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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Portion Batter: Drop the batter by tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, forming the base of the filling.
- 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.
- 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
