If you’ve never tried this delightful treat, you’re in for a real cozy surprise with this Shoofly Pie Recipe. Originating from Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, this pie marries the rich, deep flavor of molasses with a crumbly, buttery topping that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s a nostalgic classic that brings comfort to the table every time you slice into it. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this Shoofly Pie Recipe promises a slice of pure happiness that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Shoofly Pie Recipe is simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and spice. From the deep molasses flavor to the tender pie crust and crispy crumb topping, these ingredients combine to create magic.
- 1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust: A sturdy and buttery base that holds all the delicious filling and crumble together.
- 1 cup molasses: The star ingredient offering rich, complex sweetness and that characteristic dark color.
- ¾ cup boiling water: Helps to dissolve the molasses and integrate flavors smoothly in the filling.
- 1 egg (room temperature): Adds structure and helps the filling set perfectly while providing richness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the molasses to lighten the texture and create a tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warm, fragrant spice that complements the molasses beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle nutty spice enhancing depth and aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the crumble topping, creating that perfect crisp texture.
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed): Adds moist sweetness and a slight molasses flavor to the crumble.
- ½ cup salted butter (softened): Provides richness and binds the crumble, giving it a tender, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the overall flavor harmony.
How to Make Shoofly Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F and give your 9-inch deep dish pie pan a good spray with nonstick. This makes sure your pie releases easily once baked and keeps things mess-free. It’s the simple preparations like this that set you up for a perfect baking experience.
Step 2: Line With the Crust
Take your refrigerated pie crust and press it evenly into the pan, all the way up the sides. Don’t forget to crimp those edges for a lovely, rustic finish. This crust is the foundation, so make sure it’s securely in place and ready to cradle the filling without shrinking or bubbling up during baking.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Now for the heart of the Shoofly Pie Recipe. Mix the molasses thoroughly with boiling water until it’s fully dissolved for a smooth base. Beat your egg lightly before combining it with the molasses mixture, and then stir in the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This filling is where all the warm, deep flavors develop, so take your time to get it just right before pouring it into the crust.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
This topping is what sets shoofly pie apart with its delightful crunch. Combine the flour and dark brown sugar in a large bowl, then work in the softened butter using a fork or your fingers until it looks like damp sand. The butter’s softness is key here — too cold, and it won’t crumble properly; too warm, and it’ll get greasy. Evenly sprinkle your crumble all over the filling for that irresistible texture contrast.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Reduce the oven heat to 350°F and bake the pie uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the filling is firm in the center and the crumble topping is golden brown. As it bakes, your kitchen fills with an aroma that’s simply unforgettable. When done, let it cool a bit before slicing, or serve warm to enjoy that melty, comforting goodness.
How to Serve Shoofly Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While this Shoofly Pie Recipe shines on its own, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top adds an indulgent touch that beautifully balances the deep flavors of molasses and spices. For a bit of extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on the garnish to keep with the pie’s warm spice theme.
Side Dishes
Pairing the pie with a hot cup of black coffee or spiced chai tea amplifies the cozy vibe of this dessert. It also complements the molasses’ intensity without overpowering the pie’s natural sweetness. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside a simple cheese board or fresh fruit to add refreshing contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, consider serving shoofly pie in individual ramekins topped with crumble for personal portions. Alternatively, offer a pie bar setup with toppings like chopped nuts, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle, letting everyone customize their slice. It’s a fun way to celebrate this classic in a modern style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Shoofly pie keeps beautifully stored in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 4 days. Storing it chilled helps maintain the crumble topping’s crisp texture while keeping the filling moist and flavorful, making it easy to enjoy a slice any time you want.
Freezing
This pie also freezes well, which is perfect if you want to bake ahead. Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure it stays moist and delicious.
Reheating
To bring your shoofly pie back to life, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or reheat the whole pie in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes. This refreshes the warmth and softness without sacrificing the crumb’s crunch.
FAQs
What does shoofly pie taste like?
Shoofly pie is a rich, molasses-based dessert with a sweet, deep caramel flavor accented by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all topped with a sweet, crumbly layer that adds a lovely texture contrast.
Can I make shoofly pie without molasses?
Molasses is essential for the authentic flavor of shoofly pie, so substituting it may change the taste significantly. If you must, try using dark corn syrup mixed with a bit of brown sugar, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Is shoofly pie gluten-free?
Traditional shoofly pie uses all-purpose flour in the crust and topping, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could try using a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute, though texture and taste might vary.
How long does shoofly pie last?
When refrigerated, shoofly pie lasts up to 4 days. Freezing extends its shelf life to about 2 months. Always make sure it’s stored well to maintain freshness.
What is the origin of shoofly pie?
Shoofly pie is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert that dates back to colonial America. It was named “shoofly” possibly because the sweet aroma attracted flies that had to be shooed away while the pie cooled.
Final Thoughts
This Shoofly Pie Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a slice of history and hearty sweetness to your table. It’s simple enough for any home baker yet rich with comforting layers of flavor that everyone will adore. So go ahead, bake up a pie to share (or not), and savor the warmth and tradition baked into every bite!
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 traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert featuring a rich molasses filling with warm spices, topped with a buttery crumb topping baked to golden perfection in a flaky pie crust. This easy-to-make pie delivers a comforting balance of sweet and spice, making it a beloved classic 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 spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Line with the crust: Press the refrigerated pie crust evenly into the prepared pie pan. Crimp the edges neatly to form a decorative border, then set the crust-lined pan aside.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, stir the molasses into the boiling water until fully combined and the molasses has dissolved. Lightly beat the egg and add it to the molasses mixture. Then stir in baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg, mixing well to incorporate all ingredients. Pour this filling evenly into the prepared pie crust.
- Make the crumble topping: In another large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and packed dark brown sugar. Using a fork or your clean fingers, work the softened butter into the flour and sugar mixture until the texture is crumbly and resembles damp sand. Sprinkle this crumble topping evenly over the filling in the pie crust.
- Bake and serve: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Place the pie on the middle rack and bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the center of the pie is set and the topping is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg for better incorporation into the filling.
- Ensure the molasses is well dissolved in hot water for a smooth filling texture.
- Keep an eye on the crumble topping during baking to prevent over-browning.
- This pie is delicious served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- For a deeper molasses flavor, consider using blackstrap molasses, but note it is more bitter.
