If you are on the hunt for a dessert that’s as nostalgic as it is downright delicious, then the Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe is your new best friend. These charming, pillow-soft cakes sandwich a luscious cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances the rich, tender crumb of red velvet. Whether you’re making them for a get-together, a cozy afternoon treat, or to impress at your next celebration, these whoopie pies are designed to bring big smiles with every bite. Their vibrant color and classic flavor combo make them totally unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the foundation of any great recipe, and this Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe is no exception. Each component plays a vital role, from the softness of the butter to the tang of the buttermilk, creating the ideal texture and flavor harmony. Let’s take a look at the essentials:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tender texture for the cakes.
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a mild chocolatey depth typical of red velvet.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cakes rise for that perfect puff.
- ½ cup salted butter (softened): Brings moisture and richness to the batter.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Contributes warmth and subtle caramel notes.
- â…“ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add lift.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a sweet, aromatic depth.
- 1 tablespoon red liquid or gel food coloring: Gives that signature bright red hue.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Offers tanginess and tenderizes the crumb.
- ½ cup salted butter (softened) for frosting: Makes the filling creamy and rich.
- 8 oz package cream cheese (softened): The star of the filling, creamy and slightly tangy.
- 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted): Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness in the filling layer.
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream: Keeps the frosting fluffy and spreadable.
How to Make Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Batter
Start by whisking together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and lightened in color. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla and red food coloring. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry. This results in a smooth, bright red batter that’s ready to be shaped into whoopie pies.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of batter about 2 inches apart; they will spread slightly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until the cakes spring back gently when touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before assembling to avoid melting the frosting.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cakes cool, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and mix until fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract, then add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach a light, fluffy but spreadable consistency. This frosting is the ultimate creamy complement to the red velvet cake’s tender crumb.
Step 4: Assemble Your Whoopie Pies
Pair similarly sized cake rounds and spread a generous dollop of frosting on the flat side of one piece. Sandwich it with the matching cake, pressing gently to spread the frosting evenly to the edges. Repeat until all cakes are paired. For that perfect presentation, wipe any excess frosting from the edges. These whoopie pies look as delightful as they taste!
How to Serve Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe with some simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries. For a fancy touch, sprinkle with edible gold flakes or a drizzle of white chocolate. These little accents turn a charming treat into a party-ready dessert that everyone will admire.
Side Dishes
These whoopie pies make a fabulous dessert after a light meal. Pair them with a cup of rich coffee, spiced chai, or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness. You could also serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting combo that never fails to impress.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your whoopie pies on a tiered cake stand for an eye-catching display, perfect for showers or birthdays. Wrapping each pie individually in parchment and tying with colorful twine transforms them into delightful edible favors. You can even sandwich two or three into layered whoopie pie towers for a dramatic dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, store your Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days. Avoid leaving them out too long since the cream cheese frosting is perishable.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later on, you can freeze the baked cakes before assembling or freeze fully assembled pies. Wrap the cakes or sandwiches individually in plastic wrap and place in airtight containers or freezer bags. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
For that freshly-baked feel, let the thawed whoopie pies come to room temperature before eating. If you like them a little warm, gently heat in the microwave for about 10 seconds, but be careful not to melt the frosting. This will bring back some softness without compromising the delicious cream cheese filling.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in this recipe?
While buttermilk adds a pleasant tang and tenderizes the cakes beautifully, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a quick replacement to mimic buttermilk’s effect.
Is red food coloring necessary for the Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe?
The red food coloring is key for achieving the classic vibrant look of red velvet. Without it, the pies will have the flavor but much less of that iconic red charm that makes them so fun and special.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor will still be delicious and anyone avoiding gluten can enjoy them too.
How do I avoid the whoopie pies from sticking to the pan?
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking. Also, ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh to get the perfect rise and prevent spreading that causes sticking.
What can I do if my frosting is too thick or too thin?
If your cream cheese frosting is too thick, add a bit more heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until it spreads easily. If too thin, add a touch more sifted powdered sugar to thicken without losing creaminess.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe that invites both comfort and a little celebration into your kitchen. The balance of tender, cocoa-kissed cakes with that creamy cream cheese frosting is a sweet hug in dessert form. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try these whoopie pies soon—they are simple to make, charming to serve, and guaranteed to become a cherished favorite for years to come.
Print
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 whoopie pies (serves 24)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are soft, tender cake-like cookies sandwiched with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. These delightful treats combine the classic red velvet flavor with a smooth, sweet filling, making them perfect for parties or any special occasion. With a perfect balance of cocoa and vibrant red coloring, these whoopie pies are a delicious and visually striking dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red liquid or gel food coloring
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. This will ensure the dry ingredients are evenly combined for a consistent cake texture.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air, creating a tender crumb in the cakes.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and food coloring: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and red food coloring, mixing each thoroughly. The red coloring will give the pies their signature vibrant red hue.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could make the cakes tough.
- Bake the whoopie pies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of batter onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting: While the cakes cool, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until fully combined and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and heavy cream until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the whoopie pies: Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on the flat side of one cake, then sandwich it with another cake. Repeat with the remaining cakes and frosting.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are fully softened for smooth frosting.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color with less liquid added to the batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the whoopie pies soft and tender.
- Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Let refrigerated whoopie pies come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
