Deliciously Sticky and Sweet: Try This Amish Shoofly Pie Recipe for a Taste of PA Tradition

Few desserts capture the essence of Amish culture quite like the beloved Shoofly Pie. With its sweet, sticky filling and crumbly topping, it’s a classic comfort food born from the rolling hills and quiet farms of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just visiting, this rich and flavorful pie is a must-try that embodies the simplicity and heartiness of Amish cooking.

Photo byNick Davies

Shoofly Pie is often enjoyed as part of an Amish breakfast or as a sweet treat after a long day’s work. Its name comes from the days when open-air kitchens attracted pesky flies, eager to sample the molasses filling! Bakers had to “shoo” them away while the pie cooled, giving it its quirky, endearing name. What makes Shoofly Pie particularly interesting is its humble origin, where pantry staples like flour, molasses, and brown sugar are transformed into something irresistibly indulgent.

Here’s how you can bring a taste of Pennsylvania’s Amish country into your home with this simple Shoofly Pie recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup molasses (or use a blend of dark and light molasses for a balanced flavor)
• 3/4 cup hot water
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for a warm spice note)
• 1 unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

How to Make Amish Shoofly Pie

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, prepare your pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate. If you’re using a homemade crust, blind bake it slightly for a crispier base.
2. Molasses Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the molasses, hot water, and baking soda. The baking soda helps cut through the richness of the molasses, giving the filling a slightly lighter texture. Set this mixture aside for a moment.
3. Crumb Topping: In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and chilled butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. For a hint of spice, add a touch of cinnamon to the crumb mix.
4. Layering the Pie: Pour the molasses mixture into your prepared pie crust, and then sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly on top. Don’t worry if some of the crumbs sink into the molasses filling—that’s part of the pie’s charm!
5. Baking: Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is set. The pie may have a slight jiggle in the center when it’s done, but it will firm up as it cools.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Shoofly Pie is often served at room temperature or slightly warmed, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

A Few Pro Tips for the Perfect Shoofly Pie:

• Molasses Choice: Blackstrap molasses gives the pie a stronger, more robust flavor, while a lighter molasses will yield a milder sweetness. Feel free to experiment to find your preferred balance.
• Serving Style: While Shoofly Pie is delicious on its own, try serving it with a cup of strong coffee or tea to cut through the sweetness.
• Make it Your Own: For a variation, some bakers like to mix a little cornmeal into the crumb topping, giving it a slightly crunchier texture.

The Rich Tradition of Pennsylvania Dutch Cuisine

Shoofly Pie is just one of the many simple yet satisfying dishes that define Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. The Amish focus on hearty, homegrown ingredients, often sourced from their own farms, means their recipes have a deep connection to the land and seasons. The flavors are humble but full of heart, reflecting a slower, more deliberate way of life that many find comforting in our fast-paced world.

If you’re visiting Lancaster County or other Amish communities in Pennsylvania, you’ll find Shoofly Pie at nearly every local bakery. It’s a symbol of the area's rich agricultural roots and the deep connection Amish families maintain with their food traditions.

Try it at Home!

Now that you have this traditional Shoofly Pie recipe, why not bring a piece of Pennsylvania Amish heritage into your own kitchen? You’ll love the way it fills your home with the warm, comforting aroma of molasses and brown sugar, and the crumbly, sticky sweetness is sure to win over family and friends.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know how it turned out! Share it with your loved ones, and don’t forget to follow along for more delicious recipes inspired by Pennsylvania’s rich culinary history.

Sources:

Family Recipe