If you’re on the hunt for a Southern classic that brings a unique blend of textures and flavors to your dessert table, look no further than this delightful Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe. It’s a sweet, nutty, and satisfyingly gooey treat that combines crispy coconut, crunchy pecans, and a luscious, slightly gooey filling baked in a buttery crust. Every bite offers a wonderful contrast that feels both nostalgic and exciting, making it a hidden gem in the world of pies. Trust me, once you try this, Kentucky Sawdust Pie will become your go-to for potlucks, family dinners, or just a cozy night in with a slice and a smile.
Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this pie right is all about simple, honest ingredients that work their magic together. Each item plays an essential role, from the crunchy texture to the sweet, nutty flavor, so having the right staples on hand is key.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The foundation that holds all those wonderful flavors together with a buttery, flaky base.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (1½ cups): Adds a chewy, sweet texture that gives this pie its signature ‘sawdust’ feel.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1½ cups): Provides a subtle crunch and a toasty flavor that complements the coconut perfectly.
- Granulated sugar (1½ cups): Sweetens the entire pie and helps with that golden-brown finish on top.
- Chopped pecans (1½ cups): Brings an irresistible nuttiness and crunch that truly rounds out the texture.
- Large egg whites (7, unbeaten): The magical binder that holds everything together, creating a light, yet dense filling.
- Sliced bananas (for serving): Adds freshness and a smoky sweetness as the perfect topping.
- Whipped cream (for serving): Softens the richness and adds a creamy contrast to each slice.
How to Make Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 325°F (165°C). This steady, moderate heat ensures the pie bakes evenly without the risk of burning the delicate crust or the coconut topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded coconut, graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and chopped pecans. When all these dry ingredients come together, they form a rich, textured base that promises every forkful will be packed with flavor.
Step 3: Add Egg Whites
Pour the seven unbeaten egg whites straight into your dry mixture. Using a spoon or spatula, fold everything together until the mixture becomes thick and a bit sticky. This step is crucial because the egg whites will bind the ingredients and create that luscious filling characteristic of this classic Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe.
Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust
Spoon your filling evenly into the unbaked pie crust. Spreading it out smoothly ensures it bakes uniformly, so no bites are overcooked or underdone.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Place the pie on the center rack in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the top should turn a gorgeous golden brown, signaling that the filling has set perfectly. Remember, the center should remain a little gooey to give that wonderfully soft texture contrasted with the crunchy surface.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, transfer the pie to a wire rack to cool. Cooling not only makes it easier to slice, but it also helps those flavors settle beautifully. Before serving, add the finishing touches: fresh sliced bananas and a dollop of whipped cream to bring an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
How to Serve Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats the classic pairing of sliced bananas and fluffy whipped cream atop your Kentucky Sawdust Pie. The bananas add a mellow sweetness that balances the nutty and sugary pie filling, while whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast that makes every bite feel like a celebration.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with bold coffee or a glass of cold milk to help cut through the sweetness. If you want to turn it into an all-around Southern feast, consider serving it alongside fresh, seasonal fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try serving small slices of Kentucky Sawdust Pie in decorative mini tart pans or add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes and extra pecans over the whipped cream. These little details add visual appeal and highlight the pie’s flavorful ingredients beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers (and believe me, it’s possible), cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining the balance of gooey filling and crunchy topping.
Freezing
You can freeze this pie if you want to prepare in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, placing it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm the whole pie in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This will revive the gooey center and give you that freshly baked feeling all over again.
FAQs
What does Kentucky Sawdust Pie taste like?
It offers a delightful combination of sweet, nutty, and chewy textures with a rich filling that’s lightly gooey, balanced by a crunchy top and buttery crust. The coconut and pecans give it a deep, toasty flavor that’s uniquely charming.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! A good-quality store-bought pie crust works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure to keep it chilled before filling and baking for best results.
Is it necessary to use unbeaten egg whites?
Yes, adding unbeaten egg whites directly helps create the dense but tender texture that holds all the dry ingredients together without making the pie overly firm or rubbery.
Can this pie be made nut-free?
You can omit the pecans if you have a nut allergy, but the pie will lose some of its characteristic crunch and flavor. Consider adding extra coconut or graham cracker crumbs to make up for it.
What’s the best way to serve Kentucky Sawdust Pie?
Serve it slightly cooled with fresh banana slices and whipped cream for the classic experience. Pair it with coffee or ice cream for an indulgent treat any time of year.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something truly special about this Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe that makes it stand out among Southern desserts. Its wonderful mix of texture, flavor, and simplicity creates a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh. If you love pies with character and a little surprise in every bite, this recipe is definitely worth making. So gather your ingredients, bake up a slice, and get ready to share a delicious piece of Kentucky tradition with everyone you love.
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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
Description
Kentucky Sawdust Pie is a delightful Southern dessert featuring a crunchy, nutty filling made from coconut, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and pecans, all bound together with egg whites and baked in a flaky pie crust. The pie is traditionally served with sliced bananas and whipped cream, offering a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures.
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)
To Serve
- Sliced bananas
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure the pie bakes evenly throughout.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened shredded coconut, graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and chopped pecans. Stir well to mix all dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Egg Whites: Pour the unbeaten egg whites into the dry mixture and stir by hand until fully incorporated. The filling will become thick and slightly sticky.
- 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 pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. Aim to keep the center slightly gooey for optimal texture. Avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and serve each piece topped with sliced bananas and a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Do not overbake the pie to maintain a slightly gooey center texture.
- Using unbeaten egg whites helps bind the filling while keeping it light.
- Sliced bananas and whipped cream enhance the flavor and texture contrast.
- The pie crust should be unbaked before filling.
