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Shoofly Bread Recipe

4.5 from 60 reviews

Shoofly Bread is a classic American molasses quick bread featuring a moist crumb and a sweet, crunchy crumb topping. This easy-to-make loaf blends rich molasses flavor with warm cinnamon and brown sugar, resulting in a comforting treat perfect for breakfast or snack time.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients & Fat

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 cup boiling water

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients and Butter: Cut the cold butter into small chunks and add to a large bowl with flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter, incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles small crumbles.
  3. Reserve Crumble Topping: Remove ½ cup of the crumb mixture and set it aside in a small bowl for topping later.
  4. Add Baking Soda: Add 1 teaspoon baking soda to the remaining mixture in the large bowl and stir to combine.
  5. Prepare Molasses Mixture: Pour molasses into boiling water and stir well until fully dissolved, creating a smooth liquid mixture.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the molasses mixture to the large bowl with the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until combined to form a batter.
  7. Pour Batter and Add Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then evenly sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden and crisp.

Notes

  • Use cold butter to achieve a crisp crumb topping for the bread.
  • Molasses can vary in flavor; using unsulphured molasses is preferred for best taste.
  • Check the bread around 55 minutes to avoid overbaking, as ovens may vary.
  • Allow the bread to cool before slicing to ensure clean cuts.

Keywords: Shoofly Bread, Molasses Bread, Quick Bread, American Bread, Sweet Bread, Cinnamon Bread, Brown Sugar Bread