Description
Shoo-Fly Pie is a traditional dessert originating from the Pennsylvania Dutch, also known as the Pennsylvania German community, in the United States. The pie features a rich molasses-based filling with a touch of brown sugar and corn syrup, offering a deep, caramelized flavor that’s sweet but not overly cloying. Its topping consists of a crumbly mixture of brown sugar, flour, and shortening, giving it an irresistible texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, gooey filling beneath.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 ½ cups
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Vegetable Shortening – ½ cup
- Unsalted Butter – 4 tablespoons
- Ice Water – 5 tablespoons
For the Filling:
- Molasses – ½ cup
- Light Corn Syrup – ½ cup
- Brown Sugar – ½ cup
- Eggs – 2
- Hot Water – 1 cup
- Cornstarch – 1 teaspoon
For the Crumb Topping:
- All-Purpose Flour – 1 cup
- Brown Sugar – ½ cup
- Cold Shortening – ¼ cup
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Cut in shortening and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water gradually, mixing until the dough holds together.
- Roll out the dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Chill while preparing the filling.
- Make the Filling
- Dissolve cornstarch in hot water.
- In a separate bowl, mix molasses, corn syrup, brown sugar, and eggs.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and blend well.
- Prepare the Crumb Topping
- Mix flour and brown sugar.
- Cut in shortening until small crumbs form.
- Assemble the Pie
- Pour half of the filling into the chilled pie crust.
- Sprinkle half of the crumb topping over the filling.
- Add the remaining filling and top with the rest of the crumbs.
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 10 minutes.
- Reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45-50 minutes until set.
- Cool before slicing.
Notes
Shoo-Fly Pie is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert known for its rich molasses flavor and crumbly topping. Traditionally enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon treat. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Vegetarian
- Cuisine: American (Pennsylvania Dutch)
Keywords: Shoo-Fly Pie Recipe