Shoofly Pie

Let me take you on a sweet trip down memory lane with Shoofly Pie, a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert that’s sure to make your taste buds sing! This pie is a true comfort food, featuring a buttery, flaky crust filled with a rich, molasses-based filling that’s both sweet and spiced, topped with a crumble that adds the perfect touch of crunch. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a slice of old-fashioned goodness, this pie is bound to become a favorite. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Shoofly Pie

• Rich & Comforting: The deep flavor of molasses, combined with a buttery crust and crumbly topping, creates the ultimate cozy dessert. It’s like a warm hug in pie form.
• Easy to Make: Don’t let the layers fool you—this pie comes together with just a few ingredients, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Classic Favorite: This pie has a special place in many hearts, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
• Versatile: Shoofly Pie is a great dessert to serve at family gatherings, holiday dinners, or any time you need to impress. It’s also fantastic for sharing with friends over a cup of coffee.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• All-purpose flour: The base of your flaky pie crust.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the flavors.
• Butter: Cold butter is key to making that perfectly flaky texture.
• Ice water: To bring the dough together without overworking it.

For the Filling:

• Molasses: The star of the show! It gives the pie that rich, deep flavor that makes it so unique.
• Brown sugar: Adds a lovely sweetness and depth to the filling.
• Baking soda: Helps the filling rise slightly and creates a soft texture.
• Boiling water: This helps dissolve the molasses and brown sugar for a smooth filling.
• Eggs: For richness and structure.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of warmth and rounds out the flavors.
• Cinnamon and cloves: Just the right amount of spice to make your taste buds dance.

For the Topping:

• All-purpose flour: For a perfectly crumbly topping.
• Brown sugar: Sweetness to balance the savory molasses filling.
• Butter: Adds richness to the crumb topping and helps it crisp up nicely.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Here’s how to make your own Shoofly Pie from scratch:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by making the pie crust. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the molasses, brown sugar, baking soda, and boiling water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix until everything is fully combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and butter. Using a fork or your hands, work the butter into the dry ingredients until you get a crumbly texture. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled pie dough on a lightly floured surface into a 9-inch circle. Fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, trimming any excess dough. Pour the molasses filling into the pie crust, and then sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the filling.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 45–50 minutes. The pie should be set in the center and golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 6: Let It Cool

Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before slicing. It’s hard to resist, but letting it cool allows the filling to firm up for perfect slices.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pie is cool, slice it up and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired. Enjoy a true taste of tradition!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 310
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrate: 42g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 30g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve Shoofly Pie

• With a Cup of Coffee: Shoofly Pie is perfect for pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially in the afternoon.
• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes this pie even more indulgent.
• At a Family Gathering: Serve it at your next family dinner or holiday celebration for a sweet and nostalgic treat.

Additional Tips

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step for the pie crust. It ensures a flaky, buttery crust.
• Substitute with Dark Corn Syrup: If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute molasses with dark corn syrup, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Make It Ahead: Shoofly Pie can be made a day ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after it sits for a while, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Customize the Topping: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb topping for extra warmth and spice.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
A1: Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought pie crust works well as a shortcut. Just make sure it’s a 9-inch crust.

Q2: Can I freeze Shoofly Pie?
A2: Absolutely! You can freeze the pie after it’s baked. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Q3: How do I know when the pie is done?
A3: The pie is done when the center is set, and the top is golden brown. You can insert a knife in the center to check—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

Q4: Can I use dark molasses instead of regular molasses?
A4: Yes, you can use dark molasses, but it will give the pie a richer, slightly more robust flavor.

Q5: How long does Shoofly Pie last?
A5: Store leftover pie in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh.

Q6: Can I add nuts to the topping?
A6: Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch to the topping.

Q7: Is this pie gluten-free?
A7: Unfortunately, this pie is not gluten-free. You can try using a gluten-free pie crust and flour blend for the topping to make it work.

Q8: Can I make this pie without the crumb topping?
A8: While the crumb topping is an essential part of Shoofly Pie, you can skip it if you prefer a simpler version. The filling alone is delicious too!

Q9: How can I make this pie spicier?
A9: If you want to kick up the spice a bit, add a pinch of ground ginger or extra cinnamon to the filling.

Q10: Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
A10: Yes, light brown sugar can be used in place of dark brown sugar, but it will result in a slightly lighter flavor.

Conclusion

Shoofly Pie is a slice of history, filled with the comforting flavors of molasses, brown sugar, and a buttery crust. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like you’re sitting at Grandma’s kitchen table, savoring every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, this pie is sure to bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion. Happy baking!

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