If you’re craving a taste of classic American baking with a rich, molasses-sweet flavor and a crumbly, buttery topping, you’re in for a real treat with this Shoofly Pie Recipe. This beloved Pennsylvania Dutch dessert combines a perfectly flaky crust with a deep, spiced molasses filling, crowned by a satisfyingly crunchy crumb topping. It’s the kind of pie that brings back memories of cozy kitchens and heartfelt gatherings, and once you try it, it might just become one of your all-time favorite desserts too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in a Shoofly Pie Recipe plays an essential role, creating a balance of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. From the silky molasses filling to the buttery crust and crumb topping, each component is straightforward yet vital to achieving that nostalgic homemade pie magic.
- All-purpose flour: Used for both the crust and crumb topping, providing structure and a tender base.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors throughout the pie, balancing the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces: Key for a flaky crust and crisp, buttery crumbs in the topping.
- Cold water: Helps bring the crust dough together without making it tough.
- Molasses: The star ingredient delivering rich, deep sweetness with a hint of smokiness.
- Hot water: Combined with molasses to dissolve and marry the flavors smoothly.
- Baking soda: Adds a slight lift and lightness to the filling.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle warmth that rounds out the spices and molasses.
- Ground cinnamon: Sprinkled in both the filling and crumb topping, giving an inviting aromatic touch.
- Ground ginger: Adds a gentle spice that complements the molasses perfectly.
- Large egg, beaten: Binds the filling ingredients into a luscious, set custard.
- Brown sugar, packed: Sweetens and adds moisture to the crumb topping for a delightful crunch.
How to Make Shoofly Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by mixing the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs—the key to a flaky crust. Gradually stir in cold water just until the dough forms a ball. Wrap it in plastic and chill for 30 minutes to help the dough relax and make rolling easier.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the molasses, hot water, baking soda, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and the beaten egg. This mixture should come together smooth and uniform, creating the lush, sweet filling that defines the Shoofly Pie Recipe’s iconic flavor profile.
Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping
For the topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter pieces until the mixture turns into coarse crumbs. This topping brings the perfect contrast of sweet crunch against the rich filling beneath.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan, trimming any excess and crimping the edges for a classic look. Pour the molasses filling into the crust, then sprinkle the crumb topping evenly on top. This assembly is where the magic starts to take shape!
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the crust turns golden brown, the filling sets up, and the crumb topping achieves a gorgeous light brown shade. The aroma filling your kitchen will be worth every minute of the wait.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Before slicing, allow your pie to cool completely. This resting time helps the filling firm up just right, making each slice clean and perfectly portioned. Now it’s ready to share with family and friends for a cozy, comforting dessert experience.
How to Serve Shoofly Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few toasted pecans can add delightful texture and visual appeal, elevating the presentation while complementing the pie’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
Shoofly Pie pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect treat for brunch or afternoon tea. For a heartier occasion, serve it alongside fresh fruit or lightly spiced applesauce to bring a fresh contrast to the molasses richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the pie into smaller squares and serve them on dessert platters for gatherings or potlucks. Alternatively, use cookie cutters to create playful shapes for a festive holiday dessert plate that will impress guests of all ages.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigeration is recommended and will keep the pie moist and safe to eat for about four days.
Freezing
Shoofly Pie freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the entire pie securely in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil, then freeze for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short bursts until heated through. This will revive the pie’s warmth and bring back that freshly baked appeal without drying it out.
FAQs
What is Shoofly Pie?
Shoofly Pie is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert featuring a molasses-based filling topped with a crumbly, buttery topping and enclosed in a flaky pastry crust. Its rich, spiced flavor has made it a beloved classic.
Can I use dark or light molasses for the Shoofly Pie Recipe?
Both types work, but using dark molasses will give your pie a richer, more robust flavor, while light molasses provides a milder sweetness. Choose according to your taste preference.
Is Shoofly Pie served warm or cold?
Most people enjoy Shoofly Pie slightly warmed or at room temperature. Serving it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream makes it especially delightful warm.
Does the pie crust need to be prebaked?
No, this Shoofly Pie Recipe uses an unbaked crust that finishes baking along with the filling and topping, resulting in a perfectly tender and flaky crust.
Can I make individual Shoofly pies?
Absolutely! Use a muffin tin or small tart pans to bake individual pies. Adjust the baking time as needed, typically reducing it to about 20-25 minutes.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Shoofly Pie Recipe has endured through generations—it’s comfort, tradition, and just pure deliciousness all rolled into one. Whether you’re baking this pie for the first time or bringing it back to life in your kitchen, it has a way of making every moment feel warm and inviting. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own sweet memories to share.
Print
Shoofly Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Shoofly Pie is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert featuring a rich molasses filling topped with a buttery crumb topping on a flaky, homemade pie crust. This sweet and warmly spiced pie is baked until the crust is golden and the filling is set, making it an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup cold water
Molasses Filling
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 large egg, beaten
Crumb Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, stirring just until the dough begins to come together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the molasses, hot water, baking soda, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and beaten egg. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs, using a pastry cutter or your fingers.
- Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer the dough to the pie pan, trimming any excess and crimping the edges. Pour the molasses filling into the prepared crust. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the filling.
- Bake the Pie: Bake the pie for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. The topping should be lightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving. This helps the filling to set fully and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is kept cold for both the crust and crumb topping to achieve a flaky texture and crumbly topping.
- The pie should be fully cooled before serving to avoid a runny filling.
- Use dark or robust molasses for a richer flavor.
- To prevent the edges from over-browning, you can cover them with foil halfway through baking if needed.
