There’s something truly magical about stepping into a kitchen that’s filled with the warm, comforting aromas of a homemade dessert. Growing up in the countryside, my fondest memories were of bustling family gatherings centered around a table adorned with delectable treats. Among those unforgettable recipes, my Grandma’s Shoo Fly Pie always held a special place in my heart. This Pennsylvania Dutch classic, with its crumbly top and sweet molasses filling, evokes images of sun-drenched afternoons spent in the orchard, where the scent of ripe fruits mingled with that of baked goods.
Today, I’ve decided to elevate this traditional recipe by adding a hint of maple syrup to deepen the flavors, creating a pie that is both hearty and comforting, yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests. Let’s immerse ourselves in the delightful world of baking and bring this pie to life.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
– 4-5 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
– 1 cup molasses
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– ¼ cup pure maple syrup
– 1 cup hot water
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
– 2 large eggs, beaten
For the Crumb Topping:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– ½ cup brown sugar, packed
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Begin by making the pie crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled diced butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Form it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fit the crust into the dish and trim any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
Next, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the molasses, brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth. In a separate bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the hot water, then add it to the molasses mixture along with the vanilla extract, spices, and beaten eggs. Mix until well combined.
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
Now, let’s make the crumb topping. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the filling.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will transport you back to those cherished family gatherings.
Once baked, let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
As you savor each bite of this decadent Shoo Fly Pie, may it remind you of the simple joys of life and the delicious comfort of home. Enjoy!