Pennsylvania Dutch Shoo-Fly Cake

May 11, 2023May 11, 20230 6

Classic Pennsylvania Dutch Shoo-Fly Cake recipe

by The Chefin Dessert

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Ready In

60 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

355

Sugar

34g

Fat

15g

Pennsylvania Dutch Shoo-Fly Cake is a classic dessert that originated in the Amish communities of Pennsylvania. It is a sweet and spicy cake that is made with molasses and simple ingredients like flour, shortening, and sugar. The name 'shoo-fly' comes from the fact that the sweet fragrance of the cake attracts flies and other insects, so the cook has to 'shoo' them away. Despite this, shoo-fly cake remains a beloved staple of Pennsylvania Dutch culture, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea on a lazy afternoon.

Instructions

1.	Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2.	In a large mixing bowl, combine the white flour, whole wheat flour, shortening, white sugar, and brown sugar, mixing well.
3.	In a separate bowl, combine the baking molasses, baking soda, and hot water, stirring until the baking soda has dissolved.
4.	Gradually add the molasses mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring constantly until a crumbly mixture is formed.
5.	Pour the crumbly mixture into a greased 9x13 inch cake pan.
6.	Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7.	Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

PROS

Shoo-fly cake is a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch treat that is deliciously sweet and satisfying.

The molasses in this recipe provides a natural source of iron and other nutrients.

CONS

This cake can be high in calories and sugar, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

It may not be suitable for individuals with diabetes or other conditions that require careful management of sugar intake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While shoo-fly cake is not particularly healthy, it does provide some benefits from the molasses, which is a natural sweetener that is rich in iron, calcium, and other nutrients.
Iron is essential for healthy blood flow, while calcium is important for strong bones and teeth.

	2 cups white flour
	2 cups whole wheat flour
	1 cup shortening
	1 cup white sugar
	1 cup brown sugar
	1 cup baking molasses ( I use Brer Rabbit )
	2 teaspoons baking soda ( level )
	2 cups hot water