Amish Desserts You Must Try

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 Recipe (Wet-Bottom Version)

Shoofly pie is perhaps the most iconic Amish dessert. Its deep molasses flavor, crumbly topping, and gooey bottom layer make it unforgettable.

Shoofly Pie Recipe

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.

Amish Whoopie Pies Recipe

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.

Amish Apple Dumplings Recipe

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.

Amish Oatmeal Pie Recipe

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.

Amish Sugar Cookies Recipe

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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