A dry bottom version of a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch pie, Shoofly Pie (aka Molasses Pie) is deeply flavored with molasses and topped with a buttery brown sugar crumb topping. It's easy to make, and perfect for serving anytime of day!
Make the crust: Prepare a pie crust for a single crust pie. Ease the crust into a 9-inch pie pan and chill while you make the filling.
Preheat oven to 400 °F.
Make the filling: Combine the flour and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Measure out ½ cup (67 grams) of the mixture for the crumb topping and set aside.
In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the boiling water. Stir in the molasses until it's fully incorporated.
Add the molasses mixture, egg, and vanilla into the remaining crumb mixture and whisk well.
Pour the batter into the chilled pie shell, then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top.
Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350 °F and bake another 35 to 40 minutes, or until filling is set.
Remove the pie from the oven, transfer to a wire rack, and cool for 30 minutes.
Serve the pie warm with whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!
Storage instructions: Shoofly pie will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days at room temperature. It can also be refrigerated (wrapped in plastic) or frozen. Thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature before serving.
Recipe Notes
My all butter pie crust recipe is based on the 3 : 2 : 1 recipe ratio of 3 parts flour, 2 parts fat. and 1 part liquid (by weight), so for a single pie crust that would be 9 ounces (250 grams) flour, 6 ounces (170 grams) butter, and 3 ounces (85 grams) ice water. I also throw in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to help tenderize the crust.To make a mini Shoofly Pie for a 7-inch pie pan, divide the filling ingredients by half. You can leave the egg whole (or just weight it and take out half). Reduce the baking time to 25 minutes, reducing the oven temperature after 5 minutes.