Dolly Parton–Style Sawdust Pie
Ingredients
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
7 large egg whites
1½ cups granulated sugar
1½ cups finely crushed graham crackers
1½ cups finely chopped pecans
1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Whipped cream, for serving
Sliced bananas, optional, for serving
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the 9-inch pie crust in a pie dish. Place it on a baking sheet to make it easier to handle.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they are lightly foamy. Add the sugar gradually and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Add the crushed graham crackers, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Mix gently until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The filling will have a dry, crumbly appearance, which is where the pie gets its unusual name.
- Spoon the mixture into the unbaked pie crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set.
- Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool for at least 30–60 minutes before slicing.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled with whipped cream. Sliced bananas are also a popular accompaniment to this style of pie. ([Bake & Savor Recipes][2])
History
Sawdust Pie is a traditional Southern-style dessert, with a particularly strong association with Kentucky. Its unusual name comes from the appearance of the filling: crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, and coconut resemble sawdust when mixed together. The baked result, however, is sweet, nutty, chewy, and much more indulgent than its name suggests. ([That Start With Recipes][1])
Dolly Parton is strongly associated with Southern and Appalachian cooking and has published family and regional recipes, including recipes in Dolly’s Dixie Fixin’s and earlier Dollywood cookbooks. However, the sources I found do not establish this particular Sawdust Pie as one of her documented recipes. ([Delish][3])
Benefits
Pecans provide healthy unsaturated fats, plant-based protein, and minerals such as magnesium and copper.
Coconut contributes fiber and a pleasant chewy texture.
Egg whites provide protein while helping bind the filling together.
Graham crackers provide carbohydrates and sweetness.
Because this is a dessert, it is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than considered a health food.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition per slice, assuming 8 slices and excluding optional whipped cream and bananas:
Calories: approximately 500–600
Protein: approximately 7–9 g
Carbohydrates: approximately 70–80 g
Fat: approximately 25–30 g
Fiber: approximately 4–6 g
Sugar: approximately 45–55 g
Actual nutrition will vary depending on the pie crust, brands, portion size, and toppings.
Conclusion
Sawdust Pie is a wonderfully old-fashioned Southern dessert with a fun name and a surprisingly delicious texture. The combination of sweet coconut, crunchy pecans, and graham-cracker crumbs creates a filling that is crisp around the edges while remaining chewy and rich inside. Served with whipped cream and bananas, it makes a memorable dessert for family dinners, holidays, and gatherings.