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    Home » cakes

    Published: Oct 31, 2019 • Modified: Nov 5, 2021 • This site generates income via ads and may contain affiliate links. See my privacy policy linked in the footer.

    Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Images of apple cider whoopie pies in a parchment lined loaf pan from BeyondtheButter.com | All Images © Beyond the Butter®

    These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are moist and flavorful cakes made with apple cider and applesauce, plus a rich caramel cream cheese frosting to bring them together. And for good measure, sprinkled over the top, is a little salted caramel sugar. Yum! These are a definite must-try fall season recipe!

    Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC
    Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC

    Table of Contents

    • A Brief History of the Whoopie Pie
      • Is a Whoopie Pie a Cake, a Pie, or Cookie?
      • Why Is It Called a Whoopie Pie?
    • What Goes Into Making These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?
    • Essential Whoopie Pie Baking Tools
    • Tips for Making the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
    • Apple Cider Whoopie Pie FAQs
    • More Beyond the Butter Fall Treats to Try!

    A Brief History of the Whoopie Pie

    Is a Whoopie Pie a Cake, a Pie, or Cookie?

    Whoopie pies are small cakes that are baked as cookies on a baking sheet. You take one of the small chocolate cakes, spread on the frosting or filling, then you top it with another small cake. Wah-la, a whoopie pie!

    Some people have even referred to them as inside-out cupcakes, but I've always thought of them as sandwiched cakes.

    Why Is It Called a Whoopie Pie?

    Whoopie pies are a well-known Pennsylvania German and Lancaster Amish tradition that are also known as "Gobs" to those that live out in Western PA. They are also considered to be a classic from the New England states as well.

    It's believed that whoopie pies came from left over cake batter that were placed in children's lunches.

    When the children would open up their lunch and saw them, they'd (allegedly) yell, "Whoopie!" I don't know if this is exactly true or not, but what I do know is they are unbelievably delicious! 

    And over the years there have been many different variations of whoopie pies made, but the classic has always been chocolate cake with marshmallow filling or vanilla buttercream frosting.

    And if you ever get the chance, you need to make your way to Strasburg, PA for the Whoopie Pie Festival! I missed it the last couple of years, but I've been to it twice before and sweet Lord, there are so many whoopie pies it's crazy!

    To give you an idea of what it's like, there is literally a giant tent filled with every whoopie pie imaginable! They even have the largest whoopie pie ever on display!

    Homemade Apple Cider Whoopie Pies | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC
    Apple Cider Whoopie Pies | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC

    What Goes Into Making These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies?

    To make this apple cider whoopie pie recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

    • Apple Cider. Not to be confused with apple cider vinegar—do not use that, please. The apple cider gets boiled down to ¼ cup.
    • All-Purpose Flour
    • Baking Powder
    • Spices. You will need ground cinnamon, nutmeg, apple pie spice, and salt.
    • Unsalted Butter. For the best results, use room temperature butter.
    • Granulated Sugar
    • Light Brown Sugar
    • Eggs. Just like the unsalted butter, it's good to have these at room temperature too.
    • Unsweetened Applesauce
    • Salted Caramel Sugar. This is an optional ingredient used only for sprinkling the apple cider whoopie pie tops.

    Essential Whoopie Pie Baking Tools

    KITCHENAID KP26M1XFL Professional 600 Stand Mixers, 6 quart, Matte Fresh Linen
    KitchenAid KHM926CA 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer with Turbo Beater II Accessories and Pro Whisk
    Wilton 1A Piping Tip
    Salted Caramel Sugar
    Silpat Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat (Set of 2)
    OXO Good Grips 11 Pound Stainless Steel Food Scale with Pull-Out Display
    Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups (1 cup & 2 cup)
    Sabatier 5154549 Triple Rivet Wide Turner, Black
    Nordic Ware 43174 3 Piece Baker's Delight Set, Aluminum
    Wilton Icing Spatula Set for Baking, 3-Piece - 13 and 9-Inch Angled and 11-Inch Straight Spatulas
    OXO International Medium Cookie Scoop
    Pouring Chute
    Anchor Hocking 10pc Glass Mixing Bowl Set
    Joseph Joseph Shake-It Self-Tapping Sieve, Large
    The Smart Baker Half Sheet 13 x 18 inches Perfect Parchment Paper - Pre-Cut Parchment Paper Baking Sheets
    Cooling Rack Stainless Steel Half size - Commercial Grade Steel 11.5" x 16.5" | 1 Piece | Cooking Rack Designed To Fit Perfectly Into Baking Half Sheet Pan | Only From Indigo True Company
    Zassenhaus Magnetic Retro Kitchen Timer
    Baker's Joy Cake Pan Spray
    The Best Apple Cider Whoopie Pies recipe | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC

    Tips for Making the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

    • You can use any store-bought jar of caramel sauce or topping for this caramel cream cheese frosting recipe.
    • If you can't find salted caramel sugar for sprinkling, you can omit that step and instead use a salted caramel sauce in the frosting recipe.
    • You can use an offset spatula to add the frosting to the whoopie pie cakes. You can also pipe the frosting on, which is what I did.
    • I used the Wilton 1A piping tip and a large piping bag. Worked perfectly!
    • If needed, the caramel cream cheese frosting can be kept tightly covered in the mixing bowl in the fridge overnight. Before using, allow the frosting to come to room temperature, then re-whip using your mixer.
    Apple Cider Whoopie Pies | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC

    Apple Cider Whoopie Pie FAQs

    Why do I need to boil down the apple cider before using it in the recipe?

    The reason we boil down the apple cider in this recipe is to give it a stronger, more concentrated flavor.

    Can I use apple cider vinegar in place of apple cider.

    No, please do not use this as a replacement.

    How long should it take to boil down apple cider?

    Boiling down the apple cider takes roughly 10-15 minutes. And make sure to cool the cider down before you add it to the whoopie pie cake batter.

    How many apple cider whoopie pies does this recipe yield?

    This recipe yields 10 fully assembled whoopie pies.

    What size cookie scoop should I use?

    You can use a 1 ½ tablespoon-size cookie scoop for smaller whoopie pies or a 2-3 tablespoon-size cookie scoop for larger whoopie pies. Using the larger cookie scoops will yield fewer whoopie pies.

    Do I have to use the salted caramel sugar?

    No, this is an optional ingredient used only for garnish on the tops of each whoopie pie.

    What is the best way to store apple cider whoopie pies?

    I recommend keep the apple cider whoopie pies tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container. In the refrigerator, they will last 3 to 5 days. Freezing them will last about 3 months. Allow them to come to room temperature before eating.

    Homemade Apple Cider Whoopie Pies | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC

    More Beyond the Butter Fall Treats to Try!

    • Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
    • Pumpkin Cinnamon Cookies
    • Chocolate Pumpkin Cake Roll
    • Easy Homemade Apple Pie
    Apple Cider Whoopie Pies | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC

    Apple Cider Whoopie Pies

    Author: Jennifer
    These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies are moist and flavorful cakes made with apple cider and applesauce, plus a rich caramel cream cheese frosting to bring them together. And for good measure, sprinkled over the top, is a little salted caramel sugar. Yum! These are a must-try this season! 
    5 from 1 vote
    (prevent your screen from going dark while making this recipe)
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10 servings

    Ingredients
     

    whoopie pie cakes

    • 1 cup Apple Cider (boiled down to ¼ cup (not to be confused with apple cider vinegar))
    • 2 cup All-Purpose Flour
    • 2 teaspoon Baking Powder
    • 1 ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon Nutmeg
    • ¼ teaspoon Apple Pie Spice
    • ¼ teaspoon Salt
    • ½ cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
    • ½ cup Granulated Sugar
    • ½ cup Light Brown Sugar (lightly packed)
    • 2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
    • ¼ cup Unsweetened Applesauce
    • Salted Caramel Sugar (for sprinkling the whoopie pie tops)

    caramel cream cheese frosting

    • 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
    • 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
    • ¼ cup Caramel Sauce (store-bought)
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
    • 2 ½ cup Powdered Sugar (sifted)
    • 1-2 tablespoon Milk or Heavy Whipping Cream (only to be used if needed to thin out the frosting)

    Instructions

    whoopie pie cakes

    • In a small saucepan over high heat, bring the 1 cup of apple cider to a rapid boil until it's reduced to ¼ cup (takes about 10-15 minutes). Allow to cool completely.
      1 cup Apple Cider
    • Adjust oven rack to 2nd level position (just above center) and preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and very lightly spray with a flour-based baking spray (this prevents them from sticking to the paper). Alternatively, you can use a silicone baking mat without spraying it. Set to the side.
    • In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, apple pie spice, and salt. Set to the side.
      2 cup All-Purpose Flour, 2 teaspoon Baking Powder, 1 ½ teaspoon Cinnamon, ½ teaspoon Nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon Apple Pie Spice, ¼ teaspoon Salt
    • Using your hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together on medium-high speed until well blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
      ½ cup Unsalted Butter, ½ cup Granulated Sugar, ½ cup Light Brown Sugar
    • Add in the eggs, unsweetened applesauce, and cooled apple cider (remember, only ¼ cup), then mix until completely blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
      2 Large Eggs, ¼ cup Unsweetened Applesauce, 1 cup Apple Cider
    • Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add in the whisked dry mixture. Mix together until just combined.
    • Using a 1 ½ tablespoon-size cookie scoop (recommended), drop a generous scoop of apple cider cake batter on to the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cake about 1 ½- to 2-inches apart (they will spread out, but not by a lot). 
    • Sprinkle the tops with a little of the salted caramel sugar, then place in the oven and bake at 375ºF for 12-15 minutes or until the center of the cakes spring back when lightly pressed. 
      Salted Caramel Sugar
    • Remove from oven and, if so desired, sprinkle the tops with just a little more salted caramel sugar.
    • Allow cakes to cool slightly on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a cooling rack. 

    caramel cream cheese frosting

    • Using your hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Add in the caramel sauce and vanilla extract.
      4 oz Cream Cheese, 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter, ¼ cup Caramel Sauce, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
    • Switch the mixer speed to low and gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
      2 ½ cup Powdered Sugar
    • If your frosting is too thick, you can add 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream or milk to thin it out a little. Likewise, if you feel your frosting isn't thick enough, add a little more sifted powdered sugar.
      1-2 tablespoon Milk or Heavy Whipping Cream
    • assembling the apple cider whoopie pies
    • Using a small offset spatula or a piping bag fitted with a decorating tip of your choice (I used the Wilton 1A decorating tip), add the caramel cream cheese frosting to the bottom of a whoopie pie cake. Then top with another cake. Repeat until all the whoopie pies have been assembled, then enjoy!
    • Apple cider whoopie pies can be kept tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in an airtight container, and in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Or, you can tightly wrap them in plastic wrap, place them in a sealed freezer bag or container, and keep in the freezer where they can last about 3 months. Allow them to come to room temperature before eating.

    Recipe Notes

    To avoid the whoopie pie cakes from sticking to parchment paper, I recommend very lightly spraying it with a flour-based baking spray. You can also save a tree and choose to use a silicone baking mat.
    Tried this recipe and loved it?Snap a pic and share it with me over on Instagram tagging @beyond.the.butter and #beyondthebutter in your caption or stories!

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    © All images & content on BeyondtheButter.com are copyright protected. You may not republish, redistribute, or otherwise use any images, recipes, or content, in part or in whole, without express written permission from the author. Beyond the Butter® is a registered trademark of Jennifer Switzer. All rights reserved. For more information, please read my Policies page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. VALERIE says

      August 20, 2020 at 12:09 pm

      I have a jug of caramel flavored apple cider that I was wondering about using as I do not have any plain cider on hand. I do also have apple juice. Your thoughts?
      Thank you.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        August 20, 2020 at 1:08 pm

        I wouldn't use apple juice, but love the idea of trying it with the caramel flavored apple cider! Now I have to search for this in the grocery stores near me! 🙂 Would love to hear how they come out using the flavored cider too!

        Reply
        • Valerie says

          August 21, 2020 at 9:41 am

          Thank you Jennifer!
          It's actually Salted Caramel flavored Apple Cider and it came from Lidl. I am going to make this weekend with my grandbabies.
          Wasn't sure what to do with it, saw your article in my Taste of Home magazine- then visited your site. Loved seeing your recipes and glad especially to see the Whoopie Pies 🙂

        • Jennifer says

          August 21, 2020 at 11:52 am

          I smiled reading this, thank you! I'm so glad you found me via Taste of Home and you found my whoopie pies! They were a huge part of my childhood, so I plan to add more. And thanks for letting me know about the cider. I'm about an hour to the closest Lidl store, but I'm willing to go out that far to get it!

    2. Joan says

      September 01, 2021 at 12:29 pm

      Recipe calls for baking powder but directions say baking soda. Which is correct?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        September 01, 2021 at 4:36 pm

        Thank you for catching that! It's supposed to say baking powder. I just made the change so it should be correct now.

        Reply
    3. Amanda says

      October 10, 2022 at 6:16 pm

      5 stars
      Made these to bring to work this week, and they are so good. Simple. I ended up with 14 whoopie pies instead of 10 as I made them slightly smaller.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        October 11, 2022 at 8:49 am

        Thank you for making them!

        Reply

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