Old Fashioned Shoofly Cake

Indulge in the timeless charm of an Old Fashioned Shoofly Cake, a vintage dessert that combines rich molasses, warm spices, and a signature crumb topping for an irresistible treat. With a fluffy, moist texture and delightful hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, this classic Pennsylvania Dutch favorite boasts a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The unique molasses batter is topped with buttery crumbs, baked to golden perfection in just 40 minutes, and can be served warm or at room temperature. Whether enjoyed plain, with a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream, this shoofly cake is a nostalgic delight that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any occasion. Quick to prepare and bursting with old-fashioned flavor, this cake is a must-try for lovers of heritage recipes and comforting desserts!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1.5 cups boiling water
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

Step 3

Cut in the unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4

Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture for topping and set it aside.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the boiling water. Add the molasses to the water and stir until combined.

Step 6

Gradually pour the molasses mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and fully combined. The batter will be thin; this is normal.

Step 7

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 8

Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top of the batter to create the signature shoofly texture.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 10

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step 11

Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of heavy cream.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1247.8 grams (1247.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3210

Total Fat 52.30g	67%
Saturated Fat 28.70g	144%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 124mg	41%
Sodium 2613mg	114%
Total Carbohydrate 658.50g	239%
Dietary Fiber 11.40g	41%
Total Sugars 380.60g
Protein 37.70g	75%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 866mg	67%
Iron 33mg	184%
Potassium 5278mg	112%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.5%

Protein: 4.6%

Carbs: 80.9%