Sawdust Pie (Patti’s Original Recipe)
Sawdust Pie may have a peculiar name, but its history and flavors are undeniably delightful. Sweetened coconut, crunchy pecans and lots of delicious graham cracker flavor combine for a tasty pie that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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History of Sawdust Pie
Nestled in the heart of Kentucky’s Western Waterlands region, Patti’s 1880 Settlement stands as a testament to the storied Southern dishes. In 1977, Patti Tullar and her husband Bill opened an ice cream parlor in Grand Rivers, KY and it’s grown to Patti’s 1880 Settlement serving 350,000 each year.
We have Patti to thank for this sawdust pie! It was her first published recipe. Bon Appetit came calling for this famous recipe in 1983. You can still get a slice of sawdust pie at Patti’s 1880 Settlement today!
You’ll also find Sawdust Pie at the famous Angus Barn outside of Raleigh, NC. I used to live in Raleigh and enjoyed so many desserts at Angus Barn, including their chocolate chess pie!
Why is it called Sawdust Pie?
Well, it’s pretty simple actually! Patti’s family said that it’s called sawdust pie because the kids said it looked like baked sawdust. Kids sure do tell it like it is!
Just a few ingredients!
Here’s a quick glance at the ingredient list for sawdust pie, but you’ll find the full, printable recipe card at the end of the post.
How to Make Sawdust Pie
This is truly one of the EASIEST pie recipes to make! It’s as simple as mixing it together in a large mixing bowl with just a spoon, you don’t even need an electric mixer. *Remember* – Find the full, printable and savable sawdust pie recipe card with measurements at the end of the blog post.
- Prepare unbaked pie crust in a pie plate.
- Stir together the sweetened shredded coconut, pecans, graham cracker crumbs and white sugar to a large bowl. Pour in egg whites (unbeaten) and stir until fully moist and mixed. It will be thick! You don’t even need an electric mixer, a wooden spoon will work just fine.
- Spread your pie filling in your unbaked pie crust.
- Bake at 325 for 30 minutes. Be sure not to overbake!
- Garnish with fresh whipped cream and bananas (more garnish ideas at end of post!)
Here is the pie before baking! I added a few pecan halves for decoration in the middle.
Recipe Tips
If you want, you could add a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling of your sawdust pie! I also might add a splash of vanilla extract next time!
I used a 9-inch prepared pie crust, deep dish. I would recommend a deep dish but you can also use a regular pie crust if that is what you have on hand! A store-bought pie shell will work just fine or if you’re feeling fancy, make your own pie crust!
I used chopped pecans (and a few pecan halves on top) but you can use all pecan pieces, pecan halves or even walnuts!
Take note, this pie recipe uses egg whites. So save the yolks for another recipe!
And here she is baked! What a beauty! This is such an easy pie, y’all! Highly recommend.
Sawdust Pie: Serving Suggestions
- Whipped Cream and Fresh Banana Slices: Garnish slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and sliced bananas for the classic serving suggestion for sawdust pie!
- A La Mode: Elevate your Sawdust Pie experience by serving it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or even butter pecan ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey pie and the cold ice cream is simply irresistible. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce too!
- Coffee Pairing: Enjoy a slice of Sawdust Pie with a cup of rich, dark roast coffee. The slightly bitter notes of the coffee complement the sweetness of the pie, creating a tasty duo!
Serve this pie warm or at room temperature. Save extra sawdust pie tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this Southern classic is sure to become a favorite. Experiment with the recipe, make it your own, and share the joy of Sawdust Pie with friends and family. Happy baking!
More Southern Desserts You’ll Love!
Sawdust Pie
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 7 large egg whites - unbeaten
- 9 inch unbaked pie crust
Garnish
- Banana Slices
- Whipped Cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- In a large bowl, stir together coconut, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and pecans. Pour over egg whites and toss until fully moistened.
- Spread pie filling into prepared, unbaked pie crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Pie filling will still be slightly gooey inside. Be careful not to overbake! The top of the pie should be golden brown, set and slightly shiny.
- Top with whipped topping, banana slices, ice cream or a caramel drizzle!
Yummy pie. I love the bananas and your whipped cream with it. TY for the link for the fruit salad to use the yolks. I like to take tubs of the fruit salad to my neighbors.
just amazing