Golden Sawdust Pie Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Crumbly Bite

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen come alive with this nostalgic sawdust pie recipe that transports you straight to comfort and warmth.

Southern bakers have treasured this unique dessert for generations, blending simple ingredients into something magical.

The sawdust pie weaves a delightful blend of textures and sweet flavors that dance on your palate.

Pecans and coconut create a rustic, irresistible filling nestled in a flaky crust that crumbles perfectly with each bite.

Its origins trace back to home kitchens where resourceful cooks turned basic pantry staples into extraordinary treats.

The pie playful name belies its rich, decadent taste that surprises and delights anyone who tries it.

Dive into this classic dessert and savor a slice of culinary nostalgia that promises to become your new favorite indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 to 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Making Sawdust Pie

• Pie Crust: Provides the essential foundation for this delectable dessert, choose a deep-dish variety for maximum filling capacity.

• White Granulated Sugar: Delivers pure sweetness and helps create the pie's signature texture, select high-quality refined sugar for consistent results.
• Egg Whites: Acts as a crucial binding element that gives the pie its unique structure, opt for fresh, room-temperature eggs for better incorporation.

• Shredded Coconut, Graham Cracker Crumbs
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Introduces a rich, nutty dimension and delightful crunch, select fresh, crisp nuts for maximum flavor and textural contrast.

Must-Have Tools for Sawdust Pie Prep

• 9-inch deep-dish pie pan: Crucial for holding and shaping the pie crust.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all filling ingredients smoothly.
• Wire cooling rack: Essential for allowing the pie to cool evenly after baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for consistent results.
• Whisk or wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing the filling ingredients thoroughly.
• Rolling pin (optional): Needed if making a homemade pie crust from scratch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sawdust Pie

Sawdust Pie Magic

• Crust Foundation

Set up your kitchen workspace with a pie pan and prepare a cozy pie crust that fits snugly inside. Whether homemade or store-bought, ensure the crust looks smooth and welcoming.

• Filling Symphony

Gather coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and chopped nuts in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold egg whites into the dry ingredients, creating a delightful mixture that looks like a rustic landscape.

• Oven Adventure

Warm your oven to a toasty 350°F, positioning the rack right in the center. Carefully transfer the pie filled with its nutty, sweet blend into the waiting warmth.

• Golden Transformation

Watch the pie bake until the top turns a beautiful golden shade, usually around 45-55 minutes. The surface should look like a sun-kissed desert, with hints of brown peeking through.

• Cooling Interlude

Let the pie rest and cool gracefully on a wire rack. This moment allows the flavors to settle and the texture to become perfectly balanced.

• Serving Celebration

Slice into this delectable creation and enjoy it warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Each bite promises a delightful crunch and sweet surprise that dances on your taste buds.

Creative Twists for Sawdust Pie Filling

• Pie Perfection Tricks: Simple ways to elevate your Sawdust Pie experience from good to amazing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie filling a day ahead and refrigerate to let flavors meld beautifully, intensifying the nutty and coconut notes.
• Topping Transformation: Drizzle warm caramel sauce or add a dollop of whipped cream just before serving to create a luxurious dessert experience that surprises and delights guests.
• Nutty Alternatives: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunch profile, allowing you to personalize the pie's texture and flavor without compromising its classic charm.
• Temperature Tip: Serve slightly warm with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast between the pie's crisp texture and the creamy, cold scoop – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that elevates this humble dessert to a gourmet treat.

Presentation Tips for Sawdust Pie

• Slice of Paradise: Top a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy, cool contrast to the pie's nutty warmth.
• Sweet Morning Twist: Transform your leftover pie into a decadent breakfast by pairing it with freshly brewed coffee or a cappuccino.
• Dessert Elegance: Drizzle a homemade caramel or chocolate sauce over each slice to elevate the pie's rustic charm and add an extra layer of indulgence.
• Nutty Garnish: Sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans on top just before serving to add a delightful crunch and enhance the pie's texture.

Handling Sawdust Pie for Future Enjoyment

• Cool Down Strategy: Let the sawdust pie rest at room temperature for 30 minutes after baking to stabilize its texture and prevent cracking.
• Refrigeration Technique: Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Store chilled for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Option: Carefully wrap the entire pie or individual slices in two layers of plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen sawdust pie can last up to 3 months without losing its delightful taste and texture.
• Serving Preparation: Remove the pie from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly and enhance its flavor profile, helping the ingredients blend more smoothly on your palate.

Irresistible Sawdust Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sawdust pie from Kentucky combines graham crackers, coconut, and pecans in a unique dessert. Sweet and crunchy slices offer comfort with each delightful bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (300 g / 10.5 oz) white granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups (170 g / 6 oz) chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 ½ cups (150 g / 5.3 oz) shredded coconut
• 1 cup (225 g / 8 oz) egg whites (from 7 to 9 eggs)
• 1 ½ cups (170 g / 6 oz) graham cracker crumbs
• 1 9-inch deep-dish pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 350°F, establishing the perfect baking atmosphere for the sawdust pie.
2. Crust Formation: Carefully unfurl the pie crust into a deep-dish pie pan, gently pressing and creating decorative crimped edges before chilling in the refrigerator.
3. Filling Composition: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend granulated sugar, shredded coconut, graham cracker crumbs, and chopped nuts, creating a dry ingredient base.
4. Moisture Integration: Introduce egg whites to the dry mixture, stirring methodically until the ingredients form a cohesive, slightly dampened consistency.
5. Pie Assembly: Carefully transfer the filling into the chilled crust, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth, uniform surface that promises delectable texture.
6. Baking Process: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, watching for a transformative golden-brown top that indicates perfect doneness.
7. Cooling and Serving: Remove from the oven and rest on a wire rack for 20-30 minutes, allowing the pie to settle before slicing. Serve at preferred temperature – warm, room temperature, or chilled.
8. Storage: Preserve any remaining pie by covering and refrigerating, maintaining optimal freshness for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Chill the Crust: Refrigerating the pie crust before filling helps maintain its structure and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Mix Gently: Blend egg whites with dry ingredients carefully to avoid deflating the mixture, which ensures a light, airy texture.
• Watch Browning: Monitor the pie’s top during baking to prevent over-browning; tent with foil if it’s coloring too quickly.
• Cooling Matters: Allow the pie to rest after baking, which helps the filling set and develops deeper flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 to 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 37.5 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg