Welcome, pie lovers! If you’re craving a decadent and unique dessert, you’re in for a treat with this Kentucky Sawdust Pie. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Southern pie recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite. With its caramel-like filling, nutty crunch, and irresistibly sweet coconut, this pie is a perfect choice for any occasion. Let’s dive in!
Introduction
Kentucky Sawdust Pie is a beloved Southern dessert, known for its simple yet indulgent ingredients. It originated in the heart of Kentucky and has quickly gained popularity for its rich, gooey texture and the perfect balance of flavors from coconut, pecans, and graham cracker crumbs. The name might sound odd, but the taste is absolutely unforgettable!
What makes this pie stand out is the combination of pantry staples, making it not only delicious but also easy to whip up at a moment’s notice. Personally, the first time I made this pie, I was skeptical of the name, but one bite had me hooked, and it’s been a family favorite ever since!
Ingredients for Kentucky Sawdust Pie
To prepare this comforting Kentucky Sawdust Pie recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 unbaked pie shell
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, beaten
Optional Substitutions:
- If you’re avoiding nuts, consider using sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. While this might change the texture slightly, it’s still delicious!
- For a dairy-free version, swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk.
- To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crumbs.
How to Make Kentucky Sawdust Pie
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Kentucky Sawdust Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie shell, spreading it evenly to ensure a smooth surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld together for the best result.
Helpful Tip: Make sure the pie cools entirely before serving, as this helps the filling to set properly, making it easier to cut clean slices.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best results. This ensures that the melted butter mixes evenly with the other ingredients, preventing any clumps.
- Be careful not to overbake. The pie filling should be set, but still soft to the touch when it comes out of the oven. Overbaking will cause the filling to become too firm.
- Cool the pie fully before slicing. This step is crucial to avoid a runny filling and to allow the flavors to intensify.
Cooking Tips for the Best Kentucky Sawdust Pie
- Get the perfect crust: For an extra crispy pie crust, blind bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This step prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
- Equipment tip: A pie shield or aluminum foil around the edges of the crust can prevent over-browning during baking.
- Flavor boost: You can add a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for a rich, Southern twist, enhancing the caramel and nutty flavors of the pie.
Serving Suggestions
This Kentucky Sawdust Pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a holiday twist, drizzle with a bit of salted caramel sauce or top with candied pecans.
If you’re serving it at a dinner party, consider garnishing each slice with a sprinkle of extra graham cracker crumbs and toasted coconut for a restaurant-worthy presentation. A cup of coffee or sweet tea is the perfect beverage to accompany this rich dessert.
Nutritional Information
This dessert may be indulgent, but it’s all about balance! Here’s a brief overview of the nutrition for one serving of Kentucky Sawdust Pie.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 40g
- Vitamin A: 400 IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 2mg
Key Health Benefits: Pecans are rich in healthy fats, while coconut adds a touch of fiber to balance out the sugar content. Just remember, this is a dessert meant to be enjoyed in moderation!
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making it taste even better the next day!
Reheat: If you prefer to serve it warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. You can also warm it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Kentucky Sawdust Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just be sure to store it in the fridge to keep it fresh.
What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
No worries! You can substitute crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a similar texture and flavor.
Can I freeze Kentucky Sawdust Pie?
Yes, this pie freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
We hope you give this delightful Kentucky Sawdust Pie a try in your kitchen. It’s a true Southern classic, filled with rich flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or just indulging on a cozy evening, this pie is sure to impress!
Feel free to share your thoughts, variations, or any tips you’ve discovered while making this recipe. We’d love to hear from you. Happy baking!
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Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe – Rich and Nutty Dessert
Description
Welcome, pie lovers! If you’re craving a decadent and unique dessert, you’re in for a treat with this Kentucky Sawdust Pie. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Southern pie recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite. With its caramel-like filling, nutty crunch, and irresistibly sweet coconut, this pie is a perfect choice for any occasion. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked pie shell
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, beaten
Optional Substitutions:
- If you’re avoiding nuts, consider using sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. While this might change the texture slightly, it’s still delicious!
- For a dairy-free version, swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk.
- To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crumbs.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie shell, spreading it evenly to ensure a smooth surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld together for the best result.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use room temperature ingredients for the best results. This ensures that the melted butter mixes evenly with the other ingredients, preventing any clumps.
- Be careful not to overbake. The pie filling should be set, but still soft to the touch when it comes out of the oven. Overbaking will cause the filling to become too firm.
- Cool the pie fully before slicing. This step is crucial to avoid a runny filling and to allow the flavors to intensify.
