Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are fun and tasty treats that bring a little fall magic to your dessert plate! They feature soft, spiced cake with a delicious apple filling between two fluffy cookies.
These pies are great for sharing, but I warn you: they tend to disappear quickly! 🍏 I love enjoying them with a warm cup of cider for the perfect cozy combo.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: The base for the whoopie pies. You can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed; just check for one that has xanthan gum for proper texture!
Apple Cider: This gives a delightful apple flavor. If you’re out of cider, try applesauce or even a bit of apple juice mixed with water to keep the moisture level.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves are key for flavor. If you don’t have all of them, just cinnamon can still taste great. Pumpkin pie spice is a nice alternative too!
Cream Cheese: The filling requires cream cheese for creaminess. You can swap with mascarpone or even a dairy-free cream cheese if you’re looking to make it vegan!
How Do I Get My Whoopie Pies to Bake Evenly?
Baking whoopie pies evenly is crucial for the perfect texture! Start by ensuring your oven is fully preheated. Use an ice cream scoop or a small cookie scoop for uniform sizes, which helps them bake evenly.
- Space them out well on the baking sheet to allow for spreading.
- Watch the baking time closely; they should be puffed and spring back when pressed lightly.
- Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even heat distribution.
These steps will help you achieve delicious, uniform whoopie pies every time! Enjoy your baking experience!
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Whoopie Pie Cakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup apple cider
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 10-12 minutes for baking. Make sure to give yourself some extra time for cooling and assembling the whoopie pies, totaling around 45 minutes to 1 hour before you can enjoy these sweet treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cakes will bake evenly. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy removal later on.
2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This mix will give your whoopie pies that lovely spiced flavor!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for getting a nice texture in your cakes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until thoroughly combined.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Alternate this with the apple cider, starting with the dry ingredients and ending with that delicious cider. Mix just until everything is combined—be careful not to overmix, or your cakes may turn out dense!
5. Scoop Out the Batter:
Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, drop about 1.5 tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
6. Sugar Coating:
Before baking, gently roll the tops of each batter mound in granulated sugar for a sweet sparkle. This adds a nice touch to your finished pies!
7. Bake the Whoopie Pies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes; then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Filling:
While the cakes cool, prepare your filling. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then the vanilla extract and cinnamon, mixing until fluffy.
9. Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
Once the cakes are entirely cooled, spread or pipe a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one cake. Top it with another cake to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cakes!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Your whoopie pies can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy. If they’re in the fridge, let them sit at room temperature a few minutes before eating for the best texture. Dive in and enjoy those scrumptious bites!
Happy baking and enjoy your delightful Apple Cider Whoopie Pies! 🍏🥧
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser texture. You might want to use 50% whole wheat and 50% all-purpose for a balance between nutrition and lightness.
Is It Possible to Make These Whoopie Pies Vegan?
Absolutely! To make them vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese for the filling. Ensure the apple cider is also vegan-friendly.
How Should I Store Leftover Whoopie Pies?
Store any leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just separate layers with parchment paper before freezing to prevent sticking.
Can I Add Different Flavors to the Filling?
Definitely! You can mix in flavored extracts like almond or maple, or even add cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Just remember to adjust the powdered sugar accordingly for sweetness!