If you’re looking for a nostalgic, sweet treat that feels like a warm hug from the past, this Shoofly Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert combines the rich molasses flavor with a crumbly, buttery topping that creates a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and comforting textures. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family gathering or just a weekend indulgence, this pie will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the magic behind this Shoofly Pie Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that iconic taste and texture—molasses lends its deep sweetness, spices bring warmth, and the buttery crumble topping finishes it all off with just the right touch of crispiness.
- 1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust: Easy to use and provides a flaky base that holds everything together.
- 1 cup molasses: The rich, robust heart of the filling giving that signature flavor.
- ¾ cup boiling water: Helps melt and blend the molasses smoothly into the filling.
- 1 egg (room temperature): Binds the filling ingredients together perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with molasses to lighten and leaven the filling.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds cozy, warm spice that complements molasses.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Introduces a subtle nutty note for more depth.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Key for the crumble topping’s structure and texture.
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed): Sweetens and enhances the crumble’s rich molasses flavor.
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter (softened): Creates that luscious, sandy crumble topping with a touch of saltiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts overall flavors.
How to Make Shoofly Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Spray a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan with nonstick spray to make sure your pie comes out cleanly after baking. This simple prep step sets the stage for flawless pie perfection.
Step 2: Line with the Crust
Press your refrigerated pie crust evenly into the prepared pie pan. Be sure to crimp the edges nicely—this not only adds a charming rustic look but also helps the crust hold its shape during baking. Set it aside while you prepare your filling.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, pour the molasses into the boiling water, stirring until the molasses has fully dissolved. This ensures the filling is smooth and evenly sweet. Lightly beat the egg and stir it into the molasses mixture. Add the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg then mix well to combine all those warm, aromatic flavors. Pour the filling into the crust, letting it settle evenly.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Using a fork or your clean fingers, work the softened butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles damp sand with occasional pea-sized lumps. This crumbly topping will give your Shoofly Pie that iconic textured finish. Sprinkle it evenly over the filling.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Lower your oven temperature to 350°F and bake the pie uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is golden brown. Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving, though it’s equally wonderful warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Shoofly Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While the pie stands well on its own, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the sweet, spiced filling. A light dusting of powdered sugar also brightens the look and adds a touch of elegance for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Shoofly Pie pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a robust black tea, making it the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or dessert. For brunch, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Shoofly Pie into an irresistible dessert centerpiece by serving individual slices on vintage plates, topped with tiny edible flowers or a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also cut the pie into squares and serve as bite-sized treats at a party, making it easy to enjoy and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shoofly Pie stays moist and flavorful when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you prefer, refrigerate it to extend its freshness for up to a week, just bring slices back to room temperature before eating.
Freezing
This Shoofly Pie Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the oven before serving to regain that fresh-baked charm.
Reheating
To reheat your pie, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and the filling luscious without drying it out. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
What does Shoofly Pie taste like?
Shoofly Pie offers a rich, molasses-sweetened filling with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a buttery, crumbly topping that adds a delightful texture contrast.
Is Shoofly Pie gluten-free?
Traditional Shoofly Pie uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try a gluten-free flour blend to adapt this Shoofly Pie Recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I use homemade pie crust?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a refrigerated pie crust for convenience, a homemade crust will elevate the pie’s flavor and texture even more, giving you that fresh-from-scratch satisfaction.
Why does the recipe suggest lowering the oven temperature after preheating?
Beginning at 400°F helps the crust set quickly and prevents sogginess, then lowering to 350°F allows the filling to bake evenly without overbrowning the topping.
Is Shoofly Pie served warm or cold?
Shoofly Pie is delicious both warm and at room temperature, depending on your preference. Many enjoy it slightly warm with a scoop of ice cream, but it’s equally wonderful cooled with a cup of coffee.
Final Thoughts
This Shoofly Pie Recipe is a soulful treat that brings a little slice of history and a lot of comfort to your kitchen. With its inviting flavors and simple technique, it’s a dessert you’ll want to bake again and again — trust me, once you make it, it will become your go-to for sweet moments shared with loved ones.
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 known for its rich molasses filling topped with a crumbly, buttery streusel. This easy-to-make pie combines the deep flavor of molasses with warm spices and a tender crust, perfect for serving warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust
Molasses 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) and spray a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Line with the crust: Press the refrigerated pie crust evenly into the prepared pie pan. Crimp the edges decoratively and set the pan aside.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix the molasses with boiling water until fully combined and the molasses dissolves into the water. Lightly beat the room temperature egg and add it to the molasses mixture. Stir in the baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is well incorporated. Pour this filling evenly into the prepared pie crust.
- Make the crumble topping: In a separate large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and packed dark brown sugar. Add the softened butter and use a fork or your clean fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles damp sand. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the entire surface of the filling in the pie crust.
- Bake and serve: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Bake the pie uncovered for about 40 minutes or until the center is set and the topping is golden brown. Let the pie cool slightly; serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Use a deep-dish pie pan for best results as the filling is quite liquid before baking.
- Allow the egg to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure even incorporation.
- The molasses filling will be runny before baking but firms up as it cooks.
- For a stronger spice flavor, you can increase cinnamon and nutmeg slightly according to taste.
- Leftovers can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
