Deeply chocolatey with a delicious marshmallow cream filling and a sweet chocolate icing. This recipe for chocolate whoopie pies, although not the quickest of bakes to make, is a lot of fun and the pies keep really well. Perfect for parties and bake sales.
A date, a date, I had a date with Dan Lepard. Well to be strictly fair, Dan Lepard had a date with the Eden Project. Not wanting to miss this opportunity to get my recent purchase of Dan’s new baking book signed by the man himself, I booked a day off work. Dan was to be a guest at the Eden Project’s Harvest Food Festival where he was to open their new bakery and give a demo.
Short & Sweet
The book in question is the much heralded Short & Sweet: the best of home baking. I was on tenterhooks as to whether the book would arrive before the big day. It was due to be published on Super Thursday but I needed it for the following Monday 3rd October.
Luckily, it arrived not only in time to have Dan sign it, but also in time to have a go at baking something from it before the big day. What a delight to read, so many inspiring recipes and lots of really good tips and techniques. It’s a proper cook’s book. There are so many intriguing ideas to explore; I can’t wait to to get properly stuck in.
But, when I saw the entry for chocolate whoopie pies, I knew my moment of destiny had arrived. I’d been feeling I ought to have a go at them ever since they came onto the scene a couple of years ago. But for some reason I hadn’t yet got around to making any, so I set to with a will.
Can you wait to get your hands on a copy of this book? All I can say is be patient. Watch this space and in the next couple of days or so all will be revealed.
What Are Whoopie Pies?
Whoopie pies are a hand held American bake which originated in the Amish kitchens of Pennsylvania. They’re a cross between a soft cookie and a cake. Basically, you sandwich two rounds of these cookies cum flat cakes together with a sweet creamy vanilla infused filling. Sometimes, though not always, the tops are iced.
The most common flavours are vanilla and chocolate, although pumpkin is also quite popular. For a relatively old bake, I find it quite surprising that marshmallow cream is the filling of choice. I thought marshmallow fluff was a modern phenomenon, but apparently not.
There are many theories as to how they got their name, but there is one that stands out more than the others. When the Amish bakers took lunch out to the workers in the fields and they found they had a delicious cream filled cake, they would shout “whoopie”.
Chocolate Whoopie Pies
Never having had a whoopie pie before, I wasn’t too sure what to expect. Mine may or may not, therefore, be typical, but they certainly ended up looking absolutely nothing like the ones in the book. I didn’t use a piping bag for a start. My attempts may look rather rough and ready, but I think they still look appealing in a home spun sort of way.
They are deeply chocolatey and the lack of vanilla doesn’t really impact on their tastiness. And they’re not too sweet either. The marshmallow cream is delicious but it has a rather gloopy consistency until it sets properly. It makes a lovely contrast to the rich chocolate pies. As for the chocolate icing, it gives an additional chocolate hit, as well as adding a note of sweetness to proceedings.
These chocolate whoopie pies are indeed a cross between a biscuit and a cake. They’re crisp on the outside and cakey soft on the inside. CT thought they were drier than a cupcake but moister than a biscuit. He got all nostalgic when it came to the icing, which reminded him of the bought cupcakes he had as a kid.
Amazingly the whoopie pies lasted a full week and they just got better as they aged. They also got a big thumbs up from both my mother and a friend, so although they were rather a faff to make, they were worth the effort and made for a fun bake.
How To Make Chocolate Whoopie Pies
There’s nothing difficult about making these chocolate whoopie pies. There are, however, three stages to the process, so the recipe is slightly involved. There’s the pies themselves, the marshmallow cream and then the chocolate icing. You can, however prepare the filling and icing whilst the pies are baking and cooling.
To make the pies, you melt butter and chocolate together in a pan over a low heat. Then you beat eggs and sugar together. If you have electric beaters or a stand mixer, it’s a lot easier. Once you’ve done this, combine all the remaining ingredients together. Then it’s just a case of spooning or piping the mixture onto a couple of lined baking sheets and popping them into the oven.
In the original recipe, Dan states we need 25ml milk and 125g sour cream. But I make my own crème fraîche and it’s very thick, so I’ve used different amounts. I leave it to you as to which combination you want to go with.
Marshmallow Cream
The marshmallow cream is really easy to make. And it’s super delicious too, so try not to eat it all before you fill the pies. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, make sure you buy gelatine free marshmallows.
Just melt the marshmallows in some milk, then combine with butter and beat until fluffy.
As an easy alternative, you could just use marshmallow fluff instead.
Sandwich the cooled pies together with the marshmallow cream. I made twenty in total. Then it’s just a question of icing those chocolate whoopie pies.
Chocolate Icing
The icing is a simple mixture of icing sugar, cocoa powder and water. Sift the sugar and cocoa together, then stir in just enough water so that you have a spreadable consistency. Use a knife or the back of a spoon to spread the icing over the pies.
Dan’s recipe uses twice the amount of icing sugar and cocoa that I do. I think this half amount is just right.
Whoopie Pie Woe
As for my date, he stood me up! My carefully wrapped whoopie pie withstood the journey and arrived at Eden in one piece, in full anticipation of being tried by the great man himself. Events took another turn, however; Dan’s plane was cancelled and he was unable to get to Cornwall. The pie had to make do with being eaten by CT and myself.
Keep in Touch
Thanks for visiting Tin and Thyme. If you make these chocolate whoopie pies, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. And do please rate the recipe. Have you any top tips? Do share photos on social media too and use the hashtag #tinandthyme, so I can spot them.
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Choclette x
Chocolate Whoopie Pies. PIN IT.
Chocolate Whoopie Pies – The Recipe
Chocolate Whoopie Pies
Ingredients
Pie Rounds
- 75 g unsalted butter softened
- 75 g dark chocolate (I used 81%)
- 1 large egg (I used a duck egg)
- 175 g dark brown sugar (I used muscovado)
- 50 ml milk
- 75 g crème fraîche
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 250 g flour (I used half wholemeal, half plain)
- 25 g cocoa powder
- ¾ tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) (baking soda)
Marshmallow Cream
- 100 g vegan marshmallows
- 25 ml milk
- 125 g unsalted butter softened
Chocolate Icing
- 100 g icing sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
- 25 g cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
Pie Rounds
- Melt the butter in a pan over low heat with the chocolate, then leave to cool slightly.75 g unsalted butter, 75 g dark chocolate
- Using a hand held whisk or stand mixer, beat the egg with and sugar together until thick, pale and doubled in volume.1 large egg, 175 g dark brown sugar
- Beat in the chocolate mixture together with the milk, crème fraîche and vanilla extract.50 ml milk, 75 g crème fraîche, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Sift in the flour, cocoa and bicarbonate of soda.250 g flour, 25 g cocoa powder, ¾ tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
- Stir until just combined, then spoon walnut sized blobs onto a large lined baking tray, spacing them well apart. I use a silicone mat to avoid wasting baking paper. For a more uniform shape and size you might want to use a piping bag instead.
- Flatten them down a little with wet fingers (one of Dan’s tips).
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180℃ (160℃ fan, 350℉, Gas 4) for 13 to 15 minutes.
- Remove the pie rounds onto a wire rack to cool.
- Repeat the process as necessary. I made 40 half pies in total.
Marshmallow Cream
- Melt the marshmallows in a pan over a gentle heat with the milk.100 g vegan marshmallows, 25 ml milk
- Remove from heat and whisk until smooth. Leave to cool slightly, but not so long that it sets.
- Cream the butter until fluffy then beat in the marshmallow mixture.125 g unsalted butter
Chocolate Icing
- Sift the icing sugar and cocoa powder then add enough water to get a spreadable consistency. Go carefully with the water as you don’t want it too runny.100 g icing sugar, 25 g cocoa powder, 2 tbsp water
- Sandwich the half pies together with the marshmallow cream to make 20 pies then spread some chocolate icing over the tops.
Notes
Nutrition Estimate
Sharing
I’m sharing this recipe for delicious and nutritious pumpkin mac n cheese with Curly’s Cooking for #CookBlogShare.
Post updated October 2021
Cat | Curly's Cooking says
I’ve always wanted to make whoopie pies but haven’t got round to it yet. These look delicious and chocolatey.
Choclette says
My list of things I want to make just grows and grows. Definitely worth giving them a try.
Chloe says
Get. In. My. Face!
Choclette says
They wouldn’t dare say no Chloe.
Maggie says
Dan’s recipe must have been a lot better than the one I used because mine ended up in the bin!
Yours look very successful and I love all that topping!
Wendy@The Omnivorous Bear says
Oh what wonderful whoopie pies! Shame you didn’t get to meet Dan – he’s one of my favourites!
Johanna GGG says
sounds like a disappointment dan couldn’t turn up but am glad he could send some consolation in the form of a recipe – and am pleased to hear a big tick for your first recipe from the book – must look out for it in our bookstores
Choclette says
CakeFairy – you can trust Dan to do something a little different 😉
VanillaLemonade – well indeed, chocolate without sin doesn’t sound in the least bit tempting.
Corina – thank you. They were very good and worth a try.
Corina says
I’ve never made or tried whoopie pies before either but these look lovely.
vanillalemonade.com says
I love the Chocolate Cap! That extra layer gives a sinfulness that all chocolate yearns for!!
Cakefairyblog says
These just look delicious! fudgey and yummy! I hadn’t thought of putting icing on top – great idea x
Choclette says
Dom – yes it’s looking like I might miss him again. Not sure I can make 18th although will be at Birmingham Bite&Write on 19th.
MCB – Thanks. It is a particularly good book.
Laura – Thank you. Can’t praise Dan’s book highly enough.
Emmy – I’m impressed you’ve got a basic whoopie pie mix 😉
Sushma – lovely to here for you and thank you for being so nice.
A Trifle Rushed – chocolate is always such good conciliation 😉
Kath – I was rather miffed if truth be told.
Suelle – Thank you. Ha ha, there’s confidence in Dan’s recipe and then confidence in my baking of it 😉
Karen – thank you. Hopefully one day. Are you seeing him on 18th?
Manu – thank you.
Ren – thank you for saying you didn’t find them easy either – that makes me feel better. You’ll love the book when you get it I’m sure.
Kate – one must just carry on – sigh 😉 The book is a baker’s delight.
LittleLoaf – think I’m inclined to agree with you. Wondering what you’ve made. had better stop wondering and come and have a look.
Lucie – thank you and lovely to hear from you.
Susan – a thin of beauty might be going a bit far, but I appreciate the sentiment 😉
Javelin Warrior – you have a chance now – 3 copies up for grabs 🙂
Katie – thank you. They were indulgent, but we were very good and they lasted a week. I shall be crossing fingers I’ll get another chance.
Anne – I suspect they;d be very popular at work – feeling guilty now for not making some to take in!
Celia – thank you. I was sorry indeed, but maybe I’ll get another chance.
Baking Addict – maybe you’ll get lucky in my giveaway. Will be coming over shortly to check out your whoopie pies.
Hazel – now you come to mention it, I’m not sure I’ve seen them iced before either :-S
Lady Chutney – you are very kind. I’ve no idea what they are meant to taste like, but these were very good, if rather fiddly to make.
Chele – I was rather gutted 🙁
Lady Chutney says
These whoopie pies look delicious. I have never tasted one so that is now on my to do list – eat a whoopie pie preferably one that looks as lovely as yours.
Chele says
Choclette! What a shame he stood you up, my heart fell at that point … although it leaped with joy at the thought of eating a chocolate whoopie pie ;0)
Hazel says
I think these look great! I’ve never seen them iced before but I love the idea. I always thought of whoopie pies as something in between biscuits and cakes!
Baking Addict says
Got the book on my wishlist. Such a shame you didn’t get to meet him. Your whoopie pies look great. I’ve only made them once but really should try them again.
celia says
What a chocolate treat! I’m sorry you didn’t get to meet Dan though.. 🙁
Anne says
This reminds me that I still havn’t gotten around to trying a whoopie pie!
I think they look fab little beasts, will have to make a batch for work as am sure would be very popular!
Katie says
Your whoopie pies look gorgeous and very indulgant. What a shame you didn’t get to meet Dan. Hopefully you’ll get a chance in the future.
JavelinWarrior says
These look scrumptious and if they’re any indication of what’s between of cover of Mr. Lepard’s book, then waiting with baited breath seems the only option 😉 Wow, I need a cookie now!
Susan's blog says
A thing of tasty beauty basking in the Cornish sun, one of those and all is well again. x
thelittleloaf says
I’m going to put it out there…I think Short & Sweet is the best baking book I’ve ever bought. All the recipes I’ve tried from it so far have been awesome, and Dan Lepard is such an inspiration. I’ve not yet attempted the whoopie pies but definitely need to try soon – I love all the different variations he includes too.
Lucie says
They look sensational!! I have never made Whoopie pies – I must recify that soon! Shame about Dan! Lucie x
Kate@whatkatebaked says
Ah, how disappointing Choclette. But I’m so so impressed you made whoopie pies!! I’ve been meaning to order Dan’s book from Amazon- I’ve heard so many good things and love the weekly Guardian column.
Ren Behan says
These looks so cute. I have only ever made whoopies pies once before and I have to say they are actually very hard to make! Yours look super and I’m sure, baked to a Dan Lepard recipe (my book is on its way) were delicious! So sorry that you didn’t get to meet Dan, I met him at Vanessa’s launch of Prepped! and he was charming. Not to rub it in…
manu says
Sounds so yummy!!LOL
Karen S Booth says
I remember that day, such a shame, but never mind – the whoopie pies look amazing and you will get to meet him again I am sure! That book looks great, just looked on Amazon, must add it to my Christmas list.
Karen
Suelle says
What a disappointment for you, but the whoppie pies look lovely. I’ve never tried making anyone’s whoppie pie recipe, so can’t comment on what they are supposed to look like, but if it’s Dan’s recipe they will certainly taste good!
Kath says
Oh man! What a disappointment. I am sure the whoopie pies made up for it though. They look like they might have done.
A Trifle Rushed says
They look wonderful, what a shame about the plane! But at least you had the yummy whoopee pies to eat.
Sushma Mallya says
Wow those look so mouthwatering and good….hmmm just love to pick them up and bite into them …lovely:)
Emmyw says
These whoopie pies look delicious! I’ve always been aprehensive about adding extras to my basic whoopie pie mix incase the cocoa for example dries them out too much! These look fantastic though – will have to try them out!
Thanks!
Laura@howtocookgoodfood says
Not yet have I got around to making any whoopie pies. Now that I have seen yours, I really must.
Dan Lepard’s latest book does sound brilliant too! x
MissCakeBaker says
Have heard such good things about the book. The whoopie pies look delicious! Sorry you didn’t get to meet him.
Dom at Belleau Kitchen says
I’m meeting Dan in London in November courtesy of Vanessa Kimbell and I cannot wait!! I need to purchase this book ASAP as so many people have raved about now. I must say these whoopee pies look stunning!!