First, thank you so much for being here — it means the world to share timeless recipes like this with you! If you love old-fashioned desserts that bring comfort and a taste of history, this Old-Fashioned Shoo Fly Pie is about to steal your heart. With its silky molasses filling and buttery cinnamon crumb topping, every slice feels like a cozy trip back in time — straight to a warm Amish farmhouse kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Shoo Fly Pie
Shoo Fly Pie is a humble masterpiece. You’ll adore it because it’s:
- Deeply flavorful: The molasses filling is rich, sticky, and just the right balance of sweet and dark.
- Perfectly textured: A tender pie crust, silky filling, and crumbly cinnamon topping in every bite.
- Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy — just pantry staples that come together beautifully.
- A taste of nostalgia: Whether you grew up with it or you’re trying it for the first time, it feels like a slice of Americana.
What Does Shoo Fly Pie Taste Like?
Imagine a gooey, dark-sweet molasses custard crowned with a buttery cinnamon crumb. It’s sweet but not cloying, with earthy depth from the molasses and a warm, comforting spice from the cinnamon. Every forkful is soft, slightly sticky, and completely satisfying.
Why This Recipe Works
- A straightforward classic — no complicated steps.
- Par-baked crust option keeps the base firm and flaky.
- Crumb topping creates the signature rustic finish.
- Even better the next day as flavors meld!
Ingredients
📌 For the Crust:
- 1 unbaked pie crust — store-bought or homemade. (Optional: par-bake for extra crispness.)
📌 For the Filling:
- 1 cup molasses
- ¾ cup hot water
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
📌 For the Crumb Topping:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Tools You’ll Need
- 9-inch pie plate
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Swaps & Tips
- Use blackstrap molasses for a stronger, deeper flavor — or mild molasses for something sweeter and milder.
- Try adding a pinch of ground ginger to the crumb for extra warmth.
- Store-bought crust keeps this easy, but homemade pie crust makes it extra special.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Shoo Fly Pie
1️⃣ Preheat & Par-Bake (Optional)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). For a crisper crust, par-bake it for 10–12 minutes. Let cool.
2️⃣ Make the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together molasses and hot water until smooth. Stir in baking soda and salt. Let it cool slightly, then slowly whisk in the beaten egg (go slow to avoid scrambling).
3️⃣ Pour the Filling
Pour the filling into your cooled or unbaked pie crust.
4️⃣ Make the Crumb Topping
In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture is crumbly and pebbly.
5️⃣ Assemble & Bake
Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the molasses filling — it’s fine if it covers the whole surface!
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
6️⃣ Cool & Serve
Cool completely on a wire rack to help the filling firm up for clean slices. Serve at room temperature.
What to Serve With Shoo Fly Pie
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A steaming cup of strong black coffee or a mug of tea — classic!
Pro Tips for the Best Shoo Fly Pie
- Let it cool fully: This helps the filling set — slicing too soon can make it runny.
- Use cold butter for the crumb: This keeps it crumbly, not greasy.
- Par-bake the crust: Optional, but it helps prevent sogginess.
- Make ahead: This pie is even tastier the next day!
How to Store Shoo Fly Pie
Cover any leftovers tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Enjoy at room temp or lightly warmed.
FAQs
Why is it called Shoo Fly Pie?
Legend says the sweet molasses attracted flies — so bakers had to “shoo” them away!
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Wrap slices well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Can I use light molasses?
Of course! Light molasses will give a milder, sweeter flavor.
Conclusion: A True Slice of Tradition 🥧✨
Warm, sweet, and steeped in history — this Old-Fashioned Shoo Fly Pie is more than dessert, it’s a sweet piece of Americana. Whether you’re making it for the holidays, Sunday dinner, or just because, it’s a timeless recipe that brings comfort in every bite.
If you bake it, share it! I’d love to see — leave a review, pin it, or tag me on Pinterest. I’m cheering you on from my kitchen to yours.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Slice, 1 of 8)
Calories: ~320 | Carbs: 56g | Fat: 9g | Protein: 4g
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