Next, in another bowl, combine granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. I love the fragrant blend of spices at this stage! Gradually add the molasses and water mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth combination. Once it’s well mixed, add in the melted butter and the egg, whisking until everything is combined beautifully. The mixture should be thick but pourable—so satisfying!
Pour this luscious filling into the pie crust, making sure to spread it evenly. You can take a moment to admire the swirls of dark goodness; it will transform into something truly magical in the oven. Bake the pie for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggles in the center. The heavenly aroma will start to waft through your kitchen, and believe me, you’ll be eagerly anticipating that first bite!
When your Shoofly Pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. I usually let mine cool for at least an hour before slicing into it, as this allows the filling to firm up a bit more. It’s tough to wait, I know, but the wait will be so worth it!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve experimented with this pie a few different ways to get it just right, and here are my top tips! First, make sure your molasses is fresh; this can significantly impact the flavor. I learned the hard way that older bottles can sometimes yield a flat-tasting pie, so check that expiration date!
Second, the spices are your friends! Don’t be shy to adjust the amounts of cinnamon or ginger to suit your taste preferences. The great thing about baking is you can always tweak these small details to make the recipe truly your own.
Lastly, I recommend letting your Shoofly Pie sit overnight. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, and it makes for even better leftovers—if there are any!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trust me, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes when baking this pie, and now I’m here to help you avoid them! The first mistake to watch out for is not fully dissolving the baking soda into the boiling water. This activation is crucial to getting that perfect texture, so be sure to stir thoroughly! (See the next page below to continue…)