In the world of desserts, there are some treats that stand out for their unique taste, delightful appearance, and rich history. One such dessert is the beloved Whoopie Pie. A Whoopie Pie is a sandwich-like dessert made with two round, cake-like cookies that are filled with a creamy filling. It is a classic American dessert that has been enjoyed by generations and has become a staple in many households. In this article, we will take a closer look at the fascinating history, delicious flavors, and popular variations of Whoopie Pies, as well as explore how you can make these scrumptious treats at home.
History and Origin of Whoopie Pies: A Sweet Tale of Legends and Traditions
The exact origin of Whoopie Pies is a topic of debate among historians and dessert enthusiasts. Some believe that Whoopie Pies originated in the United States, specifically in the state of Pennsylvania, while others claim that they have their roots in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. There are also legends that attribute the creation of Whoopie Pies to the Amish community or the Native American tribes in Maine. Despite the conflicting claims, one thing is certain – Whoopie Pies have a rich history that is as sweet as their flavors.
One popular theory about the origin of the name “Whoopie Pie” is that it comes from the exclamation of joy that people would make when they first tasted these delicious treats. According to this theory, when children found Whoopie Pies in their lunchboxes or when families indulged in them as a special treat, they would shout “Whoopie!” in delight. This joyous exclamation eventually became associated with the dessert itself, and the name “Whoopie Pie” stuck.
Another theory about the origin of Whoopie Pies traces back to the traditions of the Amish community, who are known for their frugality and resourcefulness. It is believed that the Amish women would bake batches of cake-like cookies with leftover batter from making pies, and then fill them with leftover frosting or other sweet fillings to create a simple yet satisfying dessert. These homemade treats were often packed in lunchboxes for farm workers or sold at bake sales to raise funds for the community. Over time, the popularity of these homemade treats spread beyond the Amish community, and Whoopie Pies became a beloved dessert across the United States.
Ingredients:
-2 cups all-purpose flour
-¾ cup cocoa powder
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1 teaspoon baking powder
-½ teaspoon salt
-1 cup granulated sugar
-½ cup vegetable oil
-2 large eggs
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1 cup buttermilk
-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Filling:
- -½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- -1 cup powdered sugar
- -2 tablespoons heavy cream
- -1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
6. For the filling, combine the butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Beat until light and fluffy.
7. To assemble, spread the filling onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat with remaining filling and cookies. Serve immediately.
