Shoofly Pie Recipe with Crumble Topping Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, nostalgic dessert that brings a little bit of history and a whole lot of flavor to your kitchen, then you’ve got to try this Shoofly Pie Recipe with Crumble Topping Recipe. I absolutely love how this pie has a molasses-rich filling that’s perfectly balanced with a crunchy crumble on top. When I first tried this classic Pennsylvania Dutch treat, I was hooked — and I’m excited to share my tips to help you nail it every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Shoofly Pie Recipe with Crumble Topping Recipe plays a key role — from the molasses that delivers deep flavor to the softened butter that makes the crumble irresistibly tender. Here’s what you want to look for to make the best pie:

• Refrigerated pie crust: A good-quality store-bought crust works perfectly for convenience and a flaky base.
• Molasses: Use unsulphured, dark molasses for the richest, most authentic flavor.
• Boiling water: Helps dissolve the molasses evenly and warms the filling mixture.
• Egg: Brings structure and richness; make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth blending.
• Baking soda: Reacts with molasses acidity to give a slight lift and tender texture.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: These warm spices add depth without overpowering the molasses.
• All-purpose flour: Essential for creating the crumble topping’s sandy texture.
• Dark brown sugar (packed): Adds molasses notes to the crumble, enhancing the pie’s overall sweetness.
• Salted butter (softened): The fat that binds the crumble topping together — don’t skip softening it for easier mixing.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor throughout.

Variations

I love making the classic version, but sometimes I like to tweak things based on what I have in the kitchen or who I’m baking for. Feel free to personalize this Shoofly Pie Recipe with Crumble Topping Recipe — it’s flexible and forgiving!

• Gluten-Free Variation: I once swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend in the crumble topping with great success—just watch the baking time closely as gluten-free flours can behave differently.
• Spice Variation: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger gave the pie a nice spicy twist my family enjoyed during the holidays.
• Vegan Option: I experimented using coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg (flaxseed meal + water), which worked fine but changed the texture slightly—still delicious!
• Chocolate Twist: Sometimes I sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the crumble topping for a fun surprise.

How to Make Shoofly Pie Recipe with Crumble Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pie Pan and Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Spray a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan with nonstick spray — this helps the crust release easily after baking. Then, take your refrigerated pie crust and press it evenly into the pan. I like to crimp the edges for that classic pie look and to help hold the crumble topping in place. Setting the crust aside now makes the next steps flow smoothly.

Step 2: Mix the Molasses Filling

In a large bowl, pour the molasses and mix it with the boiling water. Stir until the molasses has fully melted into the water — you don’t want lumps here. Then, lightly beat your room-temp egg before adding it to the mixture. Stir in the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. You’ll notice some bubbles as the baking soda activates—that’s perfect and will give you that tender, slightly cake-like texture. Once everything is combined, pour the filling into your prepared pie crust.

Step 3: Create the Crumble Topping

Now for my favorite part: the crumble topping. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and dark brown sugar. Then, using a fork or your clean fingers, work the softened butter into the dry ingredients until the texture resembles damp sand. This step is key — overmixing will make the crumble heavy, so keep it light and crumbly. Once done, sprinkle the mixture evenly over the entire pie, covering every bit of the filling.

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy

Lower your oven temperature to 350°F and bake the pie uncovered for 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the crumble topping has a beautiful golden brown color. I love serving it warm to bring out the full richness, but it’s also great at room temperature. Be sure to let it cool enough so slicing is easier, then dig in!

How to Serve Shoofly Pie Recipe with Crumble Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The vanilla complements the molasses beautifully and adds creamy contrast to the crumbly texture. Sometimes, a dollop of whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon feels like the ultimate cozy finish.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea—perfect for chilly afternoons. For a full dessert spread, I like to serve it alongside fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt-based sauce, which cuts through the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered individual Shoofly Pie parfaits in clear glasses, alternating crumble, filling, and whipped cream—super cute and easy to serve. Another fun idea is topping with toasted pecans for extra crunch and a nutty flavor boost that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After I make this pie, I wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place slices in an airtight container before refrigerating. It stays fresh for up to a week, though honestly, it rarely lasts that long! Just let it come to room temperature before serving to bring out those molasses notes again.

Freezing

I’ve frozen whole pies and individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic and foil, then placing them in a freezer bag. It keeps well for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or a few hours at room temp for best texture.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I pop individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds, just enough to revive that soft, gooey filling without drying out the crumble. You can also let slices sit at room temperature for a couple of hours if you prefer avoiding the microwave.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Shoofly Pie Recipe with Crumble Topping Recipe has a special place in my heart. It’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing with family and friends on any day that calls for simple comfort food. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do — trust me, once you try it, your family will go crazy for it too. Grab a slice (or two!), pour yourself a cup of coffee, and bake yourself some happiness!

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