Apple Spice Cake Whoopie Pies Recipe

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If you’re looking for a fall treat that captures all those cozy, comforting flavors, look no further than this Apple Spice Cake Whoopie Pies Recipe. These soft, cake-like sandwiches burst with warm spices, tender apple-infused cake, and a luscious cream cheese filling that’s simply irresistible. They strike the perfect balance between a little spice, fruity sweetness, and creamy decadence, making them a delightful indulgence for chilly afternoons or special gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these whoopie pies will become a beloved favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for creating the perfect texture and flavor harmony in the Apple Spice Cake Whoopie Pies Recipe. Each component plays a key role, from the spices that deliver warmth to the applesauce that keeps the cakes tender and moist.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to your whoopie cakes, keeping them tender but sturdy enough to hold the filling.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that give these cakes their light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness, elevating all the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: The magical trio that delivers the signature warm spice notes that make these pies irresistible.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the cakes and creamy texture in the filling.
• Brown sugar and granulated sugar: Brown sugar brings moisture and depth, while granulated sugar adds sweetness and lightness.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and help the cakes rise beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely sweet aroma that complements the spices.
• Unsweetened applesauce: The star ingredient that imparts natural sweetness and juicy moisture to the cakes.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and softness, keeping the whoopie pies moist and tender.
• Cream cheese: The base of the rich, velvety filling that pairs perfectly with the spiced cake.
• Powdered sugar: Gives the filling its smooth sweetness and creamy consistency.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake Whoopie Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Space

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep makes cleanup easier and ensures your whoopie cakes bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This dry mix is where your signature warm spice blend comes to life, so make sure it’s well combined before moving on.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration creates that tender, cakey texture that’s the hallmark of a perfect whoopie pie.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. This step builds flavor and ensures your batter is smooth and cohesive.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add your dry spice and flour mixture to the wet batter, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here will make your cakes tough instead of soft, so take care to blend gently.

Step 6: Fold in Applesauce and Sour Cream

Gently fold the applesauce and sour cream into your batter until smooth. These ingredients add wonderful moisture and subtle apple flavor that makes this Apple Spice Cake Whoopie Pies Recipe stand out.

Step 7: Portion the Batter

Drop tablespoons of batter onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. This creates evenly sized cakes that pair beautifully as sandwich cookies.

Step 8: Bake Until Perfect

Bake your whoopie cakes for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the tops spring back when touched. This ensures they’re baked through but still soft and tender.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Let the cakes cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully. Cooling completely is essential so the filling won’t melt when assembled.

Step 10: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Then gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly until it’s silky and spreadable. Finish by stirring in vanilla extract for that perfect flavor boost.

Step 11: Assemble Your Whoopie Pies

Once cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese filling onto the flat side of half the cakes. Top each with another cake to form sandwiches, gently pressing together without squishing out the filling.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake Whoopie Pies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar over the tops to add a charming rustic touch. You can also add thin apple slices or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-special presentation that impresses every time.

Side Dishes

These whoopie pies are a delightful treat on their own but pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced tea or rich coffee. For brunch, consider serving alongside fresh-cut fruit or a warm apple cider to round out the cozy vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Apple Spice Cake Whoopie Pies Recipe into party pleasers by piping the filling with festive tips or sandwiching in mini layers to create bite-size versions. Wrapping each pie individually in parchment and tying with a colorful ribbon makes a charming gift or grab-and-go snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. The cream cheese filling stays creamy and the cakes remain delightfully soft when stored properly.

Freezing

If you’d like to make these ahead of time, freeze the assembled pies in a single layer on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready.

Reheating

For a fresh-baked taste, warm your whoopie pies for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or briefly in a low-temperature oven. Be careful not to overheat, as the filling can soften too much, but this little touch of warmth enhances their comforting flavors perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use apple pie spice instead of measuring individual spices?

Absolutely! Apple pie spice is a perfect stand-in and simplifies the process without sacrificing that warm, comforting spice profile important to this recipe.

Can I substitute sour cream with yogurt?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute and will maintain the moisture and tanginess, though it might slightly alter the texture to be a bit denser.

How do I know when the whoopie cakes are done baking?

Look for lightly browned edges and a top that springs back when gently pressed. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep a close eye starting around 12 minutes.

Can I make the filling dairy-free?

While this recipe calls for cream cheese and butter, you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and margarine alternatives. Just be sure they’re both softened so they whip up smoothly.

What’s the best way to pipe the filling for a neat look?

Use a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip for clean, even dollops of filling that look beautiful and help control portions.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about baking these spiced, apple-filled whoopie pies that feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy sweater on a crisp day. The Apple Spice Cake Whoopie Pies Recipe brings together familiar flavors in a fun, handheld form that’s just begging to be shared with friends and family. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite fall dessert that brightens every gathering and makes any ordinary day special.

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