Sawdust Pie

Sawdust pie has a humble charm that reminds me a little of a shoofly pie, but with a chewy, nutty filling that’s packed with coconut and pecans. This recipe, shared by Taste of Home reader Kathleen Hedger of Godfrey, Illinois, is the kind of old-fashioned dessert you’d expect to find inside a dog-eared church cookbook. The quirky name alone is enough to make you curious, but one bite and you’ll see why this beloved pie has stood the test of time.

What is sawdust pie?

Sawdust pie is a classic southern dessert made with a simple filling of graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, sugar and egg whites. The mixture looks fine and crumbly, similar to sawdust, which is how it got its name.

It originated in a small town in Kentucky, which is why it’s sometimes also called Kentucky sawdust pie. Despite the lumberjack-like name, there’s nothing gritty about it. The filling sets up chewy with lightly crisp edges in a flaky crust, making this pie as comforting as it is nostalgic.

Ingredients for Sawdust Pie

• Egg whites: The easiest way to separate eggs by hand is to gently crack them and pass the yolks back and forth between the shell halves, letting the whites drip into a bowl. Prefer carton egg whites? One egg white is usually 2 tablespoons, so you’ll need roughly 3/4 to 1 cup.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling and contributes to the pie’s signature chewy texture. You can swap in half brown sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor, though this swap may slightly change the final texture.
• Graham cracker crumbs: You can use store-bought graham cracker crumbs for a shortcut, but making your own doesn’t take much effort. Simply crush whole graham cracker sheets in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor until they’re fine and sandy. Measure the crumbs, then stir them into the filling.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans are an essential part of this pie filling, adding a nutty crunch throughout. Find chopped pecans in the baking aisle, or chop whole pecans yourself with a sharp knife or food processor.
• Shredded coconut: Kentucky sawdust pie is traditionally made with sweetened shredded coconut, but I routinely swap in unsweetened shredded coconut in my baked goods. You still get all the chewy texture and coconut flavor, but with significantly less added sugar.
• Pie crust: You’ll need one unbaked 9-inch deep-dish crust. A frozen store-bought pie crust is a convenient option, but you can certainly swap in a homemade flaky butter crust if you prefer a 100% from-scratch pie. If starting with a frozen crust, thaw it first so it’s pliable before filling.
• Fresh garnishes: Each slice of sawdust pie is traditionally served with a few banana rounds and a dollop of fluffy whipped cream. These toppings are all about contrast, adding light, fresh textures that balance the rich, dense filling.

Directions

Step 1: Make the filling

Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a large bowl, stir together the egg whites, sugar, graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans and shredded coconut until they’re well combined.

Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top.

Editor’s Tip: Let the egg whites come to room temperature before mixing them in. They’ll blend more smoothly and evenly into the filling.

Step 2: Bake the pie

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake it for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top looks glossy and the edges are set.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t overbake the pie or it will turn out dry. The center of the pie should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven.

Step 3: Cool the pie slightly

Serve warm slices of sawdust pie topped with sliced bananas and whipped cream, if desired.

Editor’s Tip: Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing it. This gives the filling time to set, so you get neater slices.

Sawdust Pie Variations

• Switch up the nuts: Pecans are the traditional choice for Kentucky sawdust pie, but you can easily swap in walnuts, chopped almonds or peanuts for a different crunch.
• Add a flavor boost: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra depth, or try a splash of almond, maple or rum extract for a flavor twist.
• Finish with flaky salt: For a modern twist, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt, like Maldon, over the top before serving. The salty pop enhances the sweetness and highlights the pie’s nutty, caramel-like flavors.
• Try a chocolate version: Fold in a handful of semisweet or dark chocolate chips for a sweeter, more indulgent version. If you go this route, consider using unsweetened shredded coconut so the finished pie isn’t overly sweet.
• Cozy it up: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert spreads.

How to Store Sawdust Pie

Because sawdust pie contains egg whites, it needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil. You can alternatively transfer individual slices to an airtight container. The pie will stay fresh for up to four days.

Leftover slices are delicious served cold or gently warmed in the microwave. For a softer texture, you can also let slices sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before you serve them.

Can you freeze sawdust pie?

Yes, sawdust pie freezes surprisingly well. Let the pie cool completely, then wrap the entire pie (in a freezer-safe pan) tightly in storage wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Freeze it for up to two months. Thaw sawdust pie overnight in the refrigerator before slicing it.

Sawdust Pie Tips

Why is it called sawdust pie?

Sawdust pie gets its name from the filling—the mixture of graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut and chopped pecans looks a little like sawdust once it’s stirred together. It’s one of those vintage recipes that sparks curiosity from the name alone!

What flavor graham crackers work best in sawdust pie?

Classic honey graham crackers are the best choice for sawdust pie. They add just the right amount of sweetness and a mild flavor that lets the coconut and pecans shine. You could also experiment with cinnamon graham crackers for a warm, spiced twist.

Why is my sawdust pie dry?

If your sawdust pie turns out dry, it’s likely overbaked. The egg whites in the filling should set into a chewy, not crumbly, texture. To prevent this, bake the pie just until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle.

Another possibility is that too many dry ingredients—like extra graham crumbs or coconut—were added, which can throw the filling out of balance. Measure each ingredient carefully.

What other toppings can you serve with sawdust pie?

Banana slices and whipped cream are traditional garnishes for sawdust pie, but it’s just as delicious served plain or with other toppings. Try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a spoonful of chocolate gravy for extra indulgence. Fresh sliced strawberries are another option for adding bright, fruity contrast.