Classic Shoofly Pie

This pie, with its roots in the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth to any table. It has all the flavors of a molasses ginger cookie mixed with a buttery streusel in a flakey pastry crust. 

Shoofly pie is basically everything you love about a ginger cookie, molasses pecan pie filling and streusel all combined into one magical dessert. Streusel in the pie; streusel on the pie. Because literally everything is better with a crumb topping.

Most shoofly recipes are divided into two camps: those who layer the molasses custard with the crumbs and those who just dump the crumbs on top.

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I take a firm “the more the merrier” stance on streusel, so I advocate for the layered approach.

The spiced crumbs just seamlessly blended into the molasses custard, so that it is just a rich, creamy, spicy, sweet filling. Say what now?

This is what has been missing in my life.

Step by Step Guide to Making Classic Shoofly Pie

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Fit the pie crust into your dish, crimping the edges for a decorative touch.

2. ---

   Make the Crumbs: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, spices, salt, and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.

3. ---

   Mix the Filling: Dissolve the baking soda in boiling water, then stir in the molasses and beaten egg yolk until well combined.

4. ---

   Layer the Pie: Pour a layer of the molasses mixture into the pie crust, then sprinkle a layer of crumbs on top. Repeat, ending with a crumb layer.

5. ---

   Bake: Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and continue baking for 20 minutes or until set. The pie should be firm but slightly jiggly in the center.

6. ---

   Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool to room temperature before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.

Recipe Notes:

• The pie improves with time, as the flavors deepen and meld.
• The filling will firm up as it cools, so if it seems a bit soft when it comes out of the oven, don’t worry.
• For a homemade touch, making your pie crust adds a special flair to this comforting dessert.

Classic Shoofly Pie

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5 from 1 review

• Author: Lindsey Farr
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This pie, with its roots in the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth to any table. It has all the flavors of a molasses ginger cookie mixed with a buttery streusel in a flakey pastry crust.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crumbs:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed and cold

For the Filling:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
• 1 large egg yolk, well beaten
• Single Pie Crust

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Fit the pie crust into your dish, crimping the edges for a decorative touch.
2. Make the Crumbs: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, spices, salt, and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
3. Mix the Filling: Dissolve the baking soda in boiling water, then stir in the molasses and beaten egg yolk until well combined.
4. Layer the Pie: Pour a layer of the molasses mixture into the pie crust, then sprinkle a layer of crumbs on top. Repeat, ending with a crumb layer.
5. Bake: Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and continue baking for 20 minutes or until set. The pie should be firm but slightly jiggly in the center.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool to room temperature before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.

Notes

• The pie improves with time, as the flavors deepen and meld.
• The filling will firm up as it cools, so if it seems a bit soft when it comes out of the oven, don’t worry.
• For a homemade touch, making your pie crust adds a special flair to this comforting dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American