Grilled Pennsylvania Shoo-Fly Pie Bites

Introduction

Shoo-Fly Pie is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert known for its sweet molasses flavor. Here, we’ve taken the traditional pie and turned it into delightful grilled cake bites using the Arteflame Grill. By caramelizing the edges on the flat top griddle and serving these warm bites with cold vanilla ice cream, the result is pure rustic indulgence—grilled dessert at its finest.

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
• 2 tbsp butter (for greasing grill and enhancing flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a little vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the grill basin.
2. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the napkins to ignite the fire.
3. Wait about 20 minutes for the flat top cooktop to reach grilling temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the crumb topping

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter with your hands or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Prepare the wet mixture

1. In a separate bowl, dissolve baking soda into hot water.
2. Stir in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine and portion into bites

1. Mix the wet and dry mixtures together just until combined.
2. Spoon the batter into small muffin molds or mini pie-sized parchment paper liners.

Step 5: Grill the bites

1. Grease the flat Arteflame cooktop lightly with butter.
2. Place the molds or liners directly on the medium heat zone of the flat top, closer to the outer edge to avoid too much caramelization too quickly.
3. Cook for 10–12 minutes, rotating the molds occasionally for even grill marks and caramelization.
4. Once the cakes are set and have a crisp base, remove and let cool slightly.

Step 6: Plate and serve

1. Carefully remove the cake bites from their molds or liners.
2. Serve immediately with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra molasses, if desired.

Tips

• Use unsalted butter to control sweetness and enhance the caramel flavor when grilling.
• Don’t overcook; remove from the griddle once firm but still soft inside.
• Make smaller portions for quicker grill time and crisp edges.
• Use a metal ring mold for even cleaner bite shapes.
• The Arteflame griddle allows for perfect searing without burning—grill closer to the outer edge to prevent overbrowning.

Variations

1. Maple Shoo-Fly Bites: Replace molasses with real maple syrup for a lighter, smokier sweetness.
2. Gingerbread Shoo-Fly Bites: Add 1 tsp ground ginger and a pinch of cloves for warming seasonal spice.
3. Apple Butter Shoo-Fly Bites: Swirl in a spoonful of apple butter before grilling for a fruity twist.
4. Chocolate Molasses Bites: Mix in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips for a rich, decadent variation.
5. Coffee Molasses Bites: Use brewed espresso instead of hot water in the recipe to give a bittersweet depth.

Conclusion

Grilling dessert might seem unorthodox, but once you've tasted these Grilled Pennsylvania Shoo-Fly Pie Bites, you’ll be hooked. With the Arteflame Grill’s perfectly even heat zones and flat top cooktop, you can turn classic desserts into smokey, caramelized delights. Enjoy these warm bites with cool vanilla ice cream for the ultimate contrast in textures and flavors.

Best pairings

• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Hot apple cider or spiked bourbon cider
• Fresh berries or grilled peaches
• Toasted nuts for garnish
• Coffee or a strong porter-style beer