10 Old-Fashioned Desserts to Try from Grandma's Recipe Box

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Shoofly Pie

A true Pennsylvania Dutch classic, shoofly pie is a deeply flavorful dessert with a rich molasses filling and a buttery, crumbly topping. Originally created by early Amish and Mennonite settlers, this pie was made with staple ingredients like flour, sugar, and molasses, making it a practical yet indulgent treat. The name comes from the sticky-sweet molasses that was said to attract flies—hence, the need to "shoo" them away! For a deeper flavor, use dark molasses and let the pie rest overnight—this enhances its rich, caramelized notes! 

Ingredients (for 8 servings):

• 1 unbaked 9” pie crust
• ¾ cup unsulfured molasses
• ¾ cup hot water
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 large egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the pie crust in a 9” pie dish and set aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk together molasses, hot water, and baking soda until well combined. Let cool slightly, then whisk in the beaten egg.
3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
4. Pour the molasses mixture into the unbaked crust, then evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the top.
5. Bake for 35-40 min., or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown.
6. Cool completely before slicing. Serve at room temperature or chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.