Amish Shoo Fly Pie Recipe

I remember the first time I made this pie. My grandmother handed me a crinkled index card. It smelled like brown sugar and molasses. I was nervous. You see, this Amish shoo fly pie recipe has a reputation. People call it a “wet bottom” pie.

It’s a classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert. It’s sticky. It’s sweet. It’s pure comfort. I wanted to get it right for my own kids. Now, every time I pull a baked Amish shoo fly pie recipe from the oven, the house smells like home. This simple Amish shoo fly pie recipe uses a crumb topping over a gooey molasses filling.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS AMISH SHOO FLY PIE RECIPE

This Amish shoo fly pie recipe is incredibly forgiving. You don’t need fancy equipment. You get a buttery crust.

You get a rich, caramel-like filling. The crumb topping adds a perfect crunch. I love that this Amish shoo fly pie recipe uses basic pantry staples. It feels special, but it’s easy. My family fights over the last slice. This is truly the best Amish shoo fly pie recipe for busy nights.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
amish shoo fly pie recipe

amish shoo fly pie recipe


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert with a gooey molasses filling and buttery crumb topping. This Amish shoo fly pie recipe is forgiving, uses pantry staples, and delivers pure comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

1 unbaked pie crust (9-inch)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter (cold)
¾ cup molasses (not blackstrap)
¾ cup hot water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 large egg (beaten)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt


Instructions

  1. Prepare the crumb topping: Combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Set aside half the crumbs
  2. Make the liquid filling: Whisk molasses and hot water. Add beaten egg. Stir in baking soda, vanilla, and salt. Mix well
  3. Assemble the pie: Pour the liquid into the crust. Immediately cover with the reserved crumbs. Top with the remaining crumb mixture
  4. Bake the pie: Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce to 350°F and bake for another 30-35 minutes. The center should be set but jiggly. Cool completely

Notes

Do not overbake. The filling continues to set as it cools.

Use room temperature eggs. Cold eggs seize the molasses.

For a wet bottom, ensure the pie crust is fully chilled. Blind-baking the crust yields extra crispness.

Let the pie cool for at least two hours before slicing.

Avoid blackstrap molasses; it is too bitter for this recipe.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 38g
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: shoo fly pie, Amish, molasses, Pennsylvania Dutch, dessert

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

amish shoo fly pie recipe

You need simple, humble ingredients for this Amish shoo fly pie recipe. Here is your shopping list.

IngredientAmount
Unbaked pie crust (9-inch)1
All-purpose flour1 ½ cups
Packed brown sugar¾ cup
Unsalted butter (cold)¼ cup
Molasses (not blackstrap)¾ cup
Hot water¾ cup
Baking soda1 teaspoon
Egg (beaten)1 large
Vanilla extract1 teaspoon
Salt¼ teaspoon

SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS

You can tweak this Amish shoo fly pie recipe easily. Use a store-bought crust for speed. Swap half the molasses for dark corn syrup for a milder flavor.

Try whole wheat flour for the crumb. Some people add a pinch of cinnamon. This Amish shoo fly pie recipe welcomes changes. Avoid blackstrap molasses. It tastes too bitter for this Amish shoo fly pie recipe.

You can tweak this Amish shoo fly pie recipe easily. Use a store-bought crust for speed. Swap half the molasses for dark corn syrup for a milder flavor. Try whole wheat flour for the crumb. Some people add a pinch of cinnamon. This Amish shoo fly pie recipe welcomes changes. Avoid blackstrap molasses. It tastes too bitter for this Amish shoo fly pie recipe. For another classic Amish treat, try our Amish Cinnamon Bread: The Most Incredible No-Knead Recipe.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Follow these steps for a perfect Amish shoo fly pie recipe.

Prepare the crumb topping

Combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter. Mix until crumbly. Set aside half the crumbs.

Make the liquid filling

Whisk molasses and hot water. Add beaten egg. Stir in baking soda, vanilla, and salt. Mix well.

Assemble the pie

Pour the liquid into the crust. Immediately cover with the reserved crumbs. Top with the remaining crumb mixture.

Bake the pie

Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce to 350°F. Bake for another 30-35 minutes. The center should be set but jiggly. Cool completely.

PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Do not overbake this Amish shoo fly pie recipe. The filling continues to set as it cools. Always use room temperature eggs.

Cold eggs seize the molasses. For the wet bottom, ensure your pie crust is fully chilled. This Amish shoo fly pie recipe works best with a blind-baked crust for extra crispness. Let it cool for at least two hours before slicing.

amish shoo fly pie recipe


Do not overbake this Amish shoo fly pie recipe. The filling continues to set as it cools. Always use room temperature eggs. Cold eggs seize the molasses. For the wet bottom, ensure your pie crust is fully chilled. This Amish shoo fly pie recipe works best with a blind-baked crust for extra crispness. Let it cool for at least two hours before slicing. If you love Amish baking, don’t miss this Easy Amish Apple Fritter Bread for another comforting dessert.

STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS

Store leftovers covered at room temperature. It keeps well for three days. The crumb topping softens a bit.

You can refrigerate it, but bring it to room temp before serving. Reheat a slice for 10 seconds in the microwave. This Amish shoo fly pie recipe also freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly. Thaw overnight.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE

Serve this Amish shoo fly pie recipe with unsweetened whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream balances the rich molasses. A cup of black coffee works wonders.

My kids love it with cold milk. This Amish shoo fly pie recipe pairs well with strong tea. For a dessert board, add fresh apple slices.

amish shoo fly pie recipe

Serve this Amish shoo fly pie recipe with unsweetened whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream balances the rich molasses. A cup of black coffee works wonders. My kids love it with cold milk. This Amish shoo fly pie recipe pairs well with strong tea. For a dessert board, add fresh apple slices. For a unique twist on blondies, try our Matcha Blondies White Chocolate recipe.

FAQs

What is a wet bottom shoo fly pie?

The bottom layer stays gooey and sticky. It separates from the crumb topping. This Amish shoo fly pie recipe creates that classic texture.

Can I use a different molasses?

No. Stick with mild or regular molasses. Blackstrap molasses ruins this Amish shoo fly pie recipe.

Why is my pie runny?

You likely underbaked it. This Amish shoo fly pie recipe needs full cooling time. The filling thickens as it cools.

How do I get a crisp crust?

Blind bake the top crust first. You can also brush the crust with egg wash. This Amish shoo fly pie recipe needs a sturdy base.

This Amish shoo fly pie recipe is a classic example of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, known for its “wet bottom” filling. The molasses and brown sugar combination creates a rich flavor profile similar to traditional shoofly pie, a staple of Pennsylvania Dutch baking.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories380
Total Fat14g
Saturated Fat8g
Carbohydrates62g
Sugar38g
Protein3g
Sodium310mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating