Quick & Sweet Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe That Wows Every Time

Indulging in a Kentucky sawdust pie brings pure magic to your dessert table.

Sweet memories of southern baking traditions dance through every delightful slice.

Nutty pecans and coconut create a rustic charm that feels both nostalgic and delicious.

Crisp graham cracker crust provides a perfect foundation for this classic treat.

Crumbly textures and rich flavors blend seamlessly in each delectable bite.

Unexpected ingredients make this pie a conversation starter at any gathering.

We promise this simple yet extraordinary dessert will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Kentucky Sawdust Pie Rundown

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Transforms simple ingredients into a delectable dessert with minimal cooking skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Offers a rich, nutty flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Requires just a few basic pantry staples and simple mixing technique, reducing kitchen stress and cleanup time.
• Versatile Serving Option: Easily dressed up with whipped cream and bananas or enjoyed in its pure, delightful form, adapting to different taste preferences.

Ingredients for Kentucky Sawdust Pie

• Unbaked Pie Crust: A classic pastry shell that provides the foundation for the Kentucky Sawdust Pie.

• Shredded Coconut: A key component that adds texture and tropical sweetness to the pie.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crisp, sweet base that helps bind the filling together.
• Chopped Pecans: Introduces a rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the pie.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the signature dry, crumbly texture of the pie.
• Egg Whites: Crucial for binding the dry ingredients and creating the unique consistency of the Kentucky Sawdust Pie.

• Whipped Cream, Fresh Bananas: Provides a creamy and fresh contrast to the pie's rich, dry texture.

How to Prepare Kentucky Sawdust Pie

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F (165°C). This gentle heat will help create the perfect golden crust and soft interior for your delightful pie.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Shredded coconut
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Granulated sugar
• Chopped pecans

Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they’re beautifully blended and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg Whites

Carefully separate 7 egg whites, discarding the yolks.

Pour the unbeaten egg whites into your dry mixture. Stir by hand with enthusiasm, ensuring every morsel gets coated.

The mixture will feel thick and slightly challenging to blend, but keep mixing until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Fill The Pie Crust

Gently spoon your prepared mixture into an unbaked pie crust.

Use the back of your spoon to spread the filling evenly, making sure it reaches every corner of the crust.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and a filling that’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Avoid overbaking to maintain that signature gooey texture.

Step 6: Cool And Garnish

Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack until it reaches room temperature. When ready to serve, slice into wedges.

Top each piece with a fluffy dollop of whipped cream and a few banana slices for an extra touch of deliciousness.

Tips for Kentucky Sawdust Pie

• Use only fresh egg whites at room temperature for the smoothest, most consistent texture in your pie filling.
• Blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling to ensure a crisp, golden bottom that won't get mushy.
• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the pie's taste profile.
• Make homemade whipped cream by chilling your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand for the fluffiest topping possible.
• Let the pie cool completely before cutting to help it set and prevent crumbling, using a warm knife for clean, neat slices.

Variations on Kentucky Sawdust Pie

• Gluten-Free Coconut Pecan Pie: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Nutty Delight: Swap egg whites with aquafaba or flax egg substitute, using coconut sugar and plant-based pecans for a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Nutty Slice: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the pie's rich flavor profile.
• Tropical Banana Crunch: Add mashed ripe bananas into the filling mixture and sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts on top for a Hawaiian-inspired interpretation of the classic Kentucky sawdust pie.

Pairings for Kentucky Sawdust Pie

Pair a slice with Kentucky bourbon, enhancing the pie’s nutty sweetness and regional charm.

Serve alongside a rich caramel macchiato, letting the creamy coffee balance the pie’s dense coconut texture.

Top with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, creating a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, crispy pie crust.

Accompany with a small glass of pecan-infused liqueur, mirroring the pie’s nutty undertones and Southern spirit.

Proper Storage for Kentucky Sawdust Pie

• Store leftover Kentucky Sawdust Pie in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Frozen pie can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Preheat oven to 325°F, place pie slice on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Kentucky Sawdust Pie?

The key ingredients are shredded coconut, graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, chopped pecans, and egg whites. These create the unique texture and flavor of the pie.

The name comes from the dry, crumbly mixture of ingredients that resembles sawdust before mixing with egg whites. The texture is similar to fine wood shavings, hence the unusual name.

• Is this a traditional Southern dessert?

Yes, Kentucky Sawdust Pie is a classic Southern dessert, particularly popular in Kentucky. It’s a simple yet delicious pie that showcases local ingredients like pecans and coconut.

Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Kentucky sawdust pie combines graham cracker crumbs, pecans, and coconut in a luscious dessert that whispers Southern comfort. Rich chocolate chips and a buttery filling invite you to savor each delightful, crumbly bite.

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Ingredients

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Filling Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1.5 cups chopped pecans
• 1.5 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 7 large egg whites

Crust Ingredient:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Serving Ingredients:

• Sliced bananas
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 325°F, creating the ideal temperature for a perfectly textured pie.
2. Combine coconut, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and pecans in a large mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
3. Separate egg whites, discarding the yolks. Pour unbeaten whites into the dry mixture, mixing thoroughly until the ingredients form a thick, sticky consistency.
4. Transfer the mixture into an unbaked pie crust, spreading evenly to ensure complete coverage and uniform baking.
5. Position the pie in the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until the top transforms to a golden-brown hue and the center maintains a slight wobble when gently shaken.
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack, reaching room temperature.
7. Slice into wedges and enhance the serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream and delicate banana slices for complementary flavor and textural contrast.

Notes

• Swap egg whites for aquafaba to make the pie vegan-friendly, creating a similar binding effect without animal products.
• Toast coconut and pecans before mixing to enhance their nutty, rich flavors and add depth to the pie’s overall taste profile.
• Prevent soggy crust by pre-baking the pie shell for 10 minutes before adding the filling, ensuring a crisp and flaky base.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify over time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 419 kcal
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg