Shoo Fly Pie Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 10, 2025

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Shoo Fly Pie: A Deliciously Easy Recipe to Make at Home

The Shoo Fly Pie. Just the name conjures up images of cozy kitchens and comforting desserts. This Pennsylvania Dutch classic is surprisingly simple to make, yet boasts a rich, molasses-laden filling and a crumbly, buttery crust that's utterly irresistible. This recipe will guide you through making this iconic pie from scratch, ensuring a perfect result every time.

What is Shoo Fly Pie?

Shoo Fly Pie is a type of pie characterized by its molasses-based filling and its crumble topping. The filling is typically a rich, dark mixture of molasses, brown sugar, and spices, while the topping consists of a buttery, crumbly mixture that adds texture and flavor. The name's origin remains somewhat mysterious, with several theories circulating, but its deliciousness is undeniable.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even beginner bakers.

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
• ½ cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup molasses
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats (or rolled oats)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Let's get baking! Follow these instructions carefully for a perfect Shoo Fly Pie.

Making the Crust:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
4. Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Making the Filling:

1. Combine wet ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the molasses, brown sugar, and boiling water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add spices: Stir in the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in oats: Remove from heat and stir in the quick-cooking oats.

Assembling and Baking the Pie:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate.
3. Add the filling: Pour the molasses filling into the pie crust.
4. Top with crumbs: Roll out the remaining dough and crumble it over the filling. You can also cut it into strips for a more rustic look.
5. Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality molasses: The flavor of your Shoo Fly Pie will be greatly impacted by the quality of your molasses.
• Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry pie. Start checking for doneness around 45 minutes.
• Serve warm or at room temperature: This pie is delicious both warm and at room temperature.

Variations:

Feel free to experiment with different spices to create your own unique Shoo Fly Pie. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add a delightful complexity.

Enjoy your homemade Shoo Fly Pie! It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Remember to share this recipe with your friends and family – the joy of baking is best shared!