If you’ve never tried a Shoofly Pie before, you’re in for a real treat with this Shoofly Pie Recipe. This classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert delivers a rich, molasses-flavored filling beneath a satisfyingly crumbly brown sugar topping. It beautifully balances deep sweetness with just the right hint of spice, all cradled in a buttery pie crust that bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re looking to impress at a family gathering or indulge in a cozy slice with your coffee, this pie is comfort food at its finest and truly a slice of history you can taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shoofly Pie Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward and plays a crucial role, from lending sweetness and spice to creating the perfect texture. None are complicated, but together they blend into a wonderfully harmonious dessert.
- Pie crust (1 9-inch refrigerated): This ready-made crust saves time and provides a flaky, buttery base that supports the indulgent filling and topping.
- Molasses (1 cup): The star flavor in Shoofly Pie, molasses gives the pie its deep, robust sweetness with a touch of bitterness that balances the sugar.
- Boiling water (¾ cup): Helps dissolve the molasses, making it easy to mix with the other filling ingredients for a smooth texture.
- Egg (1, room temperature): Acts as a binder in the filling, giving it structure and a silky finish.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Reacts with the molasses acidity to lighten the texture and create a tender crumb.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and spice, enhancing the pie’s comforting character.
- Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Essential for the crumble topping and gives it that iconic sandy texture for contrast.
- Dark brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Its molasses content mirrors and amplifies the filling’s richness in the topping.
- Salted butter (½ cup or 1 stick, softened): When combined into the flour and sugar, it creates that irresistible crumbly topping that bakes golden and crisp.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and spices.
How to Make Shoofly Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and spraying a 9-inch deep dish pie pan with nonstick spray. Taking this first step ensures your pie won’t stick and will bake evenly in a nicely warmed environment.
Step 2: Line the Pie Pan with Crust
Next, gently press your refrigerated pie crust evenly into the pie pan, making sure it fits snugly against the edges. Don’t forget to crimp the edges to give your pie a beautiful, homemade look and to seal the crust in place before filling.
Step 3: Make the Molasses Filling
In a large bowl, combine the molasses and boiling water, stirring until the molasses completely dissolves into a rich syrup. Beat the egg lightly and stir it in, then sprinkle in the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir everything together until smooth and well mixed — this mixture is the heart of your Shoofly Pie Recipe’s luscious filling.
Step 4: Pour Filling into Crust
Transfer this fragrant filling into your crust-lined pie pan, spreading it evenly. Setting it aside now allows you to focus on the crumble topping that balances the pie with its sweet, crunchy texture.
Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and dark brown sugar. Incorporate the softened butter by using a fork or your fingers, mixing until the crumbs resemble damp sand. This topping will bake into a crispy, sandy layer that contrasts the soft molasses filling perfectly.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling, then reduce your oven temperature to 350°F. Bake the pie uncovered for 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center feels set and the topping gleams golden brown, offering a smell that fills your kitchen with pure nostalgia.
How to Serve Shoofly Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While the Shoofly Pie Recipe needs no fuss, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm honey can add an extra touch of sweetness and charm. For an extra cozy indulgence, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates every bite delightfully.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy chai tea, enhancing its spicy notes. For brunch or dessert spreads, fresh fruit such as sliced apples or pears offers a refreshing contrast to the pie’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve slices of Shoofly Pie Recipe on rustic wooden boards or vintage china to highlight its traditional roots. Individual mini versions in ramekins also make charming, personalized treats that are perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shoofly Pie keeps beautifully covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week. Keep it wrapped tightly to preserve moisture and prevent the crumble topping from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked Shoofly Pie by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to refresh the crumbly topping without drying the filling. Avoid microwaving, which can turn the texture rubbery or soggy.
FAQs
What does Shoofly Pie taste like?
Shoofly Pie has a deeply sweet and rich molasses filling with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, contrasted by a buttery, crumbly brown sugar topping, resulting in a comforting and unique flavor experience.
Can I make the Shoofly Pie Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour and pie crust with gluten-free alternatives. Just be sure the flour blend is suitable for baking and that the crust is gluten-free as well for the best results.
Why is it called Shoofly Pie?
The name “Shoofly” is said to come from the Pennsylvania Dutch expression because the pie’s sweetness attracts flies that had to be “shooed away.” It’s a charming bit of folklore tied to this delightful dessert.
Is Shoofly Pie served warm or cold?
Shoofly Pie is delicious served either warm or at room temperature. Warm slices bring out the gooey texture and meld the flavors, while room temperature slices have a firmer, sliceable consistency.
Can I use light molasses instead of dark molasses?
Dark molasses is preferred because of its robust flavor, which is iconic to Shoofly Pie Recipe’s character. Light molasses can be used but expect a milder, less intense flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Shoofly Pie Recipe that makes it a timeless classic worth baking again and again. From its simple ingredients to its soulful flavors, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug from the past. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share in the joy of one of America’s beloved traditional pies.
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Shoofly Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Pennsylvania Dutch
Description
Shoofly Pie is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert featuring a rich molasses filling nestled in a flaky pie crust, topped with a sweet, crumbly brown sugar and butter topping. This nostalgic pie offers a comforting blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, delivering a deep, caramelized flavor that’s perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust
Filling
- 1 cup molasses
- ¾ cup boiling water
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Crumble Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter (softened)
Instructions
- Prepare your pie dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and spray a 9-inch deep dish pie pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Line with the crust: Press the refrigerated pie crust evenly into the prepared pie pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Crimp the edges decoratively before setting it aside.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the molasses and boiling water, stirring until the molasses dissolves completely. Lightly beat the egg separately, then add it to the molasses mixture. Stir in baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until all ingredients are well incorporated. Pour this filling mixture into the pie crust evenly.
- Make the crumble topping: In another large bowl, mix together the flour and dark brown sugar. Using a fork or clean fingers, work the softened butter into the mixture until it resembles damp sand or crumbs. Evenly sprinkle this crumble topping over the molasses filling in the pie crust.
- Bake and serve: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake the pie uncovered for about 40 minutes or until the center is set and the topping is golden brown. Allow the pie to cool slightly, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure the egg is at room temperature to help it blend smoothly with the filling.
- Use dark molasses for a richer and deeper flavor characteristic of traditional Shoofly Pie.
- Allow the pie to cool before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly.
- Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- This pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
