Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe

Introduction

Kentucky Sawdust Pie is a Southern delicacy that is both unique and undeniably delicious. This pie combines sweetened coconut, crunchy pecans, and graham cracker crumbs, all nestled inside a buttery pie crust, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Despite its rather humble name, this pie is far from ordinary. The combination of textures—from the chewy coconut to the crisp pecans—creates a satisfying bite that pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh bananas. I first tried this pie at a family gathering, and it quickly became a favorite. It’s the kind of dessert that appeals to both traditional pie lovers and those seeking something a bit different. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients, and it bakes up in just under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1½ cups chopped pecans
• 7 large egg whites (unbeaten)
• Sliced bananas (for serving)
• Whipped cream (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures the pie bakes evenly and gets a golden, crisp top.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened shredded coconut, graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and chopped pecans. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. This creates the base for your filling, which will be rich and flavorful with a mix of textures.
3. Add Egg Whites: Pour the unbeaten egg whites into the dry mixture. Stir by hand until everything is thoroughly mixed. The egg whites help bind the ingredients together while maintaining a light, slightly gooey texture in the middle of the pie.
4. Fill the Pie Crust: Carefully spoon the filling into the unbaked pie crust, spreading it evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly. You want the filling to be as level as possible to ensure a beautiful final result.
5. 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. Be careful not to overbake, as the center should remain slightly gooey. The golden crust and slightly firm edges will help indicate that the pie is done.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. Once cooled, slice the pie and serve each piece topped with freshly sliced bananas and a dollop of whipped cream. The bananas add a fresh, light contrast to the rich and dense pie filling, while the whipped cream provides a creamy finish.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories per serving: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve

• Classic Presentation: Serve each slice of pie topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a few slices of ripe banana. This will enhance the pie’s rich flavor with a light and refreshing contrast.
• With Ice Cream: For a decadent treat, serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream on the side.
• As a Brunch Treat: This pie also works well for brunch or a special morning treat, served with a side of fresh fruit.
• In Individual Portions: For easier serving at parties, consider making individual servings in tartlet pans, making it easy for guests to grab and go.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Using freshly grated coconut will give the pie an even better flavor. If you have the option, buy the coconut in bulk and shred it yourself for a fresher taste.
2. Chill the Pie Crust: If using store-bought pie crust, let it chill for 15-20 minutes before baking. This will help it hold its shape better and prevent it from shrinking during baking.
3. Make It Ahead of Time: This pie can be made the day before and stored in the fridge. It actually tastes even better once the flavors have had time to meld overnight.
4. Experiment with Nuts: While pecans are traditional, you can experiment with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor in the filling.
5. Perfect the Texture: If you prefer a firmer filling, you can add a bit of cornstarch (1-2 teaspoons) to the mixture to help it set more solidly.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Sawdust Pie: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the mixture for a rich chocolate twist on this classic pie.
• Tropical Sawdust Pie: For a tropical flair, add ½ cup of dried pineapple or mango to the filling along with the coconut and pecans.
• Gluten-Free Version: To make this pie gluten-free, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies.
• Coconut Flavored Whipped Cream: Add a dash of coconut extract to the whipped cream for an added coconut flavor that complements the filling.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side of Fruit: Serve with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry compote to balance the richness of the pie.
• As a Holiday Dessert: This pie is perfect for holiday gatherings, offering a sweet and unique alternative to traditional pies like apple or pumpkin.
• For Tea Time: Serve small slices of pie with your afternoon tea for a satisfying and indulgent snack.
• With a Drizzle of Caramel: For extra sweetness, drizzle caramel sauce over each slice of pie just before serving.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat gently in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 325°F (165°C).
• Reheating: To reheat the pie, place it in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help restore some of its crispiness on top.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use unsweetened coconut for this recipe?
You can use unsweetened coconut, but the pie will be less sweet, so you may need to add a bit more sugar to balance the flavor.

2. Can I make the pie without the bananas?
Yes, you can skip the bananas if you prefer. The pie is delicious on its own or can be served with other fruits or toppings like whipped cream.

3. Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, using a store-bought crust is a convenient option. Just make sure to pre-bake it according to the package instructions before filling it with the mixture.

4. Is there a way to make this pie dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the whipped cream with a non-dairy alternative such as coconut cream and use a dairy-free pie crust and coconut-based cream.

5. How can I make the pie sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter pie, increase the sugar slightly (by 1-2 tablespoons) or use a sweeter whipped cream topping.

6. Can I double this recipe to make a larger pie?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a larger pie dish or tart pan. Be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

7. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this pie can be made a day or two ahead of time. It will hold up well in the fridge.

8. How long does the pie stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the pie will last for about 4 days.

9. Can I make individual portions of this pie?
Yes, you can make individual servings by using mini tart pans. Just adjust the baking time, as they may cook faster.

10. What can I use if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can use crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits as a substitute.

Conclusion

Kentucky Sawdust Pie is an irresistible Southern dessert that combines the sweetness of coconut, the crunch of pecans, and the comfort of a buttery pie crust. Despite its quirky name, this pie is a crowd-pleaser and offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday dinners to casual get-togethers, and it’s simple to prepare. With variations for dietary preferences and a variety of toppings to complement the flavors, Kentucky Sawdust Pie is sure to become a favorite in your dessertrepertoire. Enjoy every bite of this rich and satisfying pie!

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