The Best Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Sweet pecans and graham cracker crumbs create a delightful kentucky sawdust pie that whispers pure Southern charm.

Midwest bakers have long treasured this unique dessert for its rustic simplicity.

Crisp textures and nutty flavors combine in a magical culinary experience.

Generations of home cooks have passed down this treasured recipe through warm kitchens and loving conversations.

Each slice promises a rich, crumbly adventure that melts on your tongue.

Comfort and tradition dance together in this humble yet spectacular pie.

What Makes Kentucky Sawdust Pie So Unique

• Craft a Delightful Southern Treat: Kentucky Sawdust Pie brings the charm of traditional Southern baking right to your kitchen, offering a unique dessert that celebrates regional flavors.
• Simplify Baking with Minimal Ingredients: Gather just a few pantry staples like coconut, pecans, and graham cracker crumbs to create this deliciously straightforward pie without complicated techniques.
• Wow Guests with Unexpected Texture: The pie's crumbly, almost sandy texture combined with rich nutty and sweet notes makes it a conversation-starting dessert perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations.
• Customize with Personal Flair: Experiment by adding a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel to make this Kentucky classic your own signature dessert.

Ingredients for Kentucky Sawdust Pie

• Unbaked Pie Crust: A classic base that provides a crisp and flaky foundation for the Kentucky Sawdust Pie.

• Sugar, Brown Sugar: These sweeteners create a rich and caramelized flavor profile for the pie.
• Coconut, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Pecans: These ingredients contribute to the signature texture and nutty essence of the Kentucky Sawdust Pie.

• Eggs: Beaten eggs help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the pie filling.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps blend all the ingredients together smoothly.

How to Prepare Kentucky Sawdust Pie

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to a toasty 350°F. Gently place your pie crust into a pie pan, ensuring it sits comfortably and evenly.

Step 2: Create Pie Filling Mixture

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

Stir these delightful ingredients until they’re well combined and look like a delicious sandy mixture.

Step 3: Bind the Filling

Whisk your eggs until they’re smooth and golden. Pour the beaten eggs and melted butter into the dry ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly so each ingredient gets cozy with the others.

Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust

Pour the rich, textured filling into your waiting pie crust. Make sure it spreads evenly across the surface, creating a delectable landscape of flavors.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and a center that’s set and slightly firm.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest. Allow it to cool completely, which helps the filling settle and makes slicing easier. Cut into slices and serve this Kentucky treasure to eager friends and family.

Pro Tips for Kentucky Sawdust Pie Success

• Toast pecans before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Use fresh coconut flakes for a more vibrant texture and authentic sweetness in the pie.
• Check the pie's doneness by gently shaking the pan; the center should be slightly firm but not completely solid.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to balance the pie's rich, sweet filling.
• Store leftover pie in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.

Delicious Variations of Kentucky Sawdust Pie

• Chocolate Pecan Paradise: Replace some pecans with dark chocolate chips for a rich, decadent version that melts beautifully in each bite.
• Tropical Coconut Carnival: Add crushed pineapple and macadamia nuts to create a Hawaiian-inspired sweet pie with extra tropical flair.
• Maple Bourbon Fusion: Substitute some sugar with maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon for a sophisticated adult-friendly rendition with deep, complex flavors.
• Nutty Spice Sensation: Mix in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and swap half the pecans with toasted almonds for a warm, aromatic profile that enhances the pie's natural sweetness.

Suggested Pairings for Kentucky Sawdust Pie

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Bourbon Ice Cream: Smooth, rich vanilla bourbon ice cream complements the pie's nutty and sweet profile, adding a luxurious cold contrast to the warm, toasty pie.
• Sip Smooth Kentucky Bourbon: A classic Kentucky bourbon with caramel and oak notes perfectly matches the pie's regional roots and enhances its rich, sweet flavors.
• Serve With Whipped Cream Dollop: Fresh, light whipped cream cuts through the pie's dense texture, providing a delicate balance and creamy accompaniment.
• Enjoy Alongside Strong Coffee: Dark roast or espresso coffee balances the pie's sweetness with robust, bitter undertones, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.

Best Storage Practices for Kentucky Sawdust Pie

• Store leftover Kentucky Sawdust Pie in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve freshness and flavor.
• Let pie sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours after baking. Do not leave out longer to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a crispy crust, reheat in a preheated 350F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Sawdust Pie

• What are the main ingredients in Kentucky Sawdust Pie?

The main ingredients include sugar, brown sugar, coconut, graham cracker crumbs, pecans, eggs, and butter, creating a rich and sweet filling.

• Is this pie similar to a traditional pecan pie?

While it shares some similarities with pecan pie, Kentucky Sawdust Pie has a unique texture and flavor profile due to the combination of coconut and graham cracker crumbs.

• Can I make this pie if I'm allergic to nuts?

No, pecans are a key ingredient in this recipe, so it’s not suitable for those with nut allergies.

• What gives this pie its distinctive name?

The name “Sawdust Pie” comes from the pie’s dry, crumbly texture that resembles sawdust, despite being deliciously sweet and rich.

Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Kentucky sawdust pie blends rich chocolate, graham cracker crumbs, and pecans into a delightful Southern dessert. Rustic charm meets indulgent flavor, inviting you to savor each blissful, nutty bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 eggs (beaten)
• 1 pie crust (unbaked)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Sugar Components:

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut (shredded)
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a pie crust in a standard pie pan, ensuring even coverage along the bottom and sides.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend granulated sugar, brown sugar, shredded coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and chopped pecans until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Whisk eggs until uniformly beaten, then incorporate melted butter into the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until a cohesive, moistened consistency develops.
4. Carefully transfer the combined filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading the mixture smoothly and evenly to create a uniform surface.
5. Position the pie in a preheated 350°F oven, allowing it to bake for approximately 35-40 minutes; monitor the surface for a rich golden-brown color and a firm, set center that indicates complete cooking.
6. Remove pie from oven and let it rest at room temperature for sufficient time to stabilize and cool completely, which helps the filling set and makes clean slicing easier.
7. Once fully cooled, slice into wedges and serve, appreciating the rich, textural blend of sweet and nutty flavors characteristic of this traditional dessert.

Notes

• Toast pecans and coconut lightly before adding to enhance their nutty, rich flavors and bring out deeper aromatic notes.
• Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crackers to make the pie celiac-friendly and accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Use unsalted butter to control salt levels and prevent the pie from becoming too salty, allowing the natural sweetness of coconut and sugars to shine through.
• Cool the pie completely at room temperature to help the filling set properly and develop a more stable, slice-friendly consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 382 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg