Classic Shoo-Fly Cake Recipe

Indulge in the rich molasses flavor and tender crumb of a classic shoo-fly cake. This Pennsylvania Dutch dessert is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. With a buttery streusel topping and a molasses-infused cake, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Follow this easy recipe to create a nostalgic treat that will transport you back to simpler times.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the boiling water, molasses, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until well combined. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the hot water, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until smooth. Spoon this streusel topping over the batter.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Slice and serve the shoo-fly cake as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Interesting Facts