Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Red velvet whoopie pies bring a fun twist to the classic whoopie pies recipe with their vibrant color and moist texture. These treats combine the rich taste of red velvet cake with a smooth cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Home cooks and baking enthusiasts appreciate how they look impressive yet come together without much fuss.
- Ease of preparation: Whip up these red velvet whoopie pies recipe in under an hour of active time. The batter mixes quickly by hand or with a mixer, and baking takes just 10-12 minutes per batch. Perfect for busy parents or working professionals who want homemade red velvet whoopie pies with cream cheese filling without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
- Health benefits: Cocoa powder adds antioxidants, while buttermilk contributes probiotics for gut health. Opt for low-fat cream cheese in the whoopie pie filling to cut calories. Each pie offers a satisfying dessert with moderate portions, fitting for diet-conscious individuals seeking balance.
- Versatility: Adapt this easy red velvet whoopie pies for various needs, like gluten-free flour or vegan swaps. Serve them at parties, pack for lunches, or enjoy as a special treat for students and seniors. Their handheld size makes them ideal for travelers or newlyweds hosting casual gatherings.
- Distinctive flavor: The subtle chocolate from cocoa pairs with tangy cream cheese frosting for a standout taste. Red food coloring gives that iconic hue, setting these soft red velvet whoopie pies recipe apart from plain cookies. Food enthusiasts love the nostalgic cake-like softness sandwiched with creamy filling.
These qualities make red velvet whoopie pies a go-to for any occasion. For more inspiration on similar treats, check out this expert take on red velvet whoopie pies.
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Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Red Velvet Whoopie Pies: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
- 5. Mastering Red Velvet Whoopie Pies: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Red Velvet Whoopie Pies: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
- 8. Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Essential Ingredients for Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Gather these items for your homemade red velvet whoopie pies. Each plays a key role in achieving the perfect soft texture and bold flavor.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base for the tender, cake-like whoopie pies.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Delivers the signature mild chocolate flavor in this red velvet recipe.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the batter rise for light, fluffy results.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Provides richness and moisture to the dough.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness without overpowering the cocoa.
- 1 large egg – Binds ingredients for structure.
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk – Creates tanginess and tenderness typical of red velvet cake.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Boosts aroma and complements the cream cheese frosting.
- 1 ounce red food coloring (liquid or 2 tablespoons gel) – Gives the vibrant red hue.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – Core of the whoopie pie filling for creamy tang.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling) – Makes the cream cheese frosting smooth and spreadable.
- 3 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling) – Ties the frosting flavors together.
Special Dietary Options:
- Vegan: Use 1 1/2 cups plant-based buttermilk (almond milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar), vegan butter, flax egg (1 tablespoon flax + 3 tablespoons water), and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend like Bob’s Red Mill.
- Low-calorie: Reduce butter to 1/4 cup in batter and filling, use Neufchatel cheese, and opt for sugar substitute like Swerve.
These choices keep your red velvet whoopie pies accessible for everyone. If you enjoy cream cheese fillings, try this blueberry cream cheese crumb cake next.
How to Prepare the Perfect Red Velvet Whoopie Pies: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these clear steps for homemade red velvet whoopie pies with cream cheese filling. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This recipe yields about 24 pies (12 sandwiches).
First Step: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Sift together 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Whisk well to remove lumps. This ensures even distribution for consistent soft red velvet whoopie pies. For gluten-free, use the swap mentioned earlier.
Second Step: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add 1 egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, beating until combined. Scrape down sides for full incorporation. Vegan adaptation: Use flax egg here.
Third Step: Mix Wet Ingredients and Color
Alternate adding dry mixture and 1 1/2 cups buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry. Mix on low speed just until blended. Stir in 1 ounce red food coloring until the batter turns deep red. Avoid overmixing to keep texture tender. Low-calorie tip: Use low-fat buttermilk.
Fourth Step: Scoop and Bake
Drop batter by 2-tablespoon scoops onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. They spread, so give room. Bake 10-12 minutes until tops spring back. Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to racks. Repeat for all batter. Yields soft, pillowy cakes perfect for whoopie pies recipe.
Fifth Step: Make Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter until smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla, beating until fluffy. For low-calorie, use light cream cheese. Taste and adjust sweetness. This whoopie pie filling holds up well without being runny.
Sixth Step: Assemble the Pies
Pair cooled cakes by size. Spread or pipe 2-3 tablespoons frosting on flat sides of half the cakes. Top with remaining cakes, pressing gently. Roll edges in sprinkles if desired. Chill 30 minutes to set. Store as noted below. These easy red velvet whoopie pies impress at any gathering.
Tips throughout ensure success: Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth batter. Test doneness by touch, not color. For vegan, chill frosting longer. This detailed guide makes baking approachable for students and seniors alike. Total time: 1 hour active, 2 hours total.
| Oven Temp | Batch Size | Bake Time |
|---|---|---|
| 375°F | 12 cookies | 10-12 min |
| 350°F (convection) | 12 cookies | 8-10 min |
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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Protein and Main Component Alternatives
Though egg provides binding, replace with flax egg for vegan diets (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg). For nut-free, skip any optional nuts in variations. Use oat flour blended with all-purpose for softer texture in gluten-free versions. These keep the cake-like quality of red velvet cake intact.
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
No vegetables here, but beet juice (1/2 cup pureed beets) naturally colors for dye-free option. Swap vanilla for almond extract for nutty twist, or add cinnamon (1/2 tsp) for warmth. In filling, mix in lemon zest for tangier cream cheese frosting. Seasonal: Use pumpkin puree (1/4 cup) in batter for fall red velvet whoopie pies recipe.
These tweaks suit busy parents or diet-conscious folks. Total flexibility without sacrificing flavor.
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Mastering Red Velvet Whoopie Pies: Advanced Tips and Variations
- Pro cooking techniques: Chill batter 30 minutes before scooping for uniform shape. Pipe filling for neat edges. Use a cookie scoop for even portions in this soft red velvet whoopie pies recipe.
- Flavor variations: Add white chocolate chips to batter or espresso powder (1 tsp) for mocha twist. For filling, swirl in strawberry jam. Try peppermint extract for holiday whoopie pies.
- Presentation tips: Dust with powdered sugar or top with chocolate shavings. Stack on a tiered stand for parties.
- Make-ahead options: Bake cakes up to 2 days ahead, unfilled. Freeze assembled pies up to 1 month. Ideal for working professionals.
Perfect whoopie pies start with precise measuring, but creativity shines in variations.
Experiment freely. Love cheesecakes? Check these cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake ideas for pairing.
Nutrition note: One pie approx. 250 calories; see red velvet cake nutrition details.
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How to Store Red Velvet Whoopie Pies: Best Practices
- Refrigeration: Place in airtight container with parchment layers. Store up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting stays firm in fridge.
- Freezing: Wrap individually in plastic, then foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge for homemade red velvet whoopie pies.
- Reheating: No need; serve at room temp. Microwave 5-10 seconds if chilled, but avoid sogginess.
- Meal prep considerations: Bake batter into mini muffins for grab-and-go. Great for students or travelers.
These methods preserve the soft texture and fresh taste of your whoopie pies recipe.
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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Print
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 20 whoopie pies
Description
❤️ Savor the iconic tangy red velvet cakes paired with tangy cream cheese filling in these whoopie pies, a heavenly combo of flavors and textures.
🎂 Stunning red color and creamy center make them perfect for impressing at parties or holidays, easy to bake yet feel gourmet.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 ounce red food coloring (liquid or 2 tablespoons gel)
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
– 3 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
Instructions
1-First Step: Prepare Dry Ingredients Sift together 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Whisk well to remove lumps. This ensures even distribution for consistent soft red velvet whoopie pies. For gluten-free, use the swap mentioned earlier.
2-Second Step: Cream Butter and Sugar In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add 1 egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, beating until combined. Scrape down sides for full incorporation. Vegan adaptation: Use flax egg here.
3-Third Step: Mix Wet Ingredients and Color Alternate adding dry mixture and 1 1/2 cups buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry. Mix on low speed just until blended. Stir in 1 ounce red food coloring until the batter turns deep red. Avoid overmixing to keep texture tender. Low-calorie tip: Use low-fat buttermilk.
4-Fourth Step: Scoop and Bake Drop batter by 2-tablespoon scoops onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. They spread, so give room. Bake 10-12 minutes until tops spring back. Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to racks. Repeat for all batter. Yields soft, pillowy cakes perfect for whoopie pies recipe.
5-Fifth Step: Make Cream Cheese Frosting Beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter until smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla, beating until fluffy. For low-calorie, use light cream cheese. Taste and adjust sweetness. This whoopie pie filling holds up well without being runny.
6-Sixth Step: Assemble the Pies Pair cooled cakes by size. Spread or pipe 2-3 tablespoons frosting on flat sides of half the cakes. Top with remaining cakes, pressing gently. Roll edges in sprinkles if desired. Chill 30 minutes to set. Store as noted below. These easy red velvet whoopie pies impress at any gathering.
Notes
❤️ Gel food coloring gives the brightest, most vibrant red hue.
🎂 Pair similar-sized cookies for even whoopie pies.
❄️ Store in fridge up to 5 days; unfilled cookies freeze well for 1 month.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: red velvet whoopie pies, cream cheese filling, red velvet recipe, dessert sandwiches

