PA’s Shoofly Pie Shines in America’s Top 50 Fall Foods

A dessert rooted in Pennsylvania heritage has just been named among the top 50 favorite fall foods in America.

According to a poll of 3,014 food lovers conducted by A Mission for Michael, which asked Americans to choose their preferred fall dish for enjoying with family, Pennsylvania shoofly pie ranked No. 48.

This beloved dessert is commonly found at fall fairs, farmers markets, and family gatherings across Pennsylvania. Rooted in Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, shoofly pie is made with molasses and brown sugar, and features a crumbly streusel topping in a flaky crust. According to MyChesCo, its name—according to legend—comes from the need to shoo away flies drawn to the sweet, syrupy aroma of a freshly baked shoofly pie.

While Texas chili remains the top comfort food nationally, Pennsylvania shoofly pie's inclusion among the top 50 fall dishes highlights its regional and nostalgic appeal, while reflecting American comfort foods that connect to regional identity.

A Mission for Michael also commented that the culinary traditions that abound during the fall reflect connection and flavor. 

“Food traditions are powerful because they connect us to both place and people,” says Anand Mehta, LMFT of A Mission for Michael, which provides mental health support services for families and individuals. “When families share these fall favorites, they're not just enjoying a meal. They're creating moments of comfort and belonging that support mental health in a very real way.”