Classic Pennsylvania Dutch Shoo Fly Pie
Delight in the rich and sweet flavors of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Shoo Fly Pie, a beloved dessert that boasts a unique blend of molasses and spices. This pie features a flaky crust filled with a luscious molasses custard, topped with a crumbly, brown sugar streusel. Perfect for family gatherings and holidays, this recipe will transport you straight to the heart of Amish country. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a comforting treat that pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pie crust
1 (9-inch, store-bought or homemade.)
Molasses
1/2 cup (Light or dark, based on preference.)
Egg yolk
1 (Separate yolk from white.)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (Dissolved in boiling water.)
Boiling water
3/4 cup (Used to dissolve baking soda.)
Nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (Freshly grated, if possible.)
Ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon (For added warmth.)
Ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon (To enhance flavor profile.)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (A warm spice for flavor.)
Flour
3/4 cup (All-purpose flour.)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (Enhances overall taste.)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (Packed, for crumble topping.)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Cold, cut into small pieces.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
Prepare your 9-inch pie crust by lining a pie plate with it, ensuring the edges are crimped to your liking.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the molasses and egg yolk, whisking until smooth.
4
In a separate bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the boiling water, then gradually stir this mixture into the molasses and egg yolk, mixing well.
5
Set the molasses mixture aside to cool slightly.
6
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, spices (nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon), and brown sugar until evenly combined.
7
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
8
Pour the molasses mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
9
Spoon the crumb topping over the molasses layer, spreading it evenly without stirring.
10
Place the pie in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 450°F (230°C). After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and crumbs are lightly browned.
11
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shoo Fly Pie?
Shoo Fly Pie is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert consisting of a sweet molasses custard base and a crumbly brown sugar streusel topping.
What are the main flavors of this pie?
The pie features a rich and sweet flavor profile characterized by deep molasses notes and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
What type of crust is needed for this recipe?
You will need a 9-inch pie crust, which can be either store-bought or homemade.
What kind of molasses should be used?
You can use either light or dark molasses based on your personal preference for flavor intensity.
How do you prepare the baking soda for the filling?
The baking soda should be dissolved in 3/4 cup of boiling water before being mixed into the molasses and egg yolk.
Is a whole egg used in this recipe?
No, this recipe specifically calls for one egg yolk separated from the white.
What spices are included in the crumb topping?
The crumb topping is seasoned with 1/8 teaspoon each of nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves, plus 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.
What ingredients make up the crumb topping?
The topping is made from all-purpose flour, salt, spices, brown sugar, and cold butter.
How do you achieve the crumbly texture for the topping?
You cut the cold butter into the flour and sugar mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius) for the initial baking stage.
How long does the pie bake at high heat?
The pie bakes at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for the first 15 minutes.
Do I need to change the oven temperature while baking?
Yes, after 15 minutes at 450 degrees, you must reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What is the total baking time after reducing the heat?
After reducing the heat to 350 degrees, the pie should bake for an additional 20 minutes.
How can I tell when the Shoo Fly Pie is done?
The pie is ready when the filling is set and the crumb topping has turned a light brown color.
Should the crumbs be mixed into the molasses filling?
No, you should spoon the crumb topping over the molasses layer and spread it evenly without stirring it in.
What should I do with the pie once it is removed from the oven?
Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure the custard filling has set properly.
Is Shoo Fly Pie served warm or cold?
It can be served either warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
What are the best side pairings for this pie?
This pie pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 13 ingredients in total.
What is the cultural origin of Shoo Fly Pie?
It is a traditional Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch recipe from the United States.
Does the recipe call for packed brown sugar?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar for the crumble topping.
What kind of flour is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour for the crumb mixture.
How much butter is used in the streusel?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of cold butter cut into small pieces.
What is the role of salt in this pie?
A 1/4 teaspoon of salt is used to enhance the overall taste of the spiced crumbs.
Can I use freshly grated nutmeg?
Yes, using freshly grated nutmeg is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Is there fiber or protein data available for this recipe?
Nutritional data for fiber and protein is not provided in this specific recipe profile.
What size pie plate should be used?
You should use a standard 9-inch pie plate for this recipe.
Why is boiling water necessary?
Boiling water is necessary to properly dissolve the baking soda, which helps with the texture of the molasses filling.
Is this a good dessert for holidays?
Yes, it is described as a perfect comforting treat for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
What gives the pie its 'luscious' texture?
The blend of molasses, egg yolk, and the dissolved baking soda mixture creates a smooth, luscious custard during baking.