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USA · Dessert

Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Shoofly Pie

30 min
490 kcal
8 servings

By eatmundo · July 5, 2026

Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Shoofly Pie🇺🇸AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

4 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Shoofly Pie. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Sweet pie & tart34 recipes from 9 countriesSee all 4 matches

A rustic and deeply comforting Pennsylvania Dutch dessert, Shoofly Pie boasts a rich molasses-based filling with a crumbly "cakey" topping. Its unique texture and sweet, earthy flavor evoke a nostalgic charm, making it a true American regional classic.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Shoofly Pie from another cuisine is Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce (United Kingdom): the two share 62% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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8 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Prepare a 9-inch pie crust.

  • 2

    For the crumbs: combine 200 g flour, 110 g brown sugar, and 115 g cold butter (cut into pieces). Mix until crumbly.

  • 3

    For the liquid: whisk together 330 g molasses, 240 ml hot water (with 1 tsp baking soda dissolved), and 1 egg.

  • 4

    Pour half of the liquid mixture into the pie crust, then sprinkle half of the crumbs. Repeat layers.

  • 5

    Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 30-45 minutes, or until set but still slightly soft in the center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shoofly pie?

Shoofly pie is a molasses-based crumb pie originating from Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine in the United States. Composed of a pie crust filled with layers of a liquid mixture of molasses, hot water, baking soda, and egg, and crumbs of flour, brown sugar, and butter, it is traditionally served as a breakfast pastry or dessert with coffee.

What type of molasses should I use for authentic Shoofly Pie flavor?

For a traditional, robust flavor, use dark unsulphured molasses. Avoid blackstrap molasses, as it can be too bitter and intense for this dessert.

How do I ensure I get the classic 'wet-bottom' style Shoofly Pie?

To achieve a wet bottom, ensure your molasses liquid is quite thin and don't overbake the pie. The crumb topping should be lightly golden, but the filling underneath will remain moist and custardy.

How can I tell when my Shoofly Pie is perfectly baked?

The pie is done when the crumb topping is golden brown and the edges of the molasses filling are set, but the center still has a slight wobble. Overbaking can lead to a dry pie.

What's a common mistake that can ruin the crust of a Shoofly Pie?

A common mistake is using a weak or thin pie crust, which can become soggy from the moist molasses filling. Ensure your pie crust is robust and consider blind-baking it lightly if prone to sogginess.

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