Kentucky Sawdust Pie

A Slice of Southern Comfort: Kentucky Sawdust Pie

There’s something magical about a dessert that sounds humble but tastes like pure nostalgia. The first time I stumbled upon Kentucky Sawdust Pie at a little roadside diner outside Louisville, I was skeptical—how could something with such a peculiar name be so utterly irresistible? One bite of its crumbly, nutty, caramelized goodness, and I was hooked. It’s the kind of pie that feels like a warm hug from your grandma, even if you’ve never set foot in Kentucky. Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true version of this Southern gem, complete with all the cozy tips to make it shine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive in, let’s gather our ingredients. This pie is deceptively simple, but each component plays a starring role:

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust – Homemade is lovely, but a store-bought one works just fine if you’re short on time (no judgment here!).
• 1 cup chopped pecans – Toasted lightly for extra depth of flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
• 1 cup shredded coconut – Sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference. I like the slight chewiness sweetened coconut adds.
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs – These give the pie its signature “sawdust” texture and a hint of honeyed warmth.
• 1 cup light brown sugar – Packed firmly for that rich, molasses-kissed sweetness.
• 3 large eggs – Room temperature, please! They’ll blend more smoothly into the filling.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Because everything’s better with butter.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla ties all the flavors together beautifully.
• Pinch of salt – To balance the sweetness and make those flavors pop.

Let’s Bake Some Magic

Now that our ingredients are ready, it’s time to create this cozy masterpiece. Follow these steps, and don’t forget to savor the process—baking this pie is as comforting as eating it!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges prettily (or messily—it’ll taste the same either way!).
2. Toast the pecans for about 5 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat, just until fragrant. Let them cool slightly before mixing—this keeps them crunchy in the pie.
3. In a large bowl, combine the pecans, coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and brown sugar. Stir gently with a wooden spoon—it should look like a mountain of sweet, nutty sawdust (hence the name!).
4. Whisk together the eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth. Pour this golden mixture over your “sawdust” and stir until everything is evenly coated. The filling will be thick and slightly sticky—that’s perfect!

Stay tuned for the second half of this recipe, where we’ll bake this beauty to golden perfection and talk serving suggestions that’ll make it even more irresistible. For now, take a moment to inhale that buttery, nutty aroma—it’s the first sign that something truly special is coming out of your oven.

Kentucky Sawdust Pie: Pro Tips & Variations

This humble pie is wonderfully forgiving, but a few tricks will take it from good to unforgettable:

• The crust matters: While store-bought works in a pinch, a homemade buttery crust adds that extra layer of love.
• Texture tweaks: For extra crunch, toast the coconut and pecans before mixing them into the filling.
• Boozy twist: Add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the filling for a true Kentucky touch (the alcohol bakes out, leaving just warm flavor).
• Gluten-free option: Substitute gluten-free flour 1:1 and use a GF pie crust.

The Perfect Pairings

This pie shines brightest when served simply:

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm filling
• For contrast, try tart berries like raspberries or blackberries on the side
• Pair with strong coffee or a glass of cold milk for that classic diner feel

Keeping the Magic Alive

This pie keeps wonderfully:

• Room temp: Cover loosely with foil and enjoy within 2 days
• Refrigerator: Lasts up to 5 days – revive slices with 10 seconds in the microwave
• Freezer: Wrap whole pie or slices tightly in plastic, then foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.

Sawdust Pie FAQs

Why is it called sawdust pie?
The filling’s texture before baking resembles wood shavings – but transforms into magic in the oven!

Can I use sweetened coconut?
Absolutely! Just reduce the sugar in the recipe by 1/4 cup to balance the sweetness.

My pie seems too wet after baking – what happened?
This usually means it needed 5-10 more minutes in the oven. The center should be just set with a slight jiggle.

Is this the same as chess pie?
They’re cousins! Both have simple, eggy fillings, but sawdust pie’s coconut and pecans make it distinct.

A Slice of Comfort

There’s something magical about how such simple ingredients can create such profound comfort. Whether you’re serving this at a family gathering or treating yourself to a quiet moment with a warm slice, Kentucky sawdust pie has a way of making everything feel just a little sweeter. That first bite of crispy top giving way to the chewy, caramel-like center? Pure happiness on a plate. Don’t be surprised if this humble pie becomes one of those recipes your family requests for generations to come.

Print