Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Introduction

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies have that magical combination of flavor and fun that makes them a hit every time. Their striking red hue is eye-catching, and the soft, velvety cake layers practically melt in your mouth, while the creamy, tangy filling adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you want something indulgent, these little pies are sure to impress.

What I love most about them is how versatile they can be. You can swap out the classic cream cheese filling for something new—maybe a rich chocolate ganache or even a fluffy marshmallow filling for a playful twist.

They’re also a fantastic treat for sharing! Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to pass around at parties, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers. And don’t forget how great they look—whether displayed on a plate for a special occasion or wrapped up individually as a thoughtful gift, they’re always a showstopper.

So if you’re looking for a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious, Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are the way to go. They’re guaranteed to make any occasion feel just a little bit more special. Ready to make your own batch? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these Red Velvet Whoopie Pies will become your new favorite dessert:

• Perfectly Moist: The red velvet cake is soft, moist, and just the right amount of fluffy, making it a dream to bite into.
• Creamy Filling: The filling is light, slightly tangy, and sweet, complementing the cake perfectly.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the whoopie pies a day or two ahead of time, making them great for parties or gatherings.
• Versatile: You can easily customize the filling—whether you want to go traditional with cream cheese or try something different, like marshmallow or buttercream.
• Visually Stunning: These pies are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday celebrations, thanks to their striking color and elegance.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 10 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12-14 pies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbohydrates: 45g, Fat: 16g, Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Red Velvet Whoopie Pies:

For the Red Velvet Cakes:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Ingredient Highlights

• Red Velvet Cake: The hallmark of red velvet is its unique flavor—rich with a slight tang from the vinegar and buttermilk, balanced by the smoothness of the cocoa powder.
• Cream Cheese: The tanginess of cream cheese in the filling adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the red velvet cakes, keeping it from being overly sugary.
• Buttermilk & Vinegar: These ingredients give the red velvet cake its signature tender crumb, making it light and moist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make these delectable Red Velvet Whoopie Pies:

Make the Red Velvet Cakes

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate the Red Food Coloring: Add the red food coloring and mix until fully combined.
6. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
7. Add Vinegar: Stir in the vinegar to activate the baking soda.
8. Scoop the Batter: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cakes spring back when lightly pressed in the center.
10. Cool: Let the cakes cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy.
3. Flavor with Vanilla and Salt: Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and beat until well incorporated. The filling should be thick but spreadable.

Assemble the Whoopie Pies

1. Pair the Cakes: Once the red velvet cakes have cooled, pair them up by size. Choose two similarly sized cakes for each whoopie pie.
2. Fill the Pies: Spread a generous amount of cream cheese filling on the bottom of one cake in each pair, then gently press the other cake on top to form a sandwich.
3. Serve: Once assembled, the whoopie pies are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve

These Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are perfect for a variety of occasions:

1. Serve as a Party Treat: These pies are great for birthdays, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests.
2. Pair with Coffee or Milk: They make an excellent treat with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, especially for a cozy afternoon snack.
3. Garnish with Sprinkles: For a festive touch, add some red or white sprinkles to the sides of the filling.
4. Chill Before Serving: For a firmer filling, refrigerate the assembled whoopie pies for 30 minutes before serving.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips for perfecting your Red Velvet Whoopie Pies:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature to ensure smooth, lump-free filling and batter.
2. Don’t Overbake: Be sure to take the cakes out of the oven when they are just set. Overbaking will make them dry.
3. Chill the Filling: If the cream cheese filling is too soft to spread, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm it up.
4. Add Flavor Variations: Try adding a little cinnamon or almond extract to the filling for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.

Recipe Variations

You can get creative with these Red Velvet Whoopie Pies by trying out these variations:

• Chocolate Filling: Swap out the cream cheese filling for a rich chocolate buttercream if you’re a chocolate lover.
• Marshmallow Filling: Try using marshmallow fluff mixed with a bit of cream cheese for a lighter, fluffier filling.
• Mini Pies: Make mini whoopie pies for bite-sized treats, perfect for a party or as a snack.
• Add Nuts: For extra crunch, add some finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.

Freezing and Storage

Store your Red Velvet Whoopie Pies in the following ways:

• Storage: Keep the whoopie pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the individual cakes before assembling them. Once frozen, store in a ziplock bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. To assemble, simply thaw and add the filling when ready to serve.

Special Equipment

You’ll need a few basic tools to make these pies:

• Electric Mixer: For smooth and fluffy batter and filling.
• Cookie Scoop: To evenly portion the batter for uniform-sized cakes.
• Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheets and make cleanup easy.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cakes before assembling.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about Red Velvet Whoopie Pies:

• Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup like traditional flour.
• Can I make these whoopie pies without food coloring? Yes, you can skip the food coloring if you prefer a more natural look, though they won’t have the signature red color.
• How can I keep the filling from leaking out? Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before assembling, and use a generous amount of filling for a thick, stable sandwich.

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Conclusion

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are the perfect dessert to bring a pop of color and a burst of flavor to any occasion. With their soft, moist red velvet cakes and rich, tangy cream cheese filling, these pies are a match made in dessert heaven. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, they’re sure to make any moment feel extra special.

The beauty of whoopie pies is not only in their taste but also in their fun, handheld shape. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and will leave everyone asking for more. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and share the love with friends and family!

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations! Enjoy!