What on Earth is a whoopie pie?
Nice question, reader Ian. I’m sure there aren’t any in Australia. Up until recently there weren’t many outside of Pennsylvania and the New England region of the US. I’d never seen or heard of one until I started working at suburban Chicago bakery around ten years ago. Then, whoopie pies were considered quite exotic things in the Midwest. These days, however, just about every serious baker and/or sweet eater in the US has at least heard of a whoopie pie, as they’ve become quite the trendy item the last 5 years or so.
Classically a whoopie pie is a sort of sweet sandwich made with a chocolate cake “bun” and a filling of vanilla frosting. Quite simple things, really, but Lord let me tell you, they’re good. I haven’t tried any of the more exotic versions that are around nowadays, as I’m a simple country fellow at heart and I both loathe and fear the unknown. But I’m told some of the variations that are out there — which range from pumpkin to banana, lemon, peanut butter, strawberry, red velvet, gingerbread and zucchini — can be quite good. Me, I’ll stick with the basics, cool?
Hi Joe,
I simply love your site. What I like most about it is you make it all seem so simple and easy. Also the fact that my hubby’s name is Joe:-)
Welcome, Marie! And thanks for the note!
– Joe
actually, we have them at our local farmer’s market – specially on the sign “Imported Direct From the USA!”
I haven’t been game to try one yet 😉
Chris
Who knew? Thanks for that, Chris!
– Joe
update! I just saw a brand name box in the supermarket of “Whoopie Pie” box mix… they must be mainstream now 😉
Well I’ll be darned…
I had never heard of Whoopie Pies until my Canadian friend emailed me her recipe a number of years ago. We love them. The closest thing we have here in NZ would be: kisses, ginger kisses, sponge drops and cinnamon oysters. Seeing your post has me wanting to make whoopie pies again, I am sure there will be no complaints at home if I do!
Yeah, I hear that. I’d never heard of them either. I haven’t made them for years, but I’m pretty sure once I start my girls won’t let me stop!
– Joe