Classic Pennsylvania Dutch Molasses Shoofly Pie
Indulge in the rich history and delightful flavors of the Classic Pennsylvania Dutch Molasses Shoofly Pie, a beloved dessert that traces its origins back over 300 years in Pennsylvania Dutch country. Often described as a delightful combination of a cake baked into a pie shell, this dessert captivates with its sweet and slightly spicy molasses filling. The distinct crumb topping adds a satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with the smooth pie beneath. It's said to be 'so sweet you have to shoo the flies away from it,' making it a must-try for those who adore traditional American desserts. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that celebrates the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
unbaked pie shell
1 (9-inch diameter)
flour
1 1/4 cups (all-purpose, sifted)
brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
cold butter
1/4 cup (cut into small pieces)
molasses
2 cups (unsulfured)
boiling water
1/2 cup (hot)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and packed brown sugar. Mix well.
3
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender, knives, forks, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses, baking soda, and cinnamon. Slowly pour in the boiling water while beating the mixture until it becomes foamy.
5
Carefully stir half of the crumb mixture into the molasses mixture until evenly combined.
6
Pour the combined mixture into the unbaked pie shell, spreading it evenly.
7
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture generously over the top of the filling.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the filling is set, bubbly, and lightly browned.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool until warm.
10
Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Classic Pennsylvania Dutch Molasses Shoofly Pie?
It is a traditional American dessert that combines a cake-like filling baked into a pie shell, known for its sweet molasses flavor and distinct crumb topping.
Where does the name 'Shoofly Pie' come from?
The name is said to come from the fact that the pie is so sweet you have to 'shoo the flies away' from it.
What is the history of Shoofly Pie?
This beloved dessert traces its origins back over 300 years in Pennsylvania Dutch country.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size pie shell is needed for this recipe?
A 9-inch diameter unbaked pie shell is required.
What type of molasses is best for this pie?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of unsulfured molasses.
How do I make the crumb mixture?
Combine sifted all-purpose flour and packed brown sugar, then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Should the butter be cold or room temperature?
The butter should be cold and cut into small pieces before being mixed into the flour and sugar.
What tools can I use to cut in the butter?
You can use a pastry blender, knives, forks, or even your fingers to achieve the coarse crumb texture.
What causes the molasses mixture to become foamy?
Mixing the molasses, baking soda, and cinnamon with boiling water causes the mixture to become foamy.
How is the crumb mixture used in the pie?
Half of the crumb mixture is stirred directly into the molasses liquid, while the remaining half is sprinkled generously over the top.
How long does the pie need to bake?
The pie should be baked for 30 to 40 minutes.
How can I tell when the Shoofly Pie is done?
The pie is ready when the filling is set, bubbly, and the top is lightly browned.
Should the pie be served hot or cold?
It is best served warm, though it should be allowed to cool slightly after removing it from the oven.
What are the best toppings for Shoofly Pie?
It is traditionally served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What kind of flour is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Is the pie shell pre-baked?
No, you pour the filling into an unbaked pie shell before putting it in the oven.
What spices are included in the filling?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much boiling water is required?
You need 1/2 cup of hot boiling water to create the foamy molasses base.
How much baking soda is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dry baking soda.
Is this pie considered a holiday dessert?
Yes, it is tagged as a traditional holiday dessert and a classic comfort food.
What type of sugar is best for the crumb topping?
One cup of packed brown sugar is used to give the topping its rich flavor and texture.
Is this a typical American cuisine dish?
Yes, it is a quintessential example of traditional American and Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 8 main ingredients.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is a smooth, slightly spicy molasses mixture that has a cake-like consistency once baked.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
The recipe specifies cold butter for the best flavor and crumb texture.
What does 'sifted' flour mean?
Sifting flour involves passing it through a mesh to remove lumps and aerate it for a lighter crumb.
Is Shoofly Pie very sweet?
Yes, it is known for being an indulgent, sweet treat due to the high molasses and brown sugar content.
What is the purpose of the cinnamon in this recipe?
The cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note that complements the deep flavor of the molasses.
How many steps are in the instructions?
There are 10 steps to complete the recipe, from preheating the oven to serving.