Every now and then, a recipe comes along that feels completely fresh—until you find out it’s a delicious heirloom from generations past. That’s exactly the kind of magic we stumbled into with Shoo Fly Pie: a dessert that surprised us with its rich flavors and charming history. Much like finding a perfectly preserved vintage gem at a flea market, this classic pie reminds us that some treasures never lose their shine.
Shoo Fly Pie traces back to the 1870s, in the post–Civil War era, when inventive Pennsylvania Dutch bakers ushered in baking powder and gave rise to this molasses-rich marvel. Its name? A nod to Shoe Fly Molasses—a staple brand of the time. The molasses takes center stage here, complemented by cozy notes of cinnamon that fill the kitchen with warm, sweet spice.
🧾 Ingredients
Component Ingredients
Crust 1 unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Filling 1 cup molasses
¾ cup hot water
1 large egg, beaten
¾ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
Topping 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup packed brown sugar
3 tbsp cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
½ tsp cinnamon
👩🍳 Directions
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