If you have a soft spot for nostalgic Southern desserts, the Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe is an absolute treasure that you simply must try. This delightful pie combines a crunchy, nutty, and coconut-filled filling baked to golden perfection inside a flaky crust, delivering a unique texture and an unbelievably comforting flavor. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and slightly gooey with the added charm of sliced bananas and whipped cream on top, making every bite a rich and soulful experience. Trust me, once you make this Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of crunchy texture, sweetness, and richness that makes this pie unforgettable.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Provides a buttery, flaky base that holds all the delicious filling together.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (1½ cups): Adds a chewy, tropical sweetness that’s key to the pie’s texture.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1½ cups): Brings a lovely just-right crunch and a bit of sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (1½ cups): Sweetens the pie evenly and helps create that golden top layer.
- Chopped pecans (1½ cups): Introduces a rich nuttiness and delightful crunch that complements the coconut.
- Large egg whites (7 unbeaten): The binder that keeps the filling together while giving the pie its signature slightly gooey texture inside.
- Sliced bananas (for serving): Offers a fresh and creamy contrast when served on top.
- Whipped cream (for serving): Light, airy finish that frames each bite perfectly.
How to Make Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first step to a flawless Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe is preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature ensures the pie bakes evenly, allowing the filling to set perfectly without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the sweetened shredded coconut, graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and chopped pecans. Stir these dry ingredients well until the mixture is evenly blended. This combination is the heart of the pie’s unique texture and flavor.
Step 3: Add the Egg Whites
Pour the seven unbeaten egg whites directly into the dry mixture — don’t worry, they don’t need to be whipped! Stir the mixture by hand until every bit of dry ingredient is coated, creating a thick, sticky filling that will hold together once baked. This is where the ‘sawdust’ texture begins to take shape.
Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust
Carefully spoon the coconut and pecan filling into your unbaked pie crust. Spread it evenly from edge to edge, ensuring you get an even bake and a beautiful presentation when it comes out of the oven.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Place your pie on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and a filling that appears set but still with a slight gooeyness at the center. This contrast in texture is everything in a Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe — too much baking time will dry it out, so keep an eye on it.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow your pie to cool on a wire rack. Cooling helps the filling set a little more while maintaining its gooey charm. When serving, top each slice with fresh sliced bananas and a generous dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweet nuttiness with a fresh, creamy finish.
How to Serve Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced bananas and whipped cream is a traditional way to garnish Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe, and they truly elevate the dessert. The bananas add a fresh, mellow sweetness that contrasts the rich filling, while the whipped cream lends an airy lightness that makes each bite feel indulgent but balanced.
Side Dishes
Because this pie is quite rich and packed with flavor, it pairs best with simple, fresh side options like a berry salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These light accompaniments cut through the sweetness and add a playful contrast on the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe in individual mini tartlets or use a springform pan to create a thick, cake-like presentation. You can also drizzle warm chocolate or caramel sauce on top for an extra special touch that impresses guests at holiday dinners or casual gatherings alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover pie, store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the crust crisp and filling fresh, preserving the perfect balance of textures and flavors for your next serving.
Freezing
Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe can be frozen if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, but keep in mind that freezing may slightly change the texture of the gooey filling. For best results, enjoy your frozen slices within 1 to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, let a slice come to room temperature and then warm gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which can make the crust soggy and the filling overly soft. A gentle oven heat will bring back the pie’s fresh-baked charm.
FAQs
What does the name “Sawdust Pie” mean?
The name comes from the texture created by the combination of coconut and graham cracker crumbs, which resembles sawdust. It’s a fun nod to the pie’s unique crumbly and slightly chewy consistency.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A store-bought crust works perfectly and saves time, but if you want to elevate the pie, homemade crust adds an extra layer of buttery flavor and flakiness.
Do the egg whites need to be whipped before adding?
No, the egg whites are simply added unbeaten and stirred in. This helps bind the ingredients without making the filling too fluffy or cake-like.
Is Kentucky Sawdust Pie served warm or cold?
It’s typically served cooled or at room temperature, allowing the filling to set properly and the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it slightly warm if you prefer, but be mindful that it may be a bit more delicate.
Can I substitute pecans with another nut?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes and offer different but delicious textures and flavors. Just chop them finely to keep the balance right.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe enough if you’re looking to add a piece of Southern tradition and unique, unforgettable flavor to your dessert lineup. It’s simple, comforting, and every bite tells a story of sweet nostalgia. So, grab those ingredients and get baking — you’re about to make a new favorite!
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Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Kentucky Sawdust Pie is a classic Southern dessert featuring a rich, sweet filling made from coconut, graham cracker crumbs, pecans, and egg whites baked in a flaky pie crust. It is traditionally served with sliced bananas and whipped cream for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This pie offers a delightful combination of crunch, chewiness, and a slightly gooey center, making it a timeless favorite.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling
- 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1½ cups chopped pecans
- 7 large egg whites (unbeaten)
For Serving
- Sliced bananas
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure even baking of the pie.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened shredded coconut, graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and chopped pecans. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Add Egg Whites: Pour the unbeaten egg whites into the dry mixture. Mix by hand until the mixture becomes thick and slightly sticky, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Spoon the prepared filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake the Pie: Place the filled pie into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the filling is set but still slightly gooey in the center. Avoid overbaking to maintain the ideal texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and serve each piece topped with sliced bananas and a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake; the center should remain slightly gooey for the best texture.
- Sliced bananas and whipped cream enhance the flavor and presentation but can be omitted if desired.
- Ensure the egg whites are unbeaten as they provide structure and moisture to the filling.
- This pie is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled after cooling.
