Easter Whoopie Pies

Easter Whoopie Pies are a delightful and festive treat that bring a burst of color and sweetness to your holiday celebrations. These soft, cake-like sandwiches are tinted in pastel hues, embodying the essence of springtime and Easter festivities. Each whoopie pie consists of two tender vanilla cakes encasing a fluffy marshmallow filling, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. They’re not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect addition to your Easter dessert table.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cakes:

1 box French vanilla cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1/2 cup milk
Gel food coloring (pink, yellow, purple, blue)

For the Filling:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, softened butter, egg, and milk. Mix until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly into four bowls. Tint each portion with a different gel food coloring to achieve desired pastel shades.
Using a piping bag or spoon, pipe or drop tablespoon-sized rounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops spring back when lightly touched. Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add the marshmallow creme and vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy.
To assemble, spread or pipe a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one cake, then top with another cake to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cakes and filling.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 whoopie pies

The Ultimate Guide to Easter Whoopie Pies: A Festive Delight

Easter is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and of course, delicious treats. If you’re looking for the perfect festive dessert, Easter Whoopie Pies are an excellent choice. These pastel-colored, marshmallow-filled cake sandwiches are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, attending a spring picnic, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these treats will impress your guests and loved ones.

A Sweet History: The Origin of Whoopie Pies

Easter Whoopie Pies have a long and beloved history in American baking. Originally from Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch communities, these treats were said to be made from leftover cake batter, turned into a sandwich with a creamy filling. When children would find them in their lunchboxes, they would excitedly shout, “Whoopie!”—hence, the name. Traditionally, Whoopie Pies are made with chocolate cakes and a fluffy vanilla or marshmallow filling, but over the years, creative bakers have experimented with different flavors and variations. Easter Whoopie Pies bring a seasonal twist to this classic dessert by incorporating pastel colors and a light, fluffy texture, making them perfect for springtime celebrations.

Why This Recipe is the Best

Easy to Make and Fun for All Ages

One of the best things about Easter Whoopie Pies is how simple they are to make. You don’t need to be a professional baker to achieve great results. This recipe is easy enough for kids to help with, making it a fantastic family activity. From mixing the batter to adding the colorful food dyes, every step is enjoyable!

Beautiful and Festive Appearance

The pastel colors of these Whoopie Pies make them a gorgeous addition to your Easter dessert table. Unlike plain cookies or cakes, these treats bring vibrant colors and a fun, whimsical look that is sure to impress guests.

Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistible Texture

Unlike traditional cookies, which can be crunchy or crumbly, Whoopie Pies have a soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth. The marshmallow filling adds an airy, fluffy contrast that makes every bite absolutely delightful.

Perfectly Portable and Shareable

Whoopie Pies are easy to store and transport, making them ideal for potlucks, Easter picnics, or even Easter egg hunts. Unlike cupcakes, which require careful handling, these sandwiches are compact and mess-free.

Customizable Flavors and Colors

This recipe can easily be adapted to match any occasion. You can switch out the vanilla cake for lemon, strawberry, or even chocolate variations. The filling can also be flavored with coconut, almond, or citrus extracts for an added twist.

Healthier Alternatives and Dietary Modifications

Even though these Whoopie Pies are a treat, you can modify them to fit dietary needs:

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix to make these accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap out butter for dairy-free margarine and use almond milk instead of regular milk.
Reduced Sugar Version: Use a sugar substitute in both the cake batter and the filling to create a lower-sugar version.
Vegan-Friendly Adaptation: Replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg alternative and use plant-based butter.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when it comes to Easter desserts, and these Whoopie Pies are no exception. Here are some creative ways to serve them:

Easter Basket Display

Arrange the Whoopie Pies in a decorative Easter basket, lined with colorful paper or edible Easter grass. This makes them a fun and interactive centerpiece for your dessert table.

Sprinkle Magic

Before serving, dust the tops of the Whoopie Pies with powdered sugar, edible glitter, or pastel-colored sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

Personalized Name Tags

If serving at a party, use small edible labels or toothpick flags to write the names of guests, making each Whoopie Pie feel special and personalized.

How to Store Easter Whoopie Pies

To keep your Whoopie Pies fresh and delicious:

Refrigeration: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften.
Freezing: Wrap each Whoopie Pie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Room Temperature: If you’re eating them within 24 hours, they can be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

Fun Variations to Try

Want to experiment with different flavors and designs? Here are some ideas:

Lemon Cream Whoopie Pies

Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy zing that complements the vanilla cake beautifully.

Chocolate-Dipped Whoopie Pies

After assembling the Whoopie Pies, dip half of each in melted white or dark chocolate and top with festive sprinkles.

Coconut Nest Whoopie Pies

Roll the edges of the marshmallow filling in toasted coconut flakes to resemble a bird’s nest.

Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies

Replace the vanilla cake mix with carrot cake mix and add a hint of cinnamon for a warm, spiced version.

Peep-Inspired Whoopie Pies

Shape the cakes into small oval-like rounds and add mini candy eyes to resemble the famous marshmallow Peeps!

Conclusion

Easter Whoopie Pies are the perfect combination of fun, flavor, and festive charm. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees fantastic results. Their soft texture, pastel hues, and creamy marshmallow filling make them an instant crowd-pleaser. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a wonderful way to bring family and friends together in the kitchen. Let kids help mix the batter and choose their favorite colors—baking these treats can become an annual Easter tradition! If you’re looking for a creative, easy, and absolutely delightful dessert to add to your Easter menu, these Whoopie Pies should be at the top of your list. Give them a try and watch them disappear from the dessert table in no time!