Whoopie pies are a delightful fusion of cake and cookie, presenting a pillowy, rich filling sandwiched between two delectable cake-like halves. These treats, with roots in American culinary history, offer a canvas for creativity, allowing bakers to explore various flavors and textures. Whether you're craving the classic chocolate and marshmallow combination or looking to try something more adventurous, we've compiled a collection of the ultimate whoopie pie recipes that are guaranteed to impress both beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pies
No journey into the world of whoopie pies would be complete without starting with the classic: chocolate whoopie pies. Here’s how you can bake these at home:
- Ingredients for the Pies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1¼ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- Filling Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegetable shortening or butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 jar (7½ oz) marshmallow creme
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, mix buttermilk and vanilla extract.
- Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in the egg. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of batter for each pie onto the baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool completely.
- For the filling, beat shortening/butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in marshmallow creme and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
- Pipe or spread filling onto the flat side of one pie, then sandwich with another pie.
🔖 Note: The chocolate flavor can be enhanced by using high-quality cocoa powder. For an even richer taste, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter.
Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies
Embrace the flavors of fall with these pumpkin spice whoopie pies that capture the essence of autumn in every bite:
- Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- Filling Ingredients:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Combine flour, spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix pumpkin, buttermilk, and vanilla.
- Cream butter and sugar, then add the egg. Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mix.
- Place batter onto the sheets, bake for 12-15 minutes. Let cool.
- For the filling, beat cream cheese until creamy, then add sugar, vanilla, and spice. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble pies as previously described.
🍁 Note: Pumpkin spice can be adjusted to taste. For an extra kick, try adding a dash of ground ginger or allspice to the batter or filling.
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Red velvet whoopie pies are not only visually striking but also a delicious twist on the traditional cake:
- Ingredients:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- Filling Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.
- Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time. Alternate adding flour and buttermilk mixtures.
- Drop batter onto sheets, bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely.
- For the filling, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then add sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Assemble as before.
🎨 Note: The color intensity can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of red food coloring. Opt for gel food coloring for vivid hues with less liquid.
In wrapping up, our exploration of whoopie pie recipes provides a delightful array of options to satisfy any palate. From the timeless classic chocolate to the seasonal pumpkin spice and visually appealing red velvet whoopie pies, these recipes showcase the versatility and charm of this American dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to indulge in a sweet treat, whoopie pies offer a fun, delicious, and portable dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. They blend the best of cookies and cakes, with fillings that can be customized to your heart’s desire, making them perfect for any gathering or personal indulgence.
Can I freeze whoopie pies?
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Yes, you can freeze whoopie pies for up to 3 months. Assemble them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature for best results.
How can I make my whoopie pies more fluffy?
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To make whoopie pies fluffier, ensure your leavening agents (baking soda or baking powder) are fresh. You can also try whipping the egg whites separately and folding them into the batter to incorporate more air.
What are the best storage options for whoopie pies?
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Store whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigeration works well, but they might harden a bit due to the fats in the filling. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
