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
Scale
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.
