Shoofly Pie

Shoofly pie is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch treat that’s packed with old-fashioned charm. The pie is known for its deep, rich molasses filling that is balanced by a buttery cinnamon-spiked crumble topping. It is sometimes referred to as a “cake in a pie” because some versions have a crumb layer that bakes up into a cake-like bottom. Popular in Amish and Mennonite communities, the pie is often served as dessert. But many folks in Pennsylvania will tell you it’s just as perfect with a morning cup of coffee! Like ambrosia salad and apple dumplings, it’s a nostalgic recipe that is welcome on any holiday table.

What’s the difference between dry-bottom and wet-bottom shoofly pie?

It all comes down to texture! This recipe follows the dry-bottom method, in which some of the crumb topping is scattered in the crust before the filling is added, producing a cakey bottom layer. A wet-bottom shoofly pie is just what it sounds like. The gooey molasses filling goes into the bottom of the crust and is topped with a crumb layer, making it ideal for pie fans who love the smokey, richness of molasses.

What kind of molasses should you use for shoofly pie?

Unsulphured molasses is the type you’ll most likely find in stores. With a natural sweetness and robust, spiced flavor, it’s what gives gingersnaps their distinctive kick. You can choose either light or dark molasses depending on your taste—light molasses is the mildest and sweetest, while dark molasses can have burnt caramel notes and a mellow bite. Skip blackstrap molasses for this pie, though—its highly concentrated flavor and bitter, salty character will be too overpowering.

Is shoofly pie the same as pecan pie?

Not exactly, but they’re a little bit like cousins! Shoofly pie is often compared to pecan pie, just without the nuts. The main difference? Shoofly pie relies on rich, flavorful molasses as the basis of its gooey filling, while pecan pie gets its sweetness from corn syrup. Both are irresistibly sticky and sweet, but shoofly pie has a signature dark and warm flavor that makes it a true Pennsylvania Dutch treat!