Looking for a delicious, gluten-free treat to satisfy your dessert dreams? Look no further than homemade gluten-free whoopie pies! These soft chocolate cookies, also known as sandwich cookies, are the perfect sized treat for any occasion.
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Whoopie pies have been a beloved dessert in America since the early 20th century, and this gluten-free whoopie pie recipe gives a new twist on the traditional chocolate whoopie pies. With a rich and dark chocolate flavor, these cakes will have you coming back for more.
The cake batter for these gluten-free whoopie pies is made with a blend of gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, baking soda, unsweetened cocoa powder, brown sugar, espresso powder (optional), eggs, milk, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Once baked, the chocolate whoopie pie dough is paired with a sweet vanilla buttercream frosting, making for the perfect dessert to share with friends or family. Whether you're looking for school dessert recipes or a special treat, this gluten-free whoopie pie recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The History of Whoopie Pies
Whoopie pies are a traditional dessert that originated in the Northeastern region of the United States, specifically in Pennsylvania Amish country. They have since evolved to become a popular treat across the country and beyond.
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The Importance of Gluten Free Ingredients
In gluten-free baking, a blend of gluten-free flours and xanthan gum can be used to mimic the properties of gluten. Xanthan gum is a natural thickener that helps to bind ingredients together and give baked goods their structure. Other gluten-free ingredients, like unsweetened cocoa powder, brown sugar, espresso powder, eggs, milk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, can be used to create delicious and flavorful gluten-free whoopie pies.
What are Whoopie Pies?
Whoopie pies are classic American desserts, also known as an Amish treat. They consist of two chocolate snack cakes, sandwiched together with a creamy whoopie pie filling. These sized cookies have a decadent cake-like texture with a perfect creamy texture. Gluten-free chocolate cakes are also available for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend with Xanthan Gum: This blend is the base for the cake batter and should be used in place of traditional wheat flour to make the recipe gluten-free. It is important to use a blend that already has xanthan gum included to help the batter hold together and maintain its structure.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder provides the chocolate flavor for the whoopie pies and adds richness to the batter. You can also use a natural cocoa powder.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness to the whoopie pies and also helps to create a moist and tender texture.
- Espresso Powder (optional): Adding a small amount of espresso powder to the batter enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth.
- Eggs: Eggs help to bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the batter.
- Milk: Milk provides moisture and helps to create a tender crumb in the finished whoopie pies.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter adds flavor to the batter and also helps to create a tender texture in the finished whoopie pies.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the whoopie pies and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Marshmallow Fluff: Marshmallow fluff is a classic filling for whoopie pies that provides a sweet and creamy contrast to the chocolate cake-like exterior. The marshmallow creams with the butter to make a fluffy buttercream frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the marshmallow fluff filling and create a smooth and creamy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat oven to 350ºF and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, baking soda, salt, and cocoa.
In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to cream butter, brown sugar, and powdered sugar.
Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, then mix at medium speed.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on medium-low speed.
Use a medium cookie scoop to portion batter per cake onto the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 11-12 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for cooling.
To make the filling, beat butter, marshmallow creme, powdered sugar, and real vanilla extract in a mixing bowl.
Use a piping bag or ice cream scoop to add the marshmallow filling to the cake rounds.
Enjoy these decadent gluten-free whoopie pies with family and friends!
Tips and Tricks for Gluten-Free Whoopie Pie Perfection
Achieving the Ideal Texture: To achieve the perfect texture for your gluten-free whoopie pies, make sure to use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum and avoid over-mixing the batter, as this can cause it to become tough and dense.
Storage and Freshness: Store your gluten-free whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pies for up to 2 months.
Creative Flavor Combinations: Experiment with different flavors by adding nuts, fruit, or spices to the batter or filling. Some popular variations include pumpkin spice, peanut butter, and raspberry.
Whoopie Pie Variations
Whoopie pie variations include double chocolate whoopie pies and gluten-free gingerbread whoopie pies. Non-dairy milk options such as almond milk or canned coconut milk can replace traditional milk. For chocolate lovers, cocoa can be added to the cake batter, and marshmallow filling is a classic choice. Plant-based milk and vegan butter can replace dairy, while cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream frosting are popular choices. Rich cream cheese frosting can also be made with cashew milk, and gluten-free pumpkin whoopie pies are a fall favorite.
Filling Ideas
- For the filling, try using a creamy peanut butter filling for a fun twist.
- For chocolate lovers, double chocolate whoopie pies with canned coconut milk and powdered sugar are a rich and creamy option.
- Cashew milk and other non-dairy or plant-based milk can be used to make the perfect filling using a medium cookie scoop or ice cream scoop.
- For fall flavors, try gluten-free pumpkin whoopie pies with a cream cheese filling.
- Gluten-free chocolate whoopie pies can be paired with a chocolate filling, while Gluten Free Gingerbread Whoopie Pies can be paired with a cinnamon cream cheese filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve homemade whoopie pies with a dollop of rich cream cheese frosting.
- Store in a tight container, separating cake rounds with parchment paper. Dust with cups powdered sugar before serving, and pair with a glass of milk.
- Try different cake and frosting recipes, such as vanilla frosting, for variety.
- Prepare the cake recipe and frosting recipes separately, using an electric mixer and mixing bowl.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Store homemade gluten-free whoopie pies in an airtight container.
- Separate cake rounds with parchment paper to prevent sandwich cookies from sticking.
- To freeze, place on a wire rack on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
- Wrap in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container before freezing.
- For best results, consume within a month.
- Buttercream filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For easy cleanup, use a silicone baking mat when baking gluten-free whoopie pies.
What is the difference between a moon pie and a whoopie pie?
Moon pies are a Southern treat made with graham cookies, marshmallow filling, and chocolate coating. Whoopie pies are a Northeastern dessert made with cake-like chocolate or pumpkin sized cookies and vanilla buttercream frosting or marshmallow filling. Variations of whoopie pies include creamy peanut butter filling and real vanilla extract. Both desserts can be stored in a tight container, but whoopie pies are typically made with a medium-sized cookie scoop.
FAQ
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter, and use a non-dairy milk like almond milk or soy milk.
Try using a cream cheese filling, peanut butter filling, or fruit jam filling for a delicious twist on the classic marshmallow fluff filling.
Store your gluten-free whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pies for up to 2 months.
Yes! To freeze your whoopie pies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Yes! Experiment with different flavors by adding nuts, fruit, or spices to the batter or filling. Some popular variations include pumpkin spice, peanut butter, and raspberry.
The Ultimate Gluten Free Whoopie Pies
Ingredients
Whoopie Pies:
- 2 cups gluten free flour a blend with xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup cocoa powdered unsweetened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder optional
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 stick unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 2 cups marshmallow fluff
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 355°F and prepare two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine gluten-free flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, brown sugar, espresso powder (if using), and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use a wet finger to smooth out the dough dollops to prevent cracked whoopie pie tops.
- Bake for 8 minutes, or until the pies spring back when gently touched. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat together marshmallow fluff, powdered sugar, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once the whoopie pies are completely cooled, spread or pipe a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one pie and top with another pie, flat-side down. Repeat with the remaining pies and filling.
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