Shoofly Pie Recipe.

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Shoofly Pie Recipe

This classic Shoofly Pie is a delicious Pennsylvania Dutch dessert made with a rich molasses filling and buttery crumb topping baked in a flaky pie crust. Sweet, gooey, and comforting, this traditional pie is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, and cozy desserts.

Shoofly Pie Recipe – Classic Pennsylvania Dutch Dessert

Make this classic Shoofly Pie with a rich molasses filling, buttery crumb topping, and flaky crust. An easy Pennsylvania Dutch dessert perfect for holidays.

Why You'll Love This Shoofly Pie

  • Classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert: A traditional pie with a long history in Pennsylvania Dutch cooking.
  • Rich molasses flavor: Molasses gives the filling its distinctive deep, caramel-like sweetness.
  • Buttery crumb topping: A golden crumb topping adds a delicious contrast to the soft filling.
  • Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients.
  • Comforting and satisfying: Warm spices and sweet molasses make this a wonderful homemade dessert.
  • Perfect for holidays: An excellent addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings.
  • Great with coffee: Serve a slice with coffee or tea for a classic afternoon treat.
  • Make-ahead friendly: The pie can be prepared ahead of time and served at room temperature.
  • Easy to customize: Adjust the sweetness or spices to suit your taste.

What Is Shoofly Pie?

Shoofly Pie is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert made with a pastry crust, sweet molasses-based filling, and a buttery crumb topping.

The pie is known for its combination of textures. The bottom portion has a soft, rich filling while the top develops a golden, crumbly texture as it bakes.

Shoofly Pie is closely associated with Pennsylvania Dutch food traditions and is particularly popular in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

  • 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust
  • Pie weights or dried beans, for blind baking if desired

For the Molasses Filling

  • ¾ cup unsulphured molasses
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup hot water
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

For the Crumb Topping

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

How to Make Shoofly Pie

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges as desired.

2. Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form.

Set aside.

3. Prepare the Molasses Filling

In another bowl, whisk together the molasses, brown sugar, hot water, egg, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Add the baking soda and whisk until well combined.

The mixture may foam slightly because of the baking soda.

4. Assemble the Pie

Pour the molasses filling into the prepared pie crust.

Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the surface.

5. Bake

Place the pie on the middle oven rack and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges and the crumb topping is golden brown.

The center should still have a slight jiggle when the pie is removed from the oven.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the Shoofly Pie to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.

For an extra-special dessert, serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tips for the Best Shoofly Pie

  • Use good-quality molasses: Unsulphured molasses provides a rich flavor without excessive bitterness.
  • Don't overbake: The filling should be set but still slightly soft in the center.
  • Keep the butter cold: Cold butter helps create a crumbly, tender topping.
  • Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it rather than packing it down.
  • Let the pie cool: Cooling allows the filling to firm up and makes slicing easier.
  • Use a deep pie dish: This helps prevent the filling from bubbling over during baking.
  • Watch the crust: If the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
  • Adjust the spices: Add a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg if you prefer warmer spice flavors.
  • Serve with cream: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream balances the rich molasses flavor beautifully.
  • Make it ahead: The flavor and texture are excellent after the pie has completely cooled.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shoofly Pie:

  • With whipped cream
  • With vanilla ice cream
  • With a drizzle of caramel sauce
  • Alongside coffee
  • With black tea
  • As a Thanksgiving dessert
  • As a Christmas dessert
  • As part of a Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired meal

For a traditional-style presentation, serve slices at room temperature with a small spoonful of whipped cream.

Variations

Wet-Bottom Shoofly Pie

For a softer, gooier filling, bake the pie until the center is just set. This style has a moist layer beneath the crumb topping.

Dry-Bottom Shoofly Pie

Bake slightly longer for a firmer filling throughout the pie.

Spiced Shoofly Pie

Add a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or allspice for a warmer spice profile.

Maple Shoofly Pie

Replace part of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a subtle maple flavor.

Chocolate Shoofly Pie

Add a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder to the crumb topping for a chocolate variation.

Storage

Allow the pie to cool completely before covering.

Store Shoofly Pie in an airtight container or tightly covered with plastic wrap.

It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer storage.

If refrigerated, allow the pie to come closer to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Shoofly Pie taste like?

Shoofly Pie has a rich, sweet molasses flavor with caramel-like notes and a buttery crumb topping. Warm spices add additional depth.

Why is it called Shoofly Pie?

The origin of the name is uncertain. One commonly repeated explanation connects the name with the idea of "shooing" flies away from the sweet molasses pie as it cooled.

Is Shoofly Pie a Pennsylvania Dutch recipe?

Yes. Shoofly Pie is strongly associated with Pennsylvania Dutch food traditions, particularly in southeastern Pennsylvania.

What type of molasses is best for Shoofly Pie?

Unsulphured light or regular molasses works well. Avoid blackstrap molasses because its strong bitterness can overpower the dessert.

Should Shoofly Pie be refrigerated?

It can be stored at room temperature for a short period, but refrigeration is preferable for longer storage.

Can I make Shoofly Pie ahead of time?

Yes. Shoofly Pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Allow it to cool completely before covering and storing.

Can I freeze Shoofly Pie?

Yes. Wrap the completely cooled pie tightly and freeze it for up to about 2 months for best quality. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

What should I serve with Shoofly Pie?

Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, coffee, or tea are excellent accompaniments.

Nutrition Facts

Approximate nutrition per slice, based on 8 servings:

  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 68 g
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 39 g

Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the pie crust, molasses, butter, and other ingredients used.

Similar Recipes

  • Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken Pot Pie
  • Pennsylvania Dutch Potato Salad
  • Pecan Pie
  • Apple Pie
  • Peach Cobbler
  • Texas Sheet Cake
  • Classic Banana Pudding
  • Buttermilk Pie

Final Thoughts

Shoofly Pie is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert featuring a sweet, rich molasses filling beneath a buttery golden crumb topping and flaky pie crust. Its comforting combination of textures and deep molasses flavor makes it a wonderful homemade dessert for holidays, family gatherings, and cozy afternoons.

Serve this traditional pie with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, coffee, or tea for a delicious finishing touch.

Try this easy Shoofly Pie recipe at home and enjoy a classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert with rich molasses flavor and a buttery crumb topping in every bite!

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