If you’re on the lookout for a truly comforting dessert that’s packed with rich, molasses flavor and a delightful crumbly topping, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Shoofly Pie Recipe. This classic Pennsylvania Dutch treat brings together a tender pie crust, a sweet and spiced molasses filling, and a buttery crumble that bakes to golden perfection. It’s a slice of nostalgia and warmth that everyone will want seconds of, whether it’s served at a family gathering or a cozy afternoon tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Shoofly Pie Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet every single component plays a crucial role in building that iconic taste and texture. From the smooth molasses that imparts depth and sweetness to the aromatic spices that bring warmth, these essentials come together effortlessly for an unforgettable pie.
- 1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust: Provides a flaky, buttery base that crisps nicely during baking.
- 1 cup molasses: The star sweetener with a rich, robust flavor that defines the pie.
- ¾ cup boiling water: Helps dissolve the molasses smoothly for an even filling.
- 1 egg (room temperature): Binds the filling ingredients and adds moisture for the perfect texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the molasses to lighten and fluff the filling slightly.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a cozy spice note that complements the molasses.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides subtle nuttiness and depth to the spice blend.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the delightful crumb topping.
- 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed): Sweetens the crumble and enhances the pie’s luscious caramel notes.
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter (softened): Binds the crumble topping, delivering richness and a touch of saltiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness throughout the pie and topping.
How to Make Shoofly Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F and spritz a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan with nonstick spray. This step ensures your pie will slide right out when serving, making clean-up effortless and preserving that beautiful crust.
Step 2: Line with the Crust
Press the refrigerated pie crust evenly into the prepared pie pan, making sure it fits snugly and crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork for a traditional touch. This crust serves as a sturdy, buttery foundation that supports the luscious filling without getting soggy.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, pour the molasses into the boiling water and stir until completely dissolved — this creates the smooth base for the filling. Beat the room temperature egg lightly, then stir it into the molasses mixture. Add in the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixing everything well until all those warm spices weave into the sweet batter. Pour this aromatic filling evenly into the prepared crust and set aside while you prepare the crumble.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
Combine the all-purpose flour and dark brown sugar in a bowl, then cut the softened butter in using a fork or your clean fingers. Work it until the mixture looks like damp sand, full of tiny, buttery crumbs. This topping creates that signature crunchy, caramelized layer which contrasts wonderfully with the soft filling beneath. Sprinkle it generously and evenly over the entire pie.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Reduce your oven temperature to 350°F and bake the pie uncovered for 40 minutes, until the center has set and the topping is beautifully golden. Let it cool a bit, or serve warm for the most comforting experience. Either way, your Shoofly Pie Recipe will be a showstopper!
How to Serve Shoofly Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While this pie is delicious on its own, topping it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience by adding creamy coolness that contrasts with the rich, molasses sweetness. A light dusting of ground cinnamon can also amplify the cozy spice aroma.
Side Dishes
Shoofly Pie pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or black tea, turning an ordinary snack time into a delightful break. For brunch settings, serve alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears to lighten the palate and complement the pie’s rustic, homey flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices on charming vintage plates to embrace the pie’s Pennsylvania Dutch roots, or dress it up with drizzles of caramel or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for added texture and indulgence. You can even cut the pie into bite-sized squares for a fun party appetizer that sparks conversations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover Shoofly Pie tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for a day or two, but refrigeration will extend freshness for up to 5 days without compromising the texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Shoofly Pie Recipe on hand for a longer time, wrap the whole pie or individual slices securely in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pie can stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating or serving.
Reheating
To warm your leftover Shoofly Pie, place it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the crumble topping regains its crunch. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and the filling dense.
FAQs
What is Shoofly Pie?
Shoofly Pie is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch pie known for its rich molasses filling and crumbly topping, offering a spiced, sweet, and deeply comforting dessert experience.
Can I make Shoofly Pie without a pie crust?
While the crust adds important texture and stability, some variations use just the crumb topping and filling baked in a pan. However, for authentic flavor and presentation, a crust is highly recommended.
Is Shoofly Pie gluten-free?
Traditional Shoofly Pie contains all-purpose flour in both the crust and crumble, so it’s not gluten-free. But you can substitute gluten-free flour blends to adapt the recipe to your dietary needs.
How sweet is Shoofly Pie?
This pie offers a moderate sweetness balanced by the rich, slightly bitter molasses and warm spices, making it pleasantly sweet without being overpowering.
Can I use light molasses instead of dark?
Dark molasses is preferred for its richer flavor, but light molasses can be used for a milder taste if that’s what you have on hand. Keep in mind the depth of flavor will be slightly lighter.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully heartwarming about enjoying a slice of homemade Shoofly Pie Recipe, fresh from the oven or at room temperature. It’s a simple blend of humble ingredients that come together to create a dessert bursting with character and comfort. I encourage you to try this recipe—it might just become your new favorite way to sweeten any day with a taste of tradition and love.
Print
Shoofly Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 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 buttery, crumbly streusel topping. This delicious pie combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with the deep sweetness of molasses, baked to perfection in a flaky pie crust. It’s perfect served warm or at room temperature for a nostalgic treat.
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) 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, making sure it fits snugly. Crimp the edges decoratively, then set the pan aside.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the molasses with boiling water and stir until the molasses has completely dissolved. Lightly beat the egg and add it to the molasses mixture. Then stir in the baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined. Pour this filling evenly into the prepared pie crust.
- Make the crumble topping: In another large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and dark brown sugar together. Using a fork or clean fingers, work the softened butter into the dry mixture until it resembles damp sand and clumps form. Evenly sprinkle this crumble topping over the entire surface of the pie.
- Bake and serve: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake the pie uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is golden and crumbly. Allow to cool slightly and serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Let the egg come to room temperature to help it mix smoothly with the molasses filling.
- Press the pie crust firmly to avoid shrinkage during baking.
- The crumble topping should be crumbly, not doughy; work the butter thoroughly into the dry ingredients.
- Shoofly pie is traditionally served warm, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a richer flavor, use dark or blackstrap molasses.
