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Kentucky Sawdust Pie Recipe: Easy Toasted Coconut & Pecan Whipped Cream

Kentucky Sawdust Pie - featured image

This nostalgic Kentucky Sawdust Pie features a chewy, caramelized filling loaded with toasted coconut and pecans, all nestled in a flaky pie crust and topped with pecan-studded whipped cream. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or holiday tables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (toast for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (toast for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped toasted pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Place the unbaked pie shell in a 9-inch pie pan.
  2. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast shredded coconut for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a bowl. Toast chopped pecans in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Let both cool.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, toasted coconut, and toasted pecans. Stir until well blended.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
  5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined.
  6. Spoon the filling into the prepared pie shell, smoothing the top. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden and set around the edges but slightly soft in the center.
  7. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. Fold in finely chopped toasted pecans.
  9. Slice the cooled pie into wedges and serve with generous dollops of pecan whipped cream. Sprinkle with extra coconut or pecans if desired.

Notes

Toast coconut and pecans for deeper flavor. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie shell and cookie crumbs. Pie can be made a day ahead for better flavor and texture. Tent crust with foil if browning too quickly. For clean slices, cool completely and use a sharp serrated knife.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kentucky Sawdust Pie, coconut pie, pecan pie, Southern dessert, easy pie recipe, potluck dessert, whipped cream topping, nostalgic pie, holiday dessert