Name: Shoofly Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the crust: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 cup ice water; For the filling: 1 cup molasses; 1 cup hot water; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; Pinch of salt; For the crumb topping: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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There’s something about a homemade pie that brings comfort to the soul, and this Shoofly Pie is no exception! It’s one of those desserts that is rich in history and even richer in flavor. Picture this: a sweet molasses filling topped with a crumbly, buttery streusel that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Trust me, this pie is a game-changer, and it’s just waiting to become your new favorite treat.

Why You’ll Love Shoofly Pie

This pie isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating cozy moments with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, treating yourself after a long week, or bringing a nostalgic taste to your table, Shoofly Pie is perfect for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Versatile

Shoofly Pie works for any time of year, whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just craving something sweet. It’s easy to serve for a casual dinner or make for a special occasion. The balance of sweet and spicy makes it perfect with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Budget-Friendly

No need to break the bank for an impressive dessert. With pantry staples like molasses, flour, and butter, this pie is both easy on your wallet and on your time.

Quick and Easy

With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a pie baking in the oven and filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. It’s a no-fuss dessert that delivers big flavor in little time.

Customizable

Not a fan of molasses? You can substitute with dark corn syrup for a slightly different flavor. You can even add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to amp up the warmth of this pie to suit your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing

A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Shoofly Pie

Here’s the magic of this pie: it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, yet the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

Molasses:

The deep, rich sweetness of molasses is the base of this pie, creating that signature flavor that everyone loves.

Butter:

You can’t go wrong with butter—it adds richness to both the filling and the crumbly topping, ensuring that every bite is pure indulgence.

Brown Sugar:

A perfect complement to the molasses, brown sugar brings a touch of caramel-like sweetness to the filling and crumb topping.

Eggs:

Eggs bind the filling together and add richness to the texture, giving you that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Flour:

Flour makes up the base of the pie crust and the crumb topping. It holds everything together while providing that perfect crumbly texture.

Baking Powder:

A little bit of baking powder helps the pie filling puff up slightly during baking, adding to its light, airy texture.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your pie the perfect golden-brown crust. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.

Prepare the Crust:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture into the bottom of a pie dish, forming an even crust. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Make the Filling:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses, eggs, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Pour this molasses mixture into the prepared crust.

Prepare the Streusel Topping:

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and butter for the streusel topping. Mix until crumbly, and then sprinkle it generously over the pie filling.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the pie in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling has set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Finishing Touches:

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to let the flavors settle and make it easier to slice. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but a brief cooling period makes a big difference.

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice and serve the pie warm or at room temperature. Whether it’s paired with whipped cream or served on its own, this Shoofly Pie will always steal the show.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 Calories per serving: 310

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Shoofly Pie

This Shoofly Pie is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy, comforting dessert.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a little extra sweetness.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

For a slightly different twist, try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for a bit of crunch.
If you have extra pie filling, you can bake it in a small baking dish to make a Shoofly Pie bar—just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Make sure the pie has cooled completely before cutting to get nice, clean slices.

FAQ’s

Can I make Shoofly Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze Shoofly Pie?
Yes, you can freeze it. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What can I use instead of molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute dark corn syrup for a similar consistency and sweetness.

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! Using a store-bought crust will save you time without compromising the deliciousness of this pie.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I make Shoofly Pie without eggs?
You can try using a flax egg or an egg substitute, but the texture may vary slightly.

What can I do with leftover Shoofly Pie?
Leftover pie can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for later.

How do I store Shoofly Pie?
Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or at room temperature for 1-2 days.

Can I add other spices to the filling?
Yes, cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger would be a great addition to the molasses filling for extra warmth.

What’s the best way to serve Shoofly Pie?
It’s best served with whipped cream, ice cream, or a hot beverage like coffee or tea.

Conclusion

Shoofly Pie is one of those desserts that will make you feel right at home, no matter where you are. With its perfect balance of sweetness and spice, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, bake one up, and savor every bite!

Shoofly Pie

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Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Pennsylvania Dutch
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert, Shoofly Pie is a sweet, spiced molasses pie with a crumbly topping. It’s perfect for those who love rich, comforting flavors with a touch of nostalgia.

Instructions

Make the crust: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, stirring until the dough comes together. Press the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Make the filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the molasses, hot water, and baking soda. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before whisking in the egg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and salt.
Prepare the topping: In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms crumbs.
Assemble the pie: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Pour the molasses filling into the crust. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the filling.
Bake the pie: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Let the pie cool before serving.

Notes

Shoofly Pie is traditionally served at room temperature or slightly chilled. It’s a delicious dessert for holidays or any occasion that calls for something sweet and comforting.