If you’re craving a piece of authentic Americana that feels like a warm hug from the past, this Shoofly Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try. Rooted in Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, this pie beautifully balances rich, sticky molasses filling with a crumbly, buttery topping, making every bite a comforting blend of sweet and spice. Whether you’re new to this classic or revisiting an old favorite, the Shoofly Pie Recipe delivers a uniquely delicious experience that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shoofly Pie Recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient is straightforward yet essential. They come together to create perfect layers of flavor and texture, from the buttery crust to the spiced molasses filling and the crumbly topping that makes every slice special.
- 1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust: Provides a flaky, buttery base that holds the filling perfectly.
- 1 cup molasses: The star ingredient that gives the pie its deep, robust sweetness and signature flavor.
- ¾ cup boiling water: Helps to melt the molasses and blend flavors smoothly.
- 1 egg (room temperature): Binds the filling and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with molasses for that tender yet set filling texture.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that complements the molasses perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings subtle depth and aroma to the filling.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the crumbly topping that contrasts the gooey filling.
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed): Sweetens the topping and enriches its molasses undertone.
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter (softened): Creates that melt-in-your-mouth crumble when mixed with flour and sugar.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
How to Make Shoofly Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and giving your 9-inch deep dish pie pan a good spray with nonstick spray. This little step ensures your pie will come out clean and gorgeous every time without sticking to the dish.
Step 2: Line the Pie Pan
Carefully press the refrigerated pie crust evenly into the pan, making sure it covers the edges completely. Don’t forget to crimp the edges for that classic homemade look and to keep the filling snug inside during baking.
Step 3: Make the Molasses Filling
In a large bowl, dissolve the molasses in the boiling water until it’s a smooth, rich syrup. Lightly beat your egg and stir it into this mixture. Then add the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg—these spices wake up the filling with cozy warmth. Mix thoroughly and pour into your prepped pie crust.
Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping
For the topping, combine the flour and brown sugar in a separate bowl. Use a fork or your clean fingers to work the softened butter into this mixture until it resembles damp sand. This crumbly texture will bake into a wonderfully crisp and buttery crust that contrasts perfectly with the gooey filling. Sprinkle it evenly over the pie.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Reduce your oven temperature to 350°F and place the pie uncovered inside to bake for about 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it—when the center feels set and the top is golden and crumbly, you know it’s ready. Let it cool a bit before slicing to enjoy the full flavor and texture experience.
How to Serve Shoofly Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect accompaniment to this pie’s warm, molasses-scented richness. For a little extra flair, sprinkle some toasted pecans over the top for crunch and a nutty contrast.
Side Dishes
This pie shines as a dessert after a hearty meal but also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. If you’re serving it at brunch, a side of fresh fruit or lightly sweetened baked apples complements the deep sweetness of the Shoofly Pie Recipe superbly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Shoofly Pie Recipe in individual ramekins or mini pie tins for a charming, personalized touch. Alternatively, dust each slice lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a caramel glaze to add a decadent finish that will wow your friends and family at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Shoofly Pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate your pie, which will keep its delightful texture and flavor for about five days.
Freezing
This pie freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your Shoofly Pie back to life, gently reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the crumb topping crisp and delightful.
FAQs
What does “Shoofly” mean in Shoofly Pie?
The name “Shoofly Pie” is believed to come from a Pennsylvania Dutch expression related to shooing flies away from the sweet molasses topping. It’s a charming nod to its historical roots without affecting the deliciousness of the pie itself.
Can I make Shoofly Pie from scratch without refrigerated crust?
Absolutely! While convenience is key, making your own flaky pie crust from scratch can elevate this recipe even more. Use a simple butter-based dough recipe and chill it well before lining your pie pan.
Is Shoofly Pie gluten-free friendly?
The traditional Shoofly Pie Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends in both the filling topping and crust for a delicious alternative, though texture may vary slightly.
Why does the recipe call for baking soda?
Baking soda reacts with the acidic molasses to create tiny bubbles, helping the filling to set just right and giving the pie a tender consistency rather than a dense one.
Can I use light molasses instead of dark molasses?
While light molasses is milder and sweeter, dark molasses provides a richer, more robust flavor ideal for Shoofly Pie. Using dark molasses gives that classic deep taste you want in this traditional dessert.
Final Thoughts
Making this Shoofly Pie Recipe is like baking a little piece of history, filled with warmth, sweetness, and comforting spices that brighten any table. Once you experience the delightful combination of its sticky molasses filling and crumbly topping, it will quickly become a beloved staple to share with family and friends. So roll up your sleeves and enjoy every moment creating this iconic dessert!
Print
Shoofly Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 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 sweet, crumbly topping. This beloved pie combines the deep flavors of molasses and warm spices with a tender homemade pie crust, making it a cozy treat perfect for any occasion.
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). Spray a 9-inch deep dish pie pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Line with the crust: Press the refrigerated pie crust evenly into the prepared pie pan, making sure it covers the bottom and sides properly. Crimp the edges decoratively to secure the crust and set the pan aside.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the molasses and boiling water, stirring until the molasses dissolves completely. Lightly beat the egg and mix it into the molasses mixture. Stir in baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well incorporated. Pour this filling mixture into the prepared pie crust evenly.
- Make the crumble topping: In another large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and dark brown sugar. Add the softened salted butter and use a fork or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles damp sand. Evenly sprinkle this crumble topping over the molasses filling in the pie crust.
- Bake and serve: Lower your oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Bake the pie uncovered for approximately 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is golden and crisp. Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg to ensure even mixing in the filling.
- Be sure the molasses dissolves completely in the boiling water for a smooth filling.
- The crumble topping should be crumbly but moist enough to hold together on top of the pie.
- If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the brown sugar slightly in the crumble topping.
- This pie is best served within a day or two for optimal freshness.
- Make sure to use a refrigerated pie crust to save preparation time.
