Shoofly Pie is a classic dessert that's as fun to say as it is to eat. This beloved treat, rooted in Pennsylvania Dutch culture, is a testament to the simple yet ingenious use of pantry staples. Named—so the legend goes—because its sticky molasses filling attracted pesky flies, Shoofly Pie became an enduring favorite. Both nostalgic and delicious, this pie is a delightful combination of crumbly topping and gooey, caramel-like filling.
Whether you grew up eating Shoofly Pie or are trying it for the first time, this recipe will guide you to create a dessert that balances rustic charm with refined flavors.
A Brief Look at Shoofly Pie's History
Shoofly Pie dates back to the late 1800s, when molasses was a common sweetener in rural America. The Pennsylvania Dutch (German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania) crafted the pie as a simple yet satisfying dessert. It was designed to make use of inexpensive, shelf-stable ingredients such as flour, molasses, and lard, making it ideal for colder months and times of scarcity.
Though originally a breakfast food, Shoofly Pie soon became a popular dessert. Today, it’s a symbol of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and a staple at farmers' markets and fairs throughout the region.
Ingredients: The Heart of the Pie
The key ingredient in Shoofly Pie is molasses, which gives it its deep, complex flavor and moist texture. You’ll also need brown sugar for sweetness, butter for richness, and a mixture of flour, baking soda, and spices to create the signature crumb topping. For the crust, a traditional buttery pie dough is the perfect base.
Here's What You'll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust or your favorite homemade crust recipe
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Molasses Filling:
- 1 cup molasses (dark works best for richness)
- ¾ cup hot water
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
Step-by-Step Recipe for Shoofly Pie
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your pie crust if making it from scratch, and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Flute or crimp the edges for a decorative touch. Set aside.
2. Make the Crumb Topping
Using a large bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. Whip Up the Molasses Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the molasses, hot water, and baking soda. Stir until the mixture starts to foam slightly. Once combined, whisk in the beaten egg.
4. Assemble the Pie
Pour the molasses filling into the prepared pie crust. Carefully sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top, allowing it to float—it will stay on top as the pie bakes. Be gentle to avoid mixing the layers!
5. Bake
Place your pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips. Bake for 15 minutes at 400°F, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 30–35 minutes. The pie is done when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
6. Cool and Serve
Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Shoofly Pie slices best when fully cool, so give it at least a couple of hours.
Tips for the Perfect Shoofly Pie
- Choose the right molasses: Unsulphured molasses is ideal, as it has a sweet and mild flavor. Blackstrap molasses can be used for a more intense taste, but it can overpower the other ingredients.
- Keep the butter cold when making the crumb topping. Cold butter creates a crumbly texture, while warm butter can make it greasy.
- Don’t overmix the layers. Keeping the crumb topping separate from the filling creates the pie’s signature contrast between gooey and crunchy textures.
How to Enjoy Shoofly Pie
Shoofly Pie is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish. For breakfast or brunch, pair a slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea—the dark molasses flavor complements rich, warm beverages perfectly.
If you’re feeling indulgent, serve Shoofly Pie alongside other homey desserts, like apple crisp or gingerbread cookies, to create a luscious dessert spread that celebrates warm, spiced flavors.
A Sweet Slice of History
Shoofly Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a connection to a time when simple ingredients became a gateway to comforting, nostalgic flavor. Whether enjoyed as part of a holiday tradition, shared with family and friends, or baked for the first time, Shoofly Pie offers a sweet slice of history worth savoring. Why not bake one today and add your chapter to the delicious story?
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