These classic Whoopie Pies are a nostalgic treat that combines two soft chocolate cakes sandwiched around a sweet, fluffy vanilla filling.
With a texture somewhere between a cake and a cookie, they’re perfect for celebrations, lunchboxes, or just indulging your inner child.
Let’s bring this old-fashioned favorite back to life — with a modern, foolproof twist!
🧈 Ingredients
For the chocolate cakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the creamy filling:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Directions
- Preheat & prepare.
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. - Mix the batter.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, then slowly incorporate the dry ingredients with buttermilk. - Form the cakes.
Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared sheets, leaving space between them. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon. - Bake.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the tops spring back when touched. Cool completely before filling. - Make the filling.
Beat butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla until smooth. - Assemble.
Spread a dollop of filling on one cake and top with another to make a sandwich. Press gently. - Serve & enjoy.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes for the perfect texture, then serve with a glass of milk or coffee!
🍫 Chef’s Tip
For a twist, add a touch of espresso powder to the batter — it deepens the chocolate flavor beautifully!
Or swap the vanilla filling for peanut butter frosting for a rich, indulgent version.
📜 Story & Inspiration
This Whoopie Pie recipe comes straight from the heart of Amish baking traditions — simple ingredients, homemade love, and that unmistakable chocolate aroma filling the kitchen.
Chef Sophi recreated this version after discovering an old Pennsylvania Dutch recipe notebook during her culinary travels. The goal? To make a timeless dessert that brings people together, one bite at a time.
📋 Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 12 pies
- Calories: ~260 per pie
🧭 Related Recipes (Internal Linking)
💬 Author Note
Created by Chef Sophi Navarro, founder of Galactical Recipes, where traditional baking meets modern creativity.
Sophi believes that baking should feel like storytelling — one recipe, one memory, one smile at a time.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about whoopie pies is their versatility. You can experiment with a variety of flavors, fillings, and decorations to make them uniquely yours. This section explores exciting options to take your whoopie pies to the next level.
Flavors for the Cakes
While classic chocolate whoopie pies are iconic, you can explore different cake flavors to suit your taste or occasion:
- Vanilla Whoopie Pies: Replace cocoa powder with an equal amount of all-purpose flour and add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract for a sweet, buttery flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies: Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the batter for a fall-inspired treat.
- Red Velvet Whoopie Pies: Mix in a tablespoon of red food coloring and reduce the cocoa powder to ¼ cup for a rich, velvety texture and striking color.
- Lemon Whoopie Pies: Incorporate 2 teaspoons of lemon zest and a teaspoon of lemon juice for a zesty, refreshing flavor.
Filling Variations
The filling can also be customized to complement the cake flavors or add a creative twist:
- Cream Cheese Filling: Blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for a tangy, rich filling. Perfect for red velvet or pumpkin cakes.
- Peanut Butter Filling: Mix peanut butter with softened butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of milk for a creamy, nutty center. Pair it with chocolate cakes for a classic combo.
- Chocolate Ganache Filling: Use a rich ganache made with equal parts melted chocolate and heavy cream for a luxurious, fudgy texture.
- Fruit-Infused Filling: Add pureed strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to the traditional filling for a fruity twist.
Decorative Ideas
- Drizzles and Sprinkles: Drizzle the tops with melted chocolate or caramel, then add colorful sprinkles for a festive look.
- Dusting of Cocoa or Powdered Sugar: A light dusting can enhance the presentation without overwhelming the flavor.
- Seasonal Themes: Use food coloring in the batter or filling to match holidays or celebrations. For example, green for St. Patrick’s Day or orange and black for Halloween.
These customization ideas allow you to tailor your whoopie pies to any event, preference, or flavor craving, making them even more enjoyable.
Tips for Perfection
Whoopie pies may seem simple to make, but achieving the ideal texture, flavor, and appearance takes a little know-how. Here are some tips to ensure your whoopie pies turn out perfect every time.
Baking Tips
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision, especially for flour and cocoa powder.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow ingredients like eggs and butter to come to room temperature. This ensures better mixing and even textures.
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense or tough cakes. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Uniform Sizing: Use a small cookie scoop to ensure all your cakes are the same size, which makes pairing and assembling easier.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cakes as they bake. Overbaking can make them dry and crumbly. The tops should spring back lightly when touched.
Storing Whoopie Pies
- Refrigeration: Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften the filling.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- Unassembled Storage: To preserve freshness, store the cakes and filling separately. Assemble just before serving.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Flat Cakes: If your cakes spread too much, your batter might be too thin. Try adding an extra tablespoon of flour.
- Dry Cakes: This is often due to overbaking. Check your cakes 1-2 minutes before the recommended time.
- Runny Filling: If your filling isn’t holding its shape, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid common mistakes and elevate your whoopie pie game to professional levels.
Serving Suggestions
Whoopie pies are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. Whether you’re planning a cozy family treat or a show-stopping dessert for a gathering, these serving ideas will inspire you to present your whoopie pies creatively.
Pairing Ideas
- With Beverages:
- Serve chocolate whoopie pies with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing.
- Enjoy pumpkin spice whoopie pies with a warm cup of chai tea or pumpkin spice latte.
- Red velvet whoopie pies are perfect with a rich hot cocoa or a frothy cappuccino.
- Lemon whoopie pies pair beautifully with herbal teas like chamomile or mint.
- Complementary Desserts:
- Pair whoopie pies with a light fruit salad to balance the richness.
- Add them to a dessert platter with cookies, brownies, and mini cupcakes for variety.
- Serve alongside a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Occasions for Serving
- Family Gatherings: Whoopie pies make a fun, shareable dessert for barbecues, reunions, or holiday dinners.
- Birthday Parties: Customize the colors and flavors to match the party theme. Consider mini whoopie pies for a kid-friendly size.
- Festive Holidays:
- Use red and green fillings for Christmas-themed whoopie pies.
- Opt for orange and black for Halloween, or pastel shades for Easter.
- Wedding or Baby Showers: Arrange elegant whoopie pies on a tiered dessert stand. Flavors like vanilla and lemon add a sophisticated touch.
Creative Presentation
- Whoopie Pie Tower: Stack whoopie pies in a pyramid shape to create a unique dessert centerpiece.
- Individually Wrapped: Wrap each pie in decorative paper or clear cellophane for party favors or picnic treats.
- Drizzle Designs: Use melted white or dark chocolate to create artistic drizzle patterns on the tops.
By thoughtfully pairing and presenting your whoopie pies, you can enhance their appeal and make any occasion extra special.
FAQs About Whoopie Pies
Whoopie pies are a beloved treat, but they can spark plenty of questions for first-time bakers or those seeking to perfect their recipe. Here are some commonly asked questions with detailed answers to help you master the art of whoopie pies.
What is the origin of whoopie pies?
Whoopie pies are believed to have originated in the northeastern United States, specifically in Pennsylvania and Maine. They were traditionally made by the Amish, who used leftover cake batter and filling to create these delightful treats. Legend has it that when children found them in their lunchboxes, they exclaimed, “Whoopie!”—giving the dessert its name.
Can I make whoopie pies in advance?
Yes, whoopie pies can be made ahead of time. Here’s how:
- Cakes: Bake the cakes up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Filling: Prepare the filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Assembling: For the freshest results, assemble the whoopie pies on the day you plan to serve them.
How do I prevent my whoopie pies from being too dry?
Dry whoopie pies are usually caused by overbaking or incorrect ingredient measurements. To avoid this:
- Use a kitchen timer and check the cakes a minute or two before the recommended bake time.
- Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
Adding a bit of extra buttermilk can also help keep the cakes moist.
Can I freeze whoopie pies?
Absolutely! Whoopie pies freeze well, whether assembled or unassembled:
- Assembled: Wrap each whoopie pie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Unassembled: Freeze the cakes and filling separately. Wrap the cakes in plastic wrap and store the filling in an airtight container. Assemble after thawing.
Frozen whoopie pies can last up to 2 months.
Are whoopie pies the same as moon pies?
No, whoopie pies and moon pies are different desserts. Whoopie pies are made of soft, cake-like shells filled with creamy frosting or marshmallow filling. Moon pies, on the other hand, feature graham cracker cookies sandwiching a marshmallow filling, all covered in chocolate.
Can I make whoopie pies without eggs?
Yes, you can make egg-free whoopie pies using substitutes like unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or flaxseed meal mixed with water. These options work well for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the cakes’ structure and moisture.
By addressing these FAQs, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to make whoopie pies with confidence and creativity.
Conclusion
Whoopie pies are a delightful treat that combines the soft, fluffy texture of cake with the creamy indulgence of a delicious filling. From their humble origins to their widespread popularity today, these desserts continue to capture hearts and taste buds. Making whoopie pies at home is not only a rewarding experience but also an opportunity to customize them to your liking.
Whether you stick to the classic chocolate and marshmallow combination or explore creative flavors like pumpkin spice or red velvet, whoopie pies are a versatile dessert that fits any occasion. With the tips and techniques shared in this guide, you’re well-equipped to bake these tasty treats like a pro.
So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create whoopie pies that will have everyone saying, “Whoopie!”