Apple Spice Cake Whoopie Pies Recipe

Introduction

These Apple Spice Cake Whoopie Pies combine tender, warmly spiced cake rounds with a creamy, rich filling. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy treat, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures in each bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to evenly distribute the spices and raising agents.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring good aeration for tender cakes.
4. Step 4: Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the applesauce and sour cream until the batter is smooth and uniform, adding moisture and a tender crumb.
7. Step 7: Drop tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
8. Step 8: Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly browned and tops spring back when touched, indicating the cakes are set but still moist.
9. Step 9: Let the baked cakes cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent sogginess.
10. Step 10: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, forming the base of the filling.
11. Step 11: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated, then mix in vanilla extract for added flavor.
12. Step 12: Once cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese filling onto the flat side of half of the cakes, then top each with the remaining cakes to form sandwich-style whoopie pies.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra touch of fall flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the dry ingredients.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform batter portions to ensure even baking and consistent whoopie pie size.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten the batter without sacrificing moisture.
• Chill the filled whoopie pies for 30 minutes before serving to help the filling set nicely.

Storage

Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for best texture. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cake rounds ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake rounds a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft. Assemble the whoopie pies just before serving for the freshest taste.

What if I don’t have applesauce?

If you don’t have applesauce, you can substitute with mashed ripe banana or pumpkin puree in equal amounts. These alternatives add moisture and complement the spices nicely.

Apple Spice Cake Whoopie Pies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 93 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 18 servings 1x

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Description

These Apple Spice Cake Whoopie Pies combine tender, spiced cake rounds with a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling. Bursting with warm autumn flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, they are perfect for cozy gatherings or as a delightful treat any time of year.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Filling Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both brown sugar and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and well aerated to create a tender cake texture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing and a dense cake.
6. Fold in Applesauce and Sour Cream: Carefully fold in the applesauce and sour cream until the batter is smooth and uniform, which adds moisture and a soft crumb.
7. Portion Batter: Drop the batter by tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
8. Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are lightly browned and the tops spring back when gently pressed, signaling the cakes are done but still moist inside.
9. Cool Cake Rounds: Let the cake rounds cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—this prevents sogginess.
10. Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, forming the base of the filling.
11. Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the filling’s flavor.
12. Assemble Whoopie Pies: Once the cake rounds are fully cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese filling onto the flat side of half the cake rounds, then top each with a remaining round, creating sandwich-style whoopie pies.

Notes

• Ensure all your ingredients like butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for best results and smooth mixing.
• For a more intense apple flavor, try substituting half of the applesauce with finely chopped peeled apples.
• Store whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• You can freeze assembled whoopie pies for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple spice cake, whoopie pies, cream cheese filling, fall desserts, spiced cakes, easy baking recipe, autumn treats