Description
Kentucky Sawdust Pie — a rich, caramel-flavored Southern dessert combining coconut, pecans, and graham cracker crumbs in one unforgettable slice. Makes 8 servings in 1 hour with just 10 simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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.
Notes
- Fridge Storage: Let your baked Kentucky Sawdust Pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before refrigerating. Cover the pie dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Properly stored, your pie stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The filling actually firms up overnight, which many fans of this pie prefer — each cold slice cuts more cleanly than when warm.
- Freezer Storage: For long-term storage, wrap the entire baked Kentucky Sawdust Pie (or individual slices) first in plastic wrap, then in a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil for maximum protection against freezer burn. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Freezing works exceptionally well with this pie because the dense coconut-pecan filling retains moisture beautifully upon defrosting.
- Oven Reheat: Preheat your oven to 325°F and place refrigerated or thawed Kentucky Sawdust Pie slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Tent loosely with foil to prevent the top from over-browning, then warm for 12 minutes until heated through. This method restores the slightly gooey center and crisp pecans to near-fresh-from-the-oven quality. Remove foil for the final 3 minutes if you prefer a crispier top.
- Microwave Reheat: Place a single slice of Kentucky Sawdust Pie on a microwave-safe plate and heat at 50% power for 30 seconds to 45 seconds. Lower power prevents the sugar filling from becoming scorching hot while the edges remain cold. Let it rest for 1 minute before eating — the residual heat distributes evenly. This is the fastest method for enjoying a midweek dessert slice.
- Air Fryer Reheat: Set your air fryer to 300°F and place a slice of Kentucky Sawdust Pie in the basket lined with a small piece of parchment. Heat for 4 minutes, checking at the halfway point. The circulating hot air crisps the top crust and pecan pieces while gently warming the custard-like center. This reheating method, recommended alongside food storage guidelines, gives the closest texture to freshly baked.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Desserts & Sweets
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 412 calories
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 198mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg