Shoofly Pie Recipe

If you’ve never tried Shoofly Pie before, you’re in for a treat. This Shoofly Pie Recipe is a cozy, molasses-packed dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a nostalgic, comforting snack. What I love most is how simple ingredients come together to create this rich, slightly spicy pie, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.

Whether you’re hosting a casual family get-together or just craving something sweet to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, this Shoofly Pie Recipe delivers every time. The crumbly, buttery topping paired with that deep molasses filling always reminds me of baking at my grandma’s house. Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through making a pie that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe box.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of this Shoofly Pie Recipe lies not only in the flavors but also in the simplicity of the ingredients. Each item plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery goodness, so let’s talk through them and what to look out for when shopping.

• Refrigerated pie crust: I often use store-bought to save time, and it works great, but feel free to make your own if you’re up for it!
• Molasses: The star of the show! Dark or robust molasses is best for its strong flavor and less sweetness.
• Boiling water: Needed to dissolve the molasses and activate the baking soda perfectly.
• Egg: Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture.
• Baking soda: This helps the pie rise slightly and gives the filling a delicate lightness.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that warm spice that complements the molasses beautifully.
• Ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way—adds depth without overpowering.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the filling and topping.
• Dark brown sugar: Packed for best results—it’s essential for the sweet crumb topping.
• Salted butter: Softened to blend easily—the butter adds rich flavor and that crumbly texture you want.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.

Variations

One of the best things about this Shoofly Pie Recipe is how you can tweak it to fit your taste or occasion. I often play around with spices or substitute ingredients to suit dietary needs, and I encourage you to do the same.

• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with great success—just make sure it’s a 1:1 measure for best texture.
• Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger can give the pie a nice twist I’ve come to enjoy around the holidays.
• Vegan Modification: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use a dairy-free butter. I tried it once and was pleasantly surprised by the results!
• Extra Nutty: Chopping some toasted walnuts or pecans into the topping adds a wonderful crunch that I always find irresistible.

How to Make Shoofly Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pie Crust

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, place your refrigerated pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Press it gently into the corners and edges, then set it aside—no need to bake it blind now because the filling will cook it through.

Step 2: Mix the Molasses Filling

This part is easy but key! Pour your molasses into a large mixing bowl, then carefully add the boiling water—watch out, it’s hot! Stir well until blended. Crack in the room temperature egg and whisk everything together. Next, sprinkle in the baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg and mix thoroughly. You’ll notice the mixture bubble slightly; that’s the baking soda getting to work, so don’t skip this step.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, dark brown sugar, salt, and softened butter. I find using clean fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients gives the crumb topping a better texture than using a fork. Keep working until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—this topping will give you that irresistible crunch on your pie.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the molasses mixture carefully into the prepared pie crust. Then, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the filling—you want to cover the entire surface so every bite has that lovely crumbly texture. Place the pie on the middle rack in your oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling sets but still jiggles slightly in the center and the topping is golden brown.

How to Serve Shoofly Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep things simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. Occasionally, I’ll add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist. These garnishes balance the rich molasses flavor wonderfully without overwhelming the pie’s natural essence.

Side Dishes

For me, Shoofly Pie pairs beautifully with a robust cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte. If serving as part of a brunch spread, I like to add fresh fruit or a light salad to contrast its sweetness. You’ll find the pie itself is pretty satisfying, but these sides lift the whole experience.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve brought Shoofly Pie to special occasions, I like to serve it in individual ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a rustic, charming look. Presenting it warm with a dusting of cinnamon sugar adds a festive touch that guests always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to four days, and the flavors even deepen after a day or two—if you can resist eating it all immediately!

Freezing

If you want to freeze Shoofly Pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. From my experience, freezing for up to 3 months keeps it tasting great. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, I pop slices into a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warm. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the crumb topping lose its crunch. Reheating this way helps restore that freshly baked feel, which is always a treat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Shoofly Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it captures a slice of history and home in every bite. It’s simple yet deeply satisfying, and with a little bit of love and patience, you’ll nail it just like I did the first time I made it. Trust me—once you try it, Shoofly Pie might just become your go-to comfort dessert, too. So go ahead, give it a whirl, and enjoy all the warmth and sweetness it brings.

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