A Sweet Tradition Filled with Memories
Growing up, Easter was always a time of joy, family, and, of course, delicious treats. My grandmother had a way of making every holiday feel magical, and Easter was no exception. The house would be filled with the scent of freshly baked cookies, chocolate bunnies lined the counters, and pastel-colored desserts adorned the dining table. But there was one dessert that always stole the show—Whoopie Pies.
While they weren’t traditionally an Easter dessert, my grandmother gave them a festive twist by rolling the edges in pastel sprinkles and tinting the frosting in soft shades of pink, blue, and yellow. As a child, I loved pressing the two cookie-like cakes together, watching the creamy filling peek out the sides, and sneaking a taste before they were even served.
Now, every Easter, I carry on that tradition. Baking these sweet, fluffy treats isn’t just about making dessert—it’s about bringing a little bit of that childhood magic back to life. These Easter Whoopie Pies are soft, colorful, and irresistibly delicious, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re making them for an Easter gathering, a spring celebration, or just because, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who takes a bite.
What Are Whoopie Pies?
Whoopie Pies are a classic American dessert that originated in the Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch communities. Traditionally, they consist of two soft, cake-like cookies sandwiched together with a creamy filling. While the classic version features chocolate cakes with vanilla or marshmallow frosting, there are endless variations, from pumpkin spice to red velvet.
These Easter-themed Whoopie Pies are made using French vanilla cake mix, giving them a light, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the fluffy vanilla frosting. The festive pastel sprinkles add a cheerful touch, making them ideal for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients: A Delightful Blend of Sweetness and Texture
For the Whoopie Pies:
- 1 box French vanilla cake mix
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsalted sweet cream butter
- 3 cups Easter sprinkles
For the Vanilla Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- Pink gel food coloring
Directions: Crafting a Fun and Festive Dessert
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, combine the cake mix, egg, and butter until a soft dough forms.
- Mix in 1 cup of sprinkles for added color and crunch.
Step 2: Baking the Whoopie Pies
- Scoop out dough with a small cookie scoop and roll into balls.
- Coat each dough ball in the remaining sprinkles and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
Step 3: Making the Frosting
- Beat butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, and a few drops of pink gel food coloring until creamy and fluffy.
Step 4: Assembling the Whoopie Pies
- Scoop frosting into a piping bag with a star tip for an elegant look.
- Pipe frosting onto the flat side of one whoopie pie and top with another, pressing gently to form a sandwich.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the pies set for a few minutes before serving these festive Easter treats.
Nutritional Breakdown: A Sweet Indulgence
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 16g
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 200mg
Why You’ll Love These Easter Whoopie Pies
- Fun and Festive – With their pastel colors and sprinkle-covered edges, these treats are perfect for Easter celebrations.
- Easy to Make – Thanks to cake mix, these whoopie pies come together quickly with minimal effort.
- Soft, Fluffy, and Creamy – The perfect balance of light, cake-like cookies and smooth, sweet frosting.
- A Kid-Friendly Favorite – Children love helping with the rolling, filling, and decorating!
- Great for Gatherings – These make a wonderful addition to Easter brunch, dessert tables, or gift boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whoopie Pies
1. Can I Make Whoopie Pies Ahead of Time?
Yes! Whoopie Pies are great for making in advance. You can:
- Bake the cookies up to two days ahead and store them in an airtight container.
- Assemble the whoopie pies the day before serving and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours.
2. How Should I Store Whoopie Pies?
To keep them fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Room Temperature: If your home is cool, they can sit at room temperature for a day or two.
- Freezer: Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 3 months and frost them when ready to serve.
3. Can I Use a Different Cake Mix?
Absolutely! While French vanilla cake mix gives these whoopie pies a soft and buttery flavor, you can also try:
- Lemon Cake Mix for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Strawberry Cake Mix for a fruity, pink-hued version.
- Funfetti Cake Mix for extra sprinkles inside the batter.
4. What Can I Use Instead of Buttercream Frosting?
If you want to change up the filling, try:
- Cream Cheese Frosting – Adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Marshmallow Fluff Filling – For a classic, extra-fluffy whoopie pie.
- Chocolate Ganache – A rich, decadent option for chocolate lovers.
5. How Can I Make These Whoopie Pies Healthier?
To lighten them up:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of butter in the cake batter.
- Swap out half of the powdered sugar in the frosting for a natural sweetener.
- Reduce the butter content in the filling by using part cream cheese.
6. Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
7. How Do I Get Evenly Sized Whoopie Pies?
For uniform cookies:
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
- Roll each dough ball lightly in your hands before baking.
- Make sure to pair up cookies of similar sizes when assembling.
8. Can I Decorate the Whoopie Pies in Other Ways?
Definitely! Get creative with:
- Drizzles of white or dark chocolate over the tops.
- Crushed candy pieces (such as pastel M&Ms) pressed into the frosting.
- Edible glitter or gold dust for a whimsical touch.
9. Can I Make Mini Whoopie Pies?
Yes! To make bite-sized versions, use a smaller scoop and reduce the baking time to 7-9 minutes.
10. What’s the Best Way to Serve Whoopie Pies?
Whoopie Pies are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. Try:
- Stacking them on a tiered dessert stand for a beautiful Easter table display.
- Wrapping them individually in cellophane for party favors or Easter baskets.
- Pairing them with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for the ultimate treat.
Tips for the Perfect Whoopie Pies
- Chill the Dough – If your dough is sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
- Don’t Overbake – Whoopie pies should be soft and pillowy, not crispy. Remove from the oven when the edges are set.
- Let Them Cool Completely – Warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt.
- Pipe the Frosting – Use a piping bag with a star tip for a bakery-style presentation.
- Roll in Sprinkles Before Serving – For the best look, gently roll the edges of the filled pies in pastel sprinkles just before serving.
Conclusion: A Sweet Celebration in Every Bite
Easter Whoopie Pies are more than just a dessert—they’re a way to bring joy, tradition, and creativity to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re making them with your kids, sharing them at a springtime gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these colorful, fluffy delights are guaranteed to make every moment a little more special.
So this Easter, skip the store-bought treats and make something homemade. With their festive pastel colors, soft cake-like texture, and rich, creamy filling, these Whoopie Pies are bound to become a new holiday favorite in your home.
Because sometimes, the best Easter memories aren’t about the chocolate bunnies or egg hunts—they’re about the sweet, simple traditions shared with the people we love most.
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Easter Whoopie Pies: A Festive Treat That Brings Joy to Every Bite
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
- Yield: 12-15 whoopie pies
Description
Easter Whoopie Pies are a fun, festive treat that brings together the sweetness of vanilla cake, a creamy filling, and vibrant pastel sprinkles. Inspired by childhood memories of family gatherings, these fluffy, soft whoopie pies are perfect for any holiday celebration, and their colorful look will brighten any table.
Ingredients
For the Whoopie Pies:
- 1 box French vanilla cake mix
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsalted sweet cream butter
- 3 cups Easter sprinkles
For the Vanilla Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- Pink gel food coloring
Instructions
Preparing the Dough:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, combine the cake mix, egg, and butter until a soft dough forms.
- Mix in 1 cup of sprinkles for added color and crunch.
Baking the Whoopie Pies:
- Scoop out dough with a small cookie scoop and roll into balls.
- Coat each dough ball in the remaining sprinkles and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
Making the Frosting:
- Beat butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, and a few drops of pink gel food coloring until creamy and fluffy.
Assembling the Whoopie Pies:
- Scoop frosting into a piping bag with a star tip for an elegant look.
- Pipe frosting onto the flat side of one whoopie pie and top with another, pressing gently to form a sandwich.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the pies set for a few minutes before serving these festive Easter treats.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is sticky, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes to make it easier to roll.
- Don’t Overbake: Whoopie pies should remain soft, so bake until the edges are set but the cookies are still tender.
- Pipe the Frosting: For a bakery-style look, use a piping bag with a star tip to add the frosting elegantly.
- Roll in Sprinkles: Roll the edges in sprinkles just before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American (Holiday, Easter)
