made all the difference.
9. Key Lime Pie That Sets The Standard
One reviewer called himself pretty critical of key lime pies since they’re his favorite dessert. He declared Buttermilk Sky’s version a top three contender, and after trying it myself, I completely agreed.
This wasn’t some neon green impostor. This was the real deal.
The filling had that perfect balance of tart and sweet that defines great key lime pie. Not too sugary, not mouth-puckeringly sour.
The graham cracker crust added subtle sweetness and satisfying crunch. The whipped cream on top provided cool, creamy contrast.
What impressed me most was the authenticity. Many bakeries make key lime pie too sweet or use regular limes instead of actual key limes.
Buttermilk Sky respected the classic recipe while executing it flawlessly. Every element worked together in harmony.
Multiple reviews specifically mentioned the key lime pie, with 15 customers calling it out by name. That kind of consistent praise doesn’t happen by accident.
Buttermilk Sky clearly perfected this flavor, earning its reputation one slice at a time.
10. Service That Delivers Literally
The customer service at Buttermilk Sky goes beyond friendly smiles and helpful suggestions. One customer shared an incredible story about accidentally receiving the wrong pie for a holiday party.
Instead of making her drive back, the shop delivered the correct pie directly to her home. But the story gets better.
They also sent a package of beautiful holiday cookies and told her to keep the incorrect Coconut Cream Pie at no extra charge. When she tried to pay for the additional items, they politely refused.
That level of service is almost unheard of today. This wasn’t an isolated incident either.
Multiple reviews praised the exceptional customer care and welcoming attitude of the staff. People felt genuinely cared for, not just processed as transactions.
The team remembered regular customers and made newcomers feel immediately comfortable. Great pie matters, but great service creates loyal customers who tell everyone they know.
Buttermilk Sky understood this completely. They turned a simple mistake into a story this customer will share for years, creating marketing money can’t buy.
11. Gluten-Free Options Done Right
Finding good gluten-free desserts can be challenging, but Buttermilk Sky cracked the code. Multiple customers specifically mentioned their gluten-free pies, calling them fantastic and delectable.
One reviewer said these pies made her a pie convert despite previous dislike. I watched as staff carefully explained which flavors came in gluten-free versions.
They took cross-contamination seriously, using separate tools and preparation areas. This wasn’t just slapping a gluten-free label on subpar products.
They genuinely cared about serving everyone well. The gluten-free crusts didn’t taste like cardboard or crumble into sandy messes.
They held together properly and provided satisfying texture. The fillings remained identical to regular versions, so gluten-free customers didn’t miss out on flavor or quality.
For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, having a reliable dessert option matters enormously. Buttermilk Sky didn’t treat gluten-free as an afterthought or obligation.
They approached it with the same care and craftsmanship as everything else, making everyone feel welcome and included at the dessert table.
12. A Charming Spot In Birkdale Village
Location matters, and Buttermilk Sky landed in the perfect spot. Nestled in Birkdale Village, at 16836 D Birkdale Commons Pkwy, the shop benefits from foot traffic, nearby restaurants, and a pleasant shopping atmosphere.
The white-washed walls and traditional decor created instant charm the moment I walked through the door. Customers mentioned popping in after dinner at nearby restaurants or while shopping in the village.
The convenience made spontaneous pie purchases easy and tempting. Why go home after a meal when you could grab dessert just steps away?
The shop itself felt cozy without being cramped. Display cases showed off the day’s offerings beautifully.
A chalkboard outside listed available flavors, drawing curious passersby inside. The whole setup invited exploration and encouraged lingering.
Being in Birkdale Village also meant easy parking and a safe, walkable environment. Families could visit together.
Couples could make it a date. Friends could meet for coffee and pie.
The location enhanced the entire experience, making Buttermilk Sky not just a destination but part of a larger, enjoyable outing in Huntersville.
