If you’re hunting for a show-stopping dessert that blends Southern flair and irresistible sweetness, the Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe is the secret you’ve been waiting for. This luscious pie is loaded with coconut, pecans, graham crackers, and chocolate chips all nestled into a flaky crust, making it a textural masterpiece that’s spotted at roadside diners and Derby Day gatherings alike. As nostalgic as it is indulgent, each bite manages a satisfying crunch, a gooey center, and rich caramelized edges—reminding you that simple ingredients, when mixed with love, can create utter magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Serving:
- whipped cream for serving
- shaved chocolate or extra pecans for garnish (optional)
How to Make Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite 9-inch pie dish and place the unbaked pie crust inside, pressing it gently into place. This will form a delicious, golden base ready to catch every morsel of the gooey filling.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, combine the sweetened shredded coconut, graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, semisweet chocolate chips, and granulated sugar. Toss them together until you see a playful blend of color and texture—this forms the heart of the Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites and Vanilla
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites and vanilla extract until they’re light and frothy. You don’t need stiff peaks—just a nice foam that will help bind the filling and give it airy lift.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Gently fold the egg white mixture into your dry bowl. Work slowly and be thorough so that every crumb is moistened and everything is evenly distributed. This is when your kitchen really starts to smell amazing!
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the filling into your prepared pie crust, smoothing out the top so it’s evenly spread. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and a set center to know when it’s done. The aroma? Pure Southern comfort.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once your Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe has baked to golden perfection, let it cool completely. This step ensures perfect slices and allows the flavors to meld. Serve with dollops of whipped cream, and add a shower of shaved chocolate or extra pecans for that final festive touch.
How to Serve Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Pile on clouds of whipped cream for that classic touch, then sprinkle with a generous handful of shaved chocolate or a few extra chopped pecans. This doesn’t just make your Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe look appealing, but also brings contrast and extra layers of flavor to every bite.
Side Dishes
Keep things simple with side dishes—a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with this rich pie, while fresh strawberries or sliced bananas can brighten each serving with a bit of freshness and color.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress a crowd, cut the pie into slim bars for bite-sized party treats, or serve mini pies in ramekins for personal portions. For a festive table, decorate each slice with edible flowers or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pie holds up incredibly well, with the flavor often deepening and becoming richer after a day.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices or the entire pie securely with both plastic wrap and foil. Keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, and expect the Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe to taste just as delightful even after freezing.
Reheating
If you love a warm slice, simply pop a piece into the microwave for 20-30 seconds or gently warm it in a low oven. The chocolate chips become gooey again, and the aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen for another slice.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for the Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! A store-bought crust works perfectly and saves time. If you’re in the mood, a homemade crust is wonderful, but don’t hesitate to use your favorite ready-made version.
What if I don’t have pecans?
Walnuts or even chopped hazelnuts make a fine substitute. If you have a nut allergy, you can leave out the nuts entirely—the pie will still offer plenty of flavor and texture with the coconut and graham crumbs.
Can I make the Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, in fact, the flavors deepen as it sits! Bake the pie a day early, refrigerate it overnight, and serve chilled or gently warmed for best results.
Is it necessary to let the pie cool completely before slicing?
It’s best to let it cool all the way. This helps the filling set and ensures neat, picture-perfect slices—plus, it’s even easier to serve.
Why is it called Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe?
The fun name comes from its rustic, crumbly appearance, thanks to the coconut, crumbs, and nuts. Rest assured, it tastes nothing like sawdust—just rich, sweet, and utterly Southern!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about sharing a slice of Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe—rich in tradition and full of welcome-home comfort. Give this recipe a try, share it with loved ones, and create your own sweet memories. I know you’ll come back for seconds!
Print
Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Kentucky Sawdust Pie. A delightful combination of sweetened coconut, graham cracker crumbs, pecans, and chocolate chips, all baked into a luscious pie. Perfect for those who love a sweet treat with a Southern twist.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Serving:
- whipped cream for serving
- shaved chocolate or extra pecans for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the crust: Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
- Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut, graham cracker crumbs, pecans, chocolate chips, and sugar.
- Beat egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and vanilla until frothy, then fold into the dry mixture.
- Fill the crust: Spoon the filling into the pie crust and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and set.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Serve with whipped cream and garnish with shaved chocolate or pecans if desired.
Notes
- This pie is rich and sweet, so small slices go a long way.
- You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Toasting the pecans beforehand adds extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 52 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
