Judy'S Shoo-Fly Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Judy's Shoo-Fly Cake is a classic moist dessert with rich molasses flavor and a crumbly topping. Perfect for cozy gatherings, it combines sweet, spicy, and slightly tangy notes, making it a nostalgic treat for those who appreciate traditional baked goods with a delightful texture and deep flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups flour
  • 1/2 pound oleo
  • 2 teaspoons soda
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup dark molasses
  • 2 cups boiling water

Instructions

  1. Mix flour, sugar, and oleo until crumbly.
  2. Save 1 1/2 cups of the mixture for topping.
  3. Mix together molasses, soda, and water.
  4. Add the molasses mixture to the crumbly mixture and mix well.
  5. Pour the batter into a prepared baking dish.
  6. Top with the remaining crumbs.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes.
  8. Do not open the oven during the first 40 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure a light and fluffy texture, be careful not to overmix the batter once the wet ingredients are added. If you need a substitute for oleo, softened butter or coconut oil can work well. For a deeper flavor, consider using blackstrap molasses instead of regular dark molasses. This adds a unique richness to the cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake warm or at room temperature, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It also pairs beautifully with a side of Fresh Cranberry Salad for a refreshing balance. A cup of coffee or tea complements this dessert perfectly, making it an ideal choice for afternoon gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Shoo-Fly Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Judy'S Shoo-Fly Cake contains roughly 291 calories, with 8g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

291 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.4g 17% DV
Total Fat 1.6g 2% DV
Carbs 60.4g 22% DV
Fiber 3.9g 14% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 51.3mg 2% DV
Potassium 179.6mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.6mcg
Vitamin C 10.3mg 11% DV
Calcium 22.2mg 2% DV
Iron 3.5mg 20% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Shoo-Fly Cake a day in advance. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Can I freeze the Shoo-Fly Cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cake for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then warm it up before serving for the best texture.

What can I do if I don't have dark molasses?

If you don't have dark molasses, you can substitute it with light molasses or even honey, although this will slightly alter the flavor. For a more complex taste, consider mixing equal parts brown sugar and water as a temporary substitute.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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