Shoofly Pie: A Forgotten American Classic with Rich Molasses Flavor

What Is Shoofly Pie?

Shoofly Pie is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert that dates back to the late 19th century. This sticky, sweet pie features a rich molasses filling topped with a crumbly, buttery streusel. It was a staple for early American settlers because it used simple, non-perishable ingredients like flour, sugar, and molasses. Over time, this indulgent treat has faded from mainstream American cuisine, but its deep caramel-like flavors and unique texture make it a hidden gem worth rediscovering.

The History of Shoofly Pie

Shoofly Pie was originally known as a “wet-bottom” pie, meaning it had a moist, gooey filling rather than a firm custard-like texture. The name “Shoofly” comes from the tendency of sweet molasses to attract flies while the pie cooled. Though once a breakfast staple alongside coffee, it is now mostly enjoyed as a dessert.

Ingredients for Traditional Shoofly Pie

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Molasses Filling:

• ¾ cup dark molasses
• ¾ cup hot water
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Shoofly Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out your pie dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp the edges as desired.
3. Place the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the filling and crumb topping.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Molasses Filling

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses and hot water.
2. Stir in the baking soda, then add the beaten egg and vanilla extract. Mix well.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Pour the molasses mixture into the chilled pie crust.
2. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the filling.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
2. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Perfect Shoofly Pie

• Choose the right molasses: Use dark molasses for a deeper, more authentic flavor. Avoid blackstrap molasses, which can be too bitter.
• For a firmer texture: Reduce the amount of water slightly to create a more structured filling.
• Enjoy it warm or cold: Shoofly Pie tastes great at room temperature, but some prefer it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Why You Should Try Shoofly Pie

This forgotten American classic is a must-try for anyone who enjoys rich, old-fashioned desserts. The balance of gooey molasses filling with a crunchy, buttery crumb topping creates a unique and indulgent bite every time.

Try baking Shoofly Pie today and experience a taste of history!