Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Crimson discs of soft, cakey goodness, sandwiched together with a cloud of creamy, tangy filling, Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are a delightful handheld treat that marries the best of cake and cookie. These are not mere cookies; they are miniature red velvet cakes, perfectly portioned and ready to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Picture biting into these tender rounds, the subtle cocoa notes of the red velvet cake mingling with the rich, smooth cream cheese filling, creating a symphony of textures and flavours in every mouthful. This recipe is all about crafting moments of pure joy, one whoopie pie at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

• Handheld Red Velvet Bliss: Enjoy the classic flavour of red velvet cake in a fun, portable, and perfectly portioned whoopie pie format. These treats offer all the deliciousness of red velvet cake without the need for forks or plates, making them ideal for parties, picnics, or on-the-go snacking.
• Soft and Cakey Texture: This recipe is specifically designed to create whoopie pies with a wonderfully soft and cakey texture, unlike denser cookies. The tender rounds practically melt in your mouth, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy filling and a truly satisfying bite.
• Creamy Dreamy Filling: The signature cream cheese filling is the heart of these whoopie pies, providing a tangy, rich, and utterly irresistible counterpoint to the subtly sweet cake rounds. The creamy filling perfectly complements the red velvet flavour, creating a harmonious balance of tastes and textures.
• Visually Stunning Treat: Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Their vibrant red colour, contrasted with the pristine white filling, makes them a visually striking dessert that is sure to impress. They are perfect for adding a touch of elegance and festivity to any occasion.
• Fun and Easy Baking Project: Creating Red Velvet Whoopie Pies is a fun and rewarding baking experience, even for beginner bakers. The recipe is straightforward, and the process of assembling the whoopie pies is enjoyable and satisfying. It’s a great project for baking with kids or anyone who loves a hands-on kitchen activity.

Ingredients

For the Tender Red Velvet Cakes

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, the foundation for the cakey texture of the whoopie pie rounds. All-purpose flour provides the structure and tenderness needed for these delicate cakes. Ensure accurate measurement using the spoon-and-level method.
• 1 tsp baking powder, a leavening agent that provides lift and contributes to the light and airy texture of the cake rounds. Baking powder is essential for achieving the signature cakey crumb. Ensure it is fresh for optimal leavening.
• ½ tsp baking soda, another leavening agent that works in tandem with baking powder to create the perfect rise and texture. Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients, contributing to the red velvet flavour and tenderness. Ensure it is fresh for optimal leavening.
• 1 tsp salt, balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavours in the cake rounds. Salt is crucial in baking to prevent desserts from tasting flat and one-dimensional. It brings out the complexity of the cocoa and vanilla.
• 1 cup granulated sugar, provides sweetness and contributes to the tender texture. Granulated sugar helps create a slightly crisp exterior and a soft interior in the cake rounds. It also aids in browning during baking.
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened. Butter adds richness, flavour, and moisture to the cake rounds. Softened butter is crucial for proper creaming with sugar, creating a light and airy base. Unsalted butter allows for controlled salt levels.
• 2 large fresh eggs, act as binders and emulsifiers, providing structure, richness, and moisture to the cake batter. Eggs are essential for creating a cohesive batter and contribute to the cakey texture. Use large eggs for consistent results.
• 1 cup buttermilk, adds moisture, tanginess, and tenderness to the cake rounds, contributing to the signature red velvet flavour and texture. Buttermilk reacts with baking soda, enhancing leavening and creating a tender crumb. Use real buttermilk for the best flavour and texture.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil, adds moisture and tenderness, ensuring the cake rounds remain soft and moist even after baking. Vegetable oil is a neutral oil that contributes to a tender crumb without adding its own distinct flavour.
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, provides the subtle chocolate flavour characteristic of red velvet cake. Cocoa powder adds depth and complexity to the flavour profile. Use good quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, enhances the overall flavour profile, adding warmth and depth. Vanilla extract complements the cocoa and buttermilk, creating a more complex and aromatic cake round. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavour.
• 1 tsp red food coloring gel, provides the signature vibrant red hue of red velvet cake. Red food coloring gel is more concentrated and less likely to thin the batter compared to liquid food coloring. Use gel food coloring for intense colour.
• 1 tsp white vinegar, reacts with baking soda and buttermilk, further enhancing the leavening and contributing to the tangy flavour of red velvet cake. White vinegar is a key ingredient in traditional red velvet recipes.

For the Dreamy Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, full-fat, softened. Cream cheese is the star of the filling, providing the signature tangy and rich flavour. Full-fat cream cheese is essential for achieving the desired creamy texture and flavour. Ensure it is fully softened for smooth mixing.
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened. Butter adds richness, flavour, and stability to the cream cheese filling. Softened butter is crucial for proper creaming with cream cheese, creating a light and fluffy filling. Unsalted butter allows for controlled salt levels.
• 3 cups powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar. Powdered sugar provides sweetness and structure to the cream cheese filling, creating a smooth and stable consistency. Sift powdered sugar to remove lumps for a smoother filling.
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, enhances the flavour of the cream cheese filling, adding warmth and depth. Vanilla extract complements the tangy cream cheese and sweet powdered sugar, creating a balanced and aromatic filling. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavour.

How to Make Red Velvet Whoopie Pies ?

this …

Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Rounds

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the baked whoopie pie rounds.

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Beat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is pale and noticeably lighter in texture. This creaming process is essential for incorporating air and creating a tender cake.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully emulsified into the butter and sugar mixture before adding the next.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, red food coloring gel, and white vinegar. This wet mixture combines the liquid ingredients and flavourings for the red velvet cake.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the dry ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can develop gluten and result in tougher cake rounds.

Step 2: Bake the Whoopie Pie Rounds

Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to ensure uniform size for even baking and consistent whoopie pies.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers spring back lightly when touched. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft and cakey texture. The rounds should be slightly domed and tender.

Let the baked red velvet cake rounds cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is essential before filling and assembling the whoopie pies.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cake rounds are cooling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Beat until light and fluffy, ensuring no lumps remain.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated, then increasing speed to medium and beating until light and fluffy after each addition. Sifting the powdered sugar beforehand helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth filling.

Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Vanilla extract enhances the flavour of the cream cheese filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Once the red velvet cake rounds are completely cooled, pair them up by size. Match similarly sized rounds to create even whoopie pies.

Place a generous dollop of cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cake round. Use a piping bag or a spoon to apply a generous amount of filling.

Top with a second cake round, flat side down, gently pressing to sandwich the filling and create a whoopie pie. Be gentle to avoid squeezing out too much filling.

Repeat with the remaining cake rounds and filling.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Chill the assembled Red Velvet Whoopie Pies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling helps the filling to firm up and the whoopie pies to become more stable and easier to handle.

Serve chilled and enjoy. Whoopie pies are best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for Variations

Chocolate Chip Surprise

Add mini chocolate chips to the cake batter for a delightful chocolatey surprise within the red velvet rounds. Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips just before baking for added texture and flavour.

Cinnamon Spice Warmth

Infuse the cake rounds with warm spice by adding ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients. Cinnamon complements the red velvet flavour and adds a cozy, aromatic note.

Lemon Zest Brightness

Add a touch of citrusy brightness by incorporating lemon zest into the cream cheese filling. Zest of one lemon adds a refreshing and tangy counterpoint to the richness of the filling.

Nutty Crunch Factor

Enhance the texture and flavour by adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter or pressing them onto the sides of the filling. Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts to the batter or gently press chopped nuts onto the exposed filling for added crunch and nutty flavour. Toast nuts lightly for deeper flavour.

Coffee Infused Cake

Deepen the cocoa flavour and add a hint of coffee by incorporating 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. Espresso powder enhances the chocolate notes and adds a subtle coffee complexity.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Dessert Platter

Arrange Red Velvet Whoopie Pies on a platter alongside other desserts like mini cupcakes, brownies, and cookies for a beautiful and varied dessert spread. Whoopie pies add visual appeal and a unique handheld treat to a dessert platter.

Picnic Basket Treat

Pack Red Velvet Whoopie Pies for a picnic or outdoor gathering. They are portable, easy to handle, and make a delightful sweet treat for enjoying outdoors. Wrap individually for easy transport.

Tea Time Indulgence

Serve Red Velvet Whoopie Pies as a sweet accompaniment to afternoon tea or coffee. Their delicate sweetness and satisfying texture make them a perfect treat for a relaxing tea time break.

Party Favor Goodie Bags

Package individual Red Velvet Whoopie Pies in cellophane bags and tie with ribbons to create charming and delicious party favors for guests to take home. Whoopie pies make delightful and personalized party favors.

Simple Sweet Snack

Enjoy Red Velvet Whoopie Pies as a simple and satisfying snack any time of day. They are perfect for satisfying a sweet craving or enjoying as a treat with family and friends.

FAQ

Can I use cake mix to make these whoopie pies?

While this recipe is designed for scratch-made whoopie pies, you could potentially adapt it using a red velvet cake mix. You would need to adjust the liquid ingredients and baking time. Scratch-made offers better control over texture and flavour.

How do I prevent the whoopie pie rounds from spreading too much?

To prevent spreading, ensure your oven temperature is accurate and do not over-grease the baking sheets. Chilling the batter for 30 minutes before scooping can also help reduce spreading.

Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?

Yes, the cream cheese filling can be made a day ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before using for easier spreading or piping.

How long do Red Velvet Whoopie Pies stay fresh?

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They may become slightly softer over time, but the flavour will remain delicious.

Can I freeze Red Velvet Whoopie Pies?

Freezing is not recommended for assembled Red Velvet Whoopie Pies as the filling texture may change upon thawing. You can freeze the baked cake rounds separately. Wrap cooled cake rounds tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before filling and assembling.

Print