Shoofly Pie is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert that has stood the test of time with its rich molasses flavor and irresistible crumb topping. Known for its rustic charm and simple ingredients, this old-fashioned pie delivers a taste of history in every bite.
Perfectly sweet, slightly sticky, and wonderfully comforting, Shoofly Pie is a must-try for anyone who loves homemade desserts with cultural roots. Whether served with coffee in the morning or enjoyed as a cozy treat after dinner, this molasses pie is sure to win hearts and become a cherished addition to your baking collection.
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What is Shoofly Pie?
Shoofly Pie is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert that dates back to the late 1800s. Made with a rich molasses filling and topped with a buttery crumb mixture, this pie is known for its simple ingredients and rustic charm. Traditionally, it comes in two styles: the wet-bottom version, which has a gooey, sticky molasses layer at the base, and the dry-bottom version, which is more cake-like throughout.
The name “Shoofly Pie” is said to have come from either a popular brand of molasses called Shoofly Molasses or the fact that the sweet, sticky filling tended to attract flies—so bakers had to “shoofly” them away. Today, it remains a beloved treat in Pennsylvania Dutch country and a symbol of comfort baking, perfect with a hot cup of coffee.
Key Ingredients for Shoofly Pie:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this classic dessert:
- For the Crumbs:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup shortening (or cold butter, cubed)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup dark molasses
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
How to Make Shoofly Pie:
This recipe is remarkably straightforward, delivering a wonderfully sweet and comforting treat. It’s a fuss-free pie, perfect for those days when you crave a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The preparation time is around 20 minutes, and you’ll have yourself a warm, gooey pie in about an hour!
- Preparation Time : 20 Minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Crumbs: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, shortening (or cubed butter), and salt. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set this aside.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the molasses and hot water together until well combined.
- Add Baking Soda: In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in a tablespoon of hot water. Add this mixture to the molasses mixture and stir well.
- Incorporate Egg: Whisk in the lightly beaten egg into the molasses mixture until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour half of the molasses mixture into the unbaked pie crust. Sprinkle half of the crumb mixture over the molasses filling.
- Repeat Layers: Pour the remaining molasses mixture over the crumb layer, then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crumb topping is golden brown. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil or use a pie shield.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Why You’ll Love This Shoofly Pie
Shoofly Pie is all about simplicity and comfort . Its rich, molasses flavor is the main highlight, offering a deep, sweet, and slightly smoky taste that is incredibly satisfying. Making it at home is cost-effective, where you can enjoy a large, homemade pie for a fraction of the price you’d pay at a bakery.
While similar to a pecan pie in texture, Shoofly pie offers a unique molasses flavor profile that many find more appealing. Intrigued? Give this recipe a try and let Shoofly magic happen in your kitchen!
What to Serve Shoofly Pie With:
- Shoofly pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance its sweetness.
- A warm cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk also complements the pie’s rich flavors perfectly.
- For a delightful contrast, consider serving it alongside a fruit salad or a handful of fresh berries.
Top Tips for Perfecting Shoofly Pie:
- Use Good Quality Molasses: The flavor of Shoofly pie heavily relies on the molasses, so using a good quality, dark molasses will make a significant difference in the final taste.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can make the filling tough and crumbly. Bake just until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the crumb topping or use less molasses in the filling.
- Spice It Up: For a twist, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the crumb topping for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: While Shoofly pie can be enjoyed warm, chilling it allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious pie.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing: Leftover Shoofly pie can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it is properly sealed to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the baked pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire pie in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Be sure to cover the edges of the crust with foil to prevent them from burning.
Final Thoughts:
These Mennonite Shoofly Pie offer a delightful journey into the heart of home-style baking. Whether you choose the rich flavors of Shoofly Pie or the creamy delight of Peanut Butter Pie, each recipe promises to bring warmth and comfort to your table.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (or don’t, in the case of Peanut Butter Pie!), and get ready to create delicious memories with these timeless classics. Happy baking!
And Try also:
- Vareniki Recipe
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Mennonite Roasted Beef Tails
- Mennonite Butterscotch Pie Recipe
- Our Pinterest.
FAQs
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the Peanut Butter Pie?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that low-fat cream cheese may result in a slightly less creamy texture.
Q: Can I make Shoofly Pie without shortening?
A: Yes, you can substitute shortening with cold butter, cubed. It will give a slightly richer flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the crust from burning while baking Shoofly Pie?
A: You can cover the edges of the crust with foil or use a pie shield to prevent them from browning too quickly.
Shoofly Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 pie (8 servings) 1x
Description
Shoofly Pie is a sweet and historic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert made with a rich molasses filling and a buttery crumb topping. Simple, rustic, and comforting, it’s the perfect treat to bake when you want something homemade and timeless.
Ingredients
- For the Crumbs:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup shortening (or cold butter, cubed)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup dark molasses
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, shortening (or butter), and salt until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix molasses and hot water until well combined.
- Dissolve baking soda in 1 tablespoon hot water, then add to molasses mixture.
- Whisk in the lightly beaten egg until combined.
- Pour half of the molasses mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
- Sprinkle half of the crumb mixture over filling.
- Repeat with remaining molasses mixture and crumb mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, until filling is set and crumb topping is golden brown. Cover crust edges with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
Shoofly Pie has a rich molasses flavor and is best enjoyed once fully cooled to allow the filling to set. Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Pennsylvania Dutch
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg