Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Kentucky Sawdust Pie is a gooey and chewy recipe, which is made with crushed graham crackers, pecans, and sweetened coconut. It’s a classic Southern dessert, ready in about 50 minutes, plus cooling time.
Pioneer Woman Kentucky Sawdust Pie Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked deep-dish pie crust
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp. table salt
- 4 large eggs
- 9 whole graham cracker sheets (about 5 oz.)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped toasted pecans
- 1 1/2 cups flaked sweetened coconut
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Banana slices (optional)
How To Make Pioneer Woman Kentucky Sawdust Pie
- Prep the Oven and Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Fold the edges under and flute or crimp them as desired.
- Make the Filling Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vanilla, salt, and eggs until they are well combined.
- Create the “Sawdust”: Place the graham crackers in a large zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them until the crumbs resemble coarse panko. Stir the crushed graham crackers, toasted pecans, and coconut into the egg mixture. The mixture will be very thick.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the thick filling into the unbaked pie crust and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 35 minutes, until the top is crisp and browned and the center of the pie still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool on a wire rack before serving. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Garnish with whipped cream and banana slices, if desired.
Recipe Tips
- What is a “Sawdust Pie”? It’s a classic Southern pie that gets its name from its unique texture. The combination of finely crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, and coconut creates a “sawdust-like” appearance in the sweet, gooey custard filling.
- How do I know when the pie is done? The secret to the perfect texture is to not over-bake it. The pie is ready when the edges are set and the top looks crisp, but the very center still has a slight wobble or jiggle when you gently shake it. It will finish setting up as it cools.
- Can I make this pie ahead of time? Absolutely! This is a perfect make-ahead dessert. It needs time to cool and set completely, so baking it the day before you plan to serve it is ideal.
- Do I have to toast the pecans first? Yes, it’s highly recommended! Toasting the pecans in a dry skillet or in the oven for a few minutes before chopping them brings out their deep, nutty flavor and makes them extra crunchy.
What To Serve With Sawdust Pie
This is a classic, rich, and sweet dessert that is a staple for a reason. It is traditionally served with:
- A generous dollop of unsweetened or lightly sweetened whipped cream
- A fan of fresh banana slices, which perfectly complements the flavors
- A strong cup of black coffee to balance the sweetness
How To Store Sawdust Pie
- Refrigerate: As a custard-based pie, it must be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 4 days. It can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Sawdust Pie Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 slice (1/8th of pie)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 55g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why is my pie runny?
A runny pie is almost always the result of under-baking or not letting it cool completely before slicing. Make sure the center is just barely jiggly when you pull it from the oven, and then you must let it cool for several hours to fully set.
Can I use a homemade pie crust?
Yes, a homemade crust is fantastic for this recipe. Just be sure to use a deep-dish pie plate to accommodate all of the delicious, thick filling.
Can I use unsweetened coconut?
You can, but the final pie will be slightly less sweet and the texture of the filling may be a bit drier. Sweetened flaked coconut is recommended for the classic, gooey result.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Cherry Pie Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Spaghetti Pizza Pie Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
Pioneer Woman Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe
Description
A classic Southern dessert with a unique and delicious chewy texture, featuring a gooey custard-like filling packed with pecans, coconut, and graham cracker crumbs.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Fit your pie crust into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vanilla, salt, and eggs.
- Stir in the crushed graham crackers, toasted pecans, and coconut. The mixture will be very thick.
- Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake for about 35 minutes, until the top is crisp and browned but the center still jiggles slightly.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe most important tip for this pie is to let it cool completely before slicing to allow the gooey filling to fully set.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDo not over-bake the pie; it is done when the center still has a slight wobble, which will ensure a perfect gooey, chewy texture.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best flavor, don’t skip toasting the pecans before you chop them and add them to the filling.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is a u0022pour and bakeu0022 pie, so there is no need to par-bake the crust first.u003c/liu003e
