Simple ingredients. Time-honored traditions. Deep-rooted community values. That’s what defines Amish desserts. Passed down through generations, these recipes are a reflection of a way of life that values hard work, hospitality, and wholesome goodness.
In this article, you’ll find some of the most loved Amish dessert recipes – including classics like shoofly pie, whoopie pies, and oatmeal pie – as well as a few lesser-known gems that deserve a spot in your kitchen.
Shoofly Pie: Sticky, Crumbly, and Way Too Good for Just Dessert
This one’s got a name that makes people pause for a second. Shoofly Pie. Sounds odd, right? But take one bite, and the name won’t matter anymore.
The base is a molasses filling that turns thick, sticky, and almost gooey when baked. On top, there’s a layer of sweet, buttery crumbs – the kind that crumble under your fork and melt in your mouth a second later. Underneath all that? A flaky pie crust, usually homemade, sometimes rustic and uneven, but always rich and golden.
People say this pie was named because the molasses was so strong-smelling that it would literally attract flies – and you’d have to “shoo” them away. Whether that’s true or not, one thing’s for sure: once it’s on the table, there’s no shooing anyone away from it.
It’s often sliced up and served for breakfast, usually with a cup of hot coffee or fresh milk. Some folks warm it up just slightly. Others eat it cold, straight from the fridge. Either way, it holds together and tastes even better the next day.
Why it Works for Breakfast:
- Heavy, sweet, and actually pretty filling
- No need for syrup or extras — the flavor stands alone
- Stays good for days
- A little slice goes a long way
So yeah, even though it looks and sounds like dessert, this pie easily fits in with the rest of a hearty Amish breakfast spread.
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup flour
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¾ cup molasses
- ¾ cup boiling water
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, cut the butter into the flour and brown sugar until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, dissolve baking soda in boiling water. Stir in molasses and beaten egg.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the pie shell.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the top.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30–35 more minutes.
Let it cool before slicing. Shoofly pie is traditionally enjoyed with coffee in the morning or after supper.
Traditional Amish breads also play a big role in homemade baking-see how these rustic loaves complement classic Amish desserts.
Amish Whoopie Pies Recipe (Chocolate & Cream Filling)
These soft sandwich-like treats are a favorite in Amish bake sales and lunch pails.
For the cakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the filling:
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Combine and mix until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Let them cool completely.
- Beat filling ingredients until fluffy, then spread between two cake halves.
These whoopie pies stay soft for days and are perfect for gifting or snacking.
Amish Apple Dumplings Recipe
Tender pastry, spiced apples, and a rich syrup – this is comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients:
- 2 apples (peeled and cored)
- 1 cup flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter
- 3–4 tbsp cold water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the pastry: Combine flour and salt. Cut in butter. Add water slowly to form dough. Divide in two and roll out.
- Place an apple in the center of each dough piece. Fill center with a pinch of cinnamon and sugar. Fold dough over the apple and seal edges.
- Place in a greased baking dish.
- Boil sugar, water, butter, and cinnamon. Pour over dumplings.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
Serve warm with cream or ice cream.
Amish Oatmeal Pie Recipe
Think of this as the poor man’s pecan pie. It has a similar sweet, sticky texture – but with rolled oats instead of pricey nuts.
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
- ¾ cup corn syrup or molasses
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat eggs and mix in all other ingredients.
- Pour mixture into pie crust.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until set in the center.
Cool before slicing. The chewy oats give this pie a lovely texture that makes it a favorite among families.
Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe
These soft sugar cookies are a staple in many Amish homes, often made in large batches for church gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 2¾ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cream butter and sugar. Add egg, vanilla, and sour cream.
- Combine dry ingredients and mix with wet ingredients.
- Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheet and bake 8–10 minutes.
They’re soft, slightly tangy, and excellent with tea or milk.
More Amish Desserts Worth Trying
Peanut Butter Pie
This no-bake pie features a smooth, rich peanut butter filling in a graham cracker crust. Topped with whipped cream, it’s both indulgent and simple.
Apple Fritters
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and full of cinnamon-spiced apple chunks. Glazed while warm, these are usually made fresh and eaten the same day.
Amish Bread Pudding
Made with leftover bread, eggs, sugar, and milk — sometimes with added raisins or apples. It’s hearty and humble, often served with a warm vanilla sauce.
Tips for Baking Amish Desserts at Home
- Use fresh dairy like buttermilk, cream, and butter for authentic flavor.
- Stick to simple tools – mixing bowls, wooden spoons, cast iron pans.
- Don’t over-complicate. These recipes are meant to be rustic, not refined.
- Many Amish cooks bake in large quantities – feel free to double the recipe and share.
Final Thoughts
Amish desserts are more than just sweets – they’re a piece of history served on a plate. Whether it’s the molasses-rich shoofly pie or a warm apple dumpling, each recipe tells a story of family, tradition, and care.
Try a few of these at home, and you may just find yourself coming back to them again and again.
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