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Classic Creamy Sawdust Pie

classic creamy sawdust pie recipe - featured image

A luscious, creamy Kentucky dessert featuring a tangy lemon filling and a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups graham crackers, finely crushed
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 can (14 ounces or 396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, chilled
  • Optional: toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse graham crackers until finely crushed to a sawdust-like texture (about 2 ½ cups). Transfer to a bowl and stir in melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand.
  2. Pour graham cracker mixture into a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish. Press evenly along bottom and sides to form a firm crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set and golden. Remove and let cool completely.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.
  4. Slowly pour in sweetened condensed milk, mixing continuously. Add fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract, beating until filling is smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form (3-4 minutes).
  6. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula, being careful not to deflate the air.
  7. Pour filling into cooled crust, smoothing the top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
  8. Before serving, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans on top. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing. Finely crush graham crackers for best texture. Refrigerate pie at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Optional lemon zest can be added for extra brightness. Dairy-free and gluten-free adaptations available.

Nutrition

Keywords: sawdust pie, Kentucky dessert, creamy pie, lemon pie, graham cracker crust, easy dessert, Southern dessert