Introduction: Can a Pie Be Sweet, Sticky, and Full of Nostalgia?
Ever craved a dessert that’s rich, molasses-infused, and steeped in tradition? Shoofly Pie V is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch treat, featuring a gooey molasses filling layered with a buttery, crumbly topping in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy dessert, this pie is a sweet slice of history. Ready to bake a taste of Americana? Let’s dive into this timeless recipe!
Overview: Why Shoofly Pie V is a Pennsylvania Classic
Shoofly Pie V is a beloved dessert known for its unique wet-bottom texture and sweet, crumbly topping. It’s a simple yet indulgent pie that celebrates molasses. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: About 15 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to bake.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires minimal mixing and layering, perfect for beginners.
- Why It’s Special: The contrast of sticky molasses filling and crunchy crumb topping, paired with a flaky crust, creates a delightful texture and deep, sweet flavor. This recipe yields 8 servings, ideal for small gatherings or family desserts.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, winter holidays, or any time you want a rustic, comforting dessert, Shoofly Pie is a nostalgic treat that’s sure to impress.
Essential Ingredients
Shoofly Pie V uses pantry staples to create its signature molasses-filled, crumb-topped goodness. Here’s what you’ll need for 8 servings:
For the Filling:
- ½ cup molasses: Provides the rich, sweet, and slightly bitter base.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Creates a foamy texture in the filling.
- 1 cup boiling water: Thins the molasses for a pourable consistency.
- 1 pinch salt: Balances the sweetness.
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the crumbly topping.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor.
- ¾ cup butter: Creates a rich, crumbly texture.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes.
For the Crust:
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust: Provides a flaky base for the filling and topping.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Molasses: The star ingredient, giving the pie its signature sticky, sweet filling.
- Baking Soda and Boiling Water: React with molasses to create a light, foamy texture in the filling.
- Brown Sugar and Butter: Combine for a sweet, buttery crumb topping that contrasts the gooey filling.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth to enhance the molasses flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Molasses: Use dark corn syrup or a mix of molasses and maple syrup for a milder flavor, though it won’t be as traditional.
- Butter: Replace with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free topping.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan butter, a vegan pie crust, and ensure molasses is vegan-friendly.
- Spiced Shoofly Pie: Add ¼ teaspoon ground ginger or nutmeg to the crumb topping for extra warmth.
- Nutty Shoofly Pie: Mix ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for added crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Shoofly Pie V is a straightforward process that yields a deliciously sticky and crumbly pie. Let’s get baking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather ½ cup molasses, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 cup boiling water, 1 pinch salt, 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup brown sugar, ¾ cup butter, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Tip: Use a store-bought or homemade pie crust, ensuring it’s chilled and ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Molasses Filling
- In a medium bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon baking soda in ½ cup molasses and stir until it foams.
- Stir in 1 cup boiling water and a pinch of salt until well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
Tip: Stir gently to avoid deflating the foam, which gives the filling its characteristic texture.
Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup brown sugar, ¾ cup butter, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon with a fork or your hands until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Tip: Keep the butter cold or softened but not melted to achieve a crumbly, not greasy, texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Pour ⅓ of the molasses mixture into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust.
- Sprinkle ⅓ of the crumb topping evenly over the molasses layer.
- Continue alternating layers (molasses, crumbs, molasses, crumbs, molasses), finishing with the remaining crumbs on top.
Tip: Pour the molasses slowly to avoid disturbing the crumb layers, and spread crumbs evenly for a uniform topping.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the crumbs and crust are golden.
- Check at 25 minutes to avoid over-browning; the filling should be set but slightly jiggly.
Tip: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips if the filling bubbles over.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing into 8 pieces to allow the filling to set.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warm, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tip: Use a sharp knife for clean slices, as the filling can be sticky.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Shoofly Pie
Assembling Shoofly Pie V is all about layering a sticky molasses filling with a crunchy crumb topping. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Crust: Use a sturdy pie crust to hold the wet filling and heavy crumbs.
- Filling and Topping: Layer carefully to create a balance of gooey and crunchy textures.
- Presentation: Serve in the pie dish to showcase the golden crumb topping and rustic charm.
Presentation Tips
- Dust with a light sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar for a pretty finish.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
- Present on a rustic pie plate for a traditional, homey vibe.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Shoofly Pie V is great for making ahead and stores well for enjoying over a few days.
- Storage:
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Freeze the baked pie (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prepare the molasses filling and crumb topping up to a day ahead, storing separately in the fridge.
- Assemble and bake the pie on the day of serving for the best texture.
- Bake the pie a day in advance and store covered at room temperature.
Tip: Reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to revive the crisp topping if refrigerated.
Recipe Variations
Shoofly Pie V is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Dry-Bottom Shoofly Pie: Reduce molasses to ⅓ cup and boiling water to ¾ cup for a less gooey filling.
- Chocolate Shoofly Pie: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the crumb topping for a chocolatey twist.
- Spiced Shoofly Pie: Mix ¼ teaspoon ground cloves or allspice into the crumb topping for extra warmth.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the topping and a gluten-free pie crust.
- Mini Shoofly Pies: Bake in muffin tins for individual pies, reducing bake time to 20-25 minutes.
Conclusion: Savor the Sticky Sweetness!
Shoofly Pie V is the dessert that brings Pennsylvania Dutch tradition to every bite. With its gooey molasses filling, buttery crumb topping, and flaky crust, it’s a perfect treat for holidays, family dinners, or a nostalgic indulgence. Easy to make with a big flavor payoff, this pie is sure to become a favorite. So, grab your pie crust, layer up this classic, and enjoy a slice of sweet history. We’d love to hear how your pie turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Shoofly Pie V
Description
Ever craved a dessert that’s rich, molasses-infused, and steeped in tradition? Shoofly Pie V is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch treat, featuring a gooey molasses filling layered with a buttery, crumbly topping in a flaky pie crust
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- ½ cup molasses: Provides the rich, sweet, and slightly bitter base.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Creates a foamy texture in the filling.
- 1 cup boiling water: Thins the molasses for a pourable consistency.
- 1 pinch salt: Balances the sweetness.
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the crumbly topping.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor.
- ¾ cup butter: Creates a rich, crumbly texture.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes.
For the Crust:
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust: Provides a flaky base for the filling and topping.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Molasses: The star ingredient, giving the pie its signature sticky, sweet filling.
- Baking Soda and Boiling Water: React with molasses to create a light, foamy texture in the filling.
- Brown Sugar and Butter: Combine for a sweet, buttery crumb topping that contrasts the gooey filling.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth to enhance the molasses flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Molasses: Use dark corn syrup or a mix of molasses and maple syrup for a milder flavor, though it won’t be as traditional.
- Butter: Replace with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free topping.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan butter, a vegan pie crust, and ensure molasses is vegan-friendly.
- Spiced Shoofly Pie: Add ¼ teaspoon ground ginger or nutmeg to the crumb topping for extra warmth.
- Nutty Shoofly Pie: Mix ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for added crunch.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather ½ cup molasses, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 cup boiling water, 1 pinch salt, 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup brown sugar, ¾ cup butter, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Tip: Use a store-bought or homemade pie crust, ensuring it’s chilled and ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Molasses Filling
- In a medium bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon baking soda in ½ cup molasses and stir until it foams.
- Stir in 1 cup boiling water and a pinch of salt until well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
Tip: Stir gently to avoid deflating the foam, which gives the filling its characteristic texture.
Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup brown sugar, ¾ cup butter, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon with a fork or your hands until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Tip: Keep the butter cold or softened but not melted to achieve a crumbly, not greasy, texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Pour ⅓ of the molasses mixture into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust.
- Sprinkle ⅓ of the crumb topping evenly over the molasses layer.
- Continue alternating layers (molasses, crumbs, molasses, crumbs, molasses), finishing with the remaining crumbs on top.
Tip: Pour the molasses slowly to avoid disturbing the crumb layers, and spread crumbs evenly for a uniform topping.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the crumbs and crust are golden.
- Check at 25 minutes to avoid over-browning; the filling should be set but slightly jiggly.
Tip: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips if the filling bubbles over.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing into 8 pieces to allow the filling to set.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warm, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tip: Use a sharp knife for clean slices, as the filling can be sticky.
FAQs
1. Why is my filling too runny?
A runny filling may result from too much water or underbaking. Measure boiling water precisely and bake until the filling is set.
2. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Yes, dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor, enhancing the pie’s richness.
3. Is this pie gluten-free?
Not as written, but use a gluten-free flour blend and pie crust for a gluten-free version.
4. Why is my topping soggy?
A soggy topping can result from melted butter or uneven layering. Use softened butter and layer crumbs evenly.
5. Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prepare components a day ahead or bake the pie a day in advance for best results.
6. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a store-bought 9-inch unbaked pie crust works perfectly and saves time.
7. What are the health benefits of this pie?
Molasses provides iron and minerals, but this is an indulgent treat due to sugar and butter—enjoy in moderation.