The Origins of Shoofly Pie
The exact origins of shoofly pie are somewhat murky, but most historians agree that it emerged in the late 1800s among the Pennsylvania Dutch, a group of German-speaking immigrants who settled in the southeastern part of the state. These early settlers were known for their thriftiness and resourcefulness, making use of readily available ingredients to create hearty, satisfying meals.
One of these ingredients was molasses, a thick, dark syrup that was a common sweetener in the days before refined sugar became widely available. Molasses was cheap, shelf-stable, and could be easily transported, making it a staple in Pennsylvania Dutch kitchens.
According to legend, the name “shoofly pie” comes from the fact that the sweet, sticky molasses filling would attract flies, which needed to be “shooed” away from the cooling pies. While this story may be apocryphal, it speaks to the pie’s humble beginnings as a simple, everyday dessert that could be whipped up with ingredients on hand.
The Key Ingredients of Shoofly Pie
At its core, shoofly pie is a simple dessert made with just a handful of ingredients. The key components include:
- Molasses: The heart and soul of shoofly pie, molasses gives the filling its distinctive dark color, rich flavor, and gooey texture. Most recipes call for unsulphured molasses, which has a milder flavor than the more robust blackstrap variety.
- Flour: Flour is used to make both the pie crust and the crumb topping. Some recipes also call for a small amount of flour to be mixed into the molasses filling to help thicken it.
- Sugar: While molasses provides the primary sweetness in shoofly pie, most recipes also call for a small amount of granulated sugar to balance out the flavors and add texture to the crumb topping.
- Shortening or Butter: Fat, in the form of shortening or butter, is used to make the pie crust and crumb topping. It helps to create a flaky, tender crust and a crumbly, streusel-like topping.
- Spices: Many shoofly pie recipes include a blend of warm spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, to complement the rich molasses flavor and add depth to the filling.
- Baking Soda: A small amount of baking soda is often mixed into the molasses filling to help neutralize the acidity and create a more balanced flavor profile.
While these ingredients form the backbone of most shoofly pie recipes, there is plenty of room for variation and customization, as we’ll explore in the next section.
Variations on a Classic: Different Styles of Shoofly Pie
One of the beautiful things about shoofly pie is that it lends itself to endless variations and adaptations. While the basic formula remains the same, subtle differences in ingredients, proportions, and baking methods can yield pies with distinctly different textures and flavor profiles. Some of the most common variations include:
Wet-Bottom Shoofly Pie
Wet-bottom shoofly pie is characterized by a gooey, almost liquid molasses layer beneath the crumb topping. This style of pie is achieved by using a higher proportion of molasses to flour in the filling, and by baking the pie at a lower temperature for a longer time to allow the molasses to set up without overbaking the crust or topping.
Dry-Bottom Shoofly Pie
On the other end of the spectrum, dry-bottom shoofly pie has a firmer, more cake-like texture throughout. This style is made with a higher proportion of flour to molasses in the filling, and is often baked at a slightly higher temperature to encourage the filling to set up more quickly.
Chocolate Shoofly Pie
For a decadent twist on the classic recipe, some bakers add cocoa powder or chocolate chips to the molasses filling, creating a rich, fudgy dessert that straddles the line between pie and cake.
Spiced Shoofly Pie
While most shoofly pie recipes include a small amount of spice, some bakers amp up the flavor by adding extra cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, or even a touch of clove or allspice to the filling or crumb topping.
Vegan Shoofly Pie
For those following a plant-based diet, shoofly pie can be easily adapted by using vegetable shortening or coconut oil in place of butter, and by choosing a vegan pie crust recipe. No matter which variation you prefer, one thing is certain: shoofly pie is a dessert that invites experimentation and creativity, and rewards those who are willing to put their own spin on a classic recipe.
The Cultural Significance of Shoofly Pie
Beyond its delicious flavor and satisfying texture, shoofly pie holds a special place in the hearts of many Pennsylvanians as a symbol of the state’s rich culinary heritage and cultural identity. For the Pennsylvania Dutch community in particular, shoofly pie is more than just a dessert – it’s a connection to their ancestors, a way of preserving their traditions, and a source of pride and identity.
In many Pennsylvania Dutch households, shoofly pie is a staple at family gatherings, church suppers, and community events. It’s often served alongside other traditional dishes, such as chicken pot pie (which, in the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, is actually a stew-like dish with square noodles), chow-chow (a pickled vegetable relish), and scrapple (a savory loaf made from pork scraps and cornmeal).
Shoofly pie is also deeply tied to the agricultural traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch, who have long been known for their skill in farming, baking, and food preservation. The use of molasses in the pie’s filling is a nod to the region’s history of growing and processing sorghum, a type of grass that was once a major source of sweetener in the area.
Today, shoofly pie remains a beloved part of Pennsylvania’s food culture, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It can be found on the menus of diners, bakeries, and restaurants throughout the state, and is often sold at farmers’ markets, fairs, and festivals.
Where to Find the Best Shoofly Pie in Pennsylvania
If you’re eager to taste the delights of shoofly pie for yourself, Pennsylvania is the place to be. Here are a few of the best spots to find this classic dessert:
Dutch Haven
Located in the heart of Lancaster County, Dutch Haven is a must-visit destination for shoofly pie lovers. This iconic roadside stand has been serving up its famous “Shoo-Fly Pie” since 1946, using a secret family recipe that has been passed down for generations. The pie is available whole or by the slice, and can be shipped nationwide for those who can’t make the trip in person.
- Address: 2857A Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, PA 17572
- Website: https://www.dutchhaven.com/
Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe
This charming bakery and cafe, located in the quaint village of Bird-in-Hand, offers a wide selection of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch baked goods, including several varieties of shoofly pie. The pies are made fresh daily using high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients, and can be enjoyed in the cafe’s cozy dining room or taken to go.
- Address: 2715 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505
- Website: https://bird-in-hand.com/
Stoltzfus Farm Restaurant
For a true taste of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, head to Stoltzfus Farm Restaurant in Intercourse, PA. This family-owned restaurant serves up hearty, homestyle meals in a rustic farmhouse setting, with a menu that features all the classic dishes of the region, including shoofly pie. The pie is made using a traditional recipe and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Address: 3716 E. Newport Road, Intercourse, PA 17534
- Website: https://stoltzfusfarmrestaurant.com/
Lancaster Central Market
No visit to Lancaster County is complete without a stop at the Lancaster Central Market, the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in the country. Among the market’s many vendors, you’ll find several stands selling freshly baked shoofly pies, each with their own unique take on the classic recipe. Be sure to sample a few different varieties to find your favorite.
- Address: 23 N. Market Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
- Website: https://centralmarketlancaster.com/
How to Make Shoofly Pie at Home
While there’s nothing quite like enjoying a slice of shoofly pie in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the good news is that this classic dessert is surprisingly easy to make at home. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 4-5 tablespoons cold water
For the filling:
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
For the crumb topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt for the crust. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, stirring until the dough holds together.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges as desired.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the molasses, beaten egg, and baking soda. Gradually stir in the boiling water until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the molasses mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, shortening, and cinnamon for the crumb topping until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the molasses filling.
- Bake the pie for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Shoofly pie may be a simple dessert, but it’s one that is deeply rooted in the history, culture, and traditions of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. From its humble beginnings as a thrifty way to use up leftover molasses, to its current status as a beloved regional specialty, shoofly pie has stood the test of time and continues to delight generations of pie lovers.
Whether you’re lucky enough to enjoy a slice in the heart of Lancaster County, or you’re inspired to try your hand at making it at home, one thing is certain: shoofly pie is a dessert that is meant to be savored, shared, and celebrated as a true taste of Pennsylvania’s rich culinary heritage.
So the next time you find yourself in the Keystone State, be sure to seek out a slice of this iconic pie and take a moment to appreciate the skill, creativity, and resourcefulness of the Pennsylvania Dutch bakers who have been perfecting this recipe for generations. With each bite, you’ll be tasting a little piece of history – and a whole lot of deliciousness.
