Name: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 15.25 ounce spice cake mix; 1/3 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 15 ounce pumpkin puree; 2 whole eggs; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1 8 ounce cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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There’s something magical about the aroma of Pumpkin Whoopie Pies wafting through the house as autumn leaves begin to fall. I remember the first time I baked these delightful treats; it felt like a warm hug on a chilly day. The combination of soft, spiced cake enveloping the creamy frosting is simply irresistible. Whether it’s for a cozy gathering or just a sweet indulgence on a quiet afternoon, these whoopie pies always seem to bring smiles. Each bite melts in your mouth, filling you with nostalgia and the essence of fall. The vibrant hues of pumpkin remind us of harvest celebrations, family gatherings, and the joy of sharing homemade goodies with loved ones. I can hardly wait for you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
220 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet

The Beauty of This Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

They’re Perfect for Fall

The crisp air and colorful foliage create a perfect backdrop for enjoying Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. These pies capture the essence of the season with their warm spices and pumpkin flavor. They make for an ideal snack while sipping on a cup of hot cider or tea.

Easy to Make

One of the best things about Pumpkin Whoopie Pies is how simple they are to prepare. You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment or techniques. Just some mixing and baking skills, and you’ll have a batch of delicious whoopie pies in no time!

Great for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a Thanksgiving dessert or a sweet treat for a casual get-together, Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are incredibly versatile. They can be served at parties, given as gifts, or enjoyed as a fall treat when the mood strikes.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Involving the little ones in baking can be a wonderful way to create memories. Kids love to help mix, scoop, and decorate, making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies a fun family activity. Plus, they’ll be excited to taste their creations!

Customizable Flavor

If you want to put your spin on this classic, feel free to experiment! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of your favorite jam to the filling. The possibilities are endless with Pumpkin Whoopie Pies.

Perfect for Sharing

These pies are great for sharing with friends and family. They’re easy to pack up for potlucks or bake sales, and everyone loves them! Serving others a taste of Pumpkin Whoopie Pies is a lovely way to spread joy.

What’s In This Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

When it comes to baking Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, the ingredients you choose are crucial. The star of the show, of course, is the pumpkin puree, which provides moisture and flavor. Pairing it with spice cake mix brings warmth and depth, while cream cheese frosting adds a delightful sweetness that complements the spices beautifully. Let’s take a closer look at the key players that work together to create this delightful treat.

1 (15.25 ounce) spice cake mix: This is the base of your whoopie pies, offering rich, spiced flavor and a tender texture.
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree: Provides moisture, flavor, and a beautiful orange color.
2 whole eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and providing structure.
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: Enhances the autumnal flavor with warming spices.
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy, delicious frosting.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds to the creaminess of the frosting.
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be rewarded with soft, spiced cakes filled with sweet cream cheese frosting. Let’s dive into the process!

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is an important step to ensure that the cakes bake evenly. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or lightly spray them with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, unsalted butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a mixer to mix slowly for about 30 seconds, just until combined. Then, increase the speed and beat for 1 to 2 minutes. The batter will be slightly wet and thick, which is perfect for these pies.
Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of batter onto the prepared cookie sheets. Make sure they are all roughly the same size for even baking. Leave enough space between each dollop, as they will spread while baking.
Place one pan in the oven at a time and bake for 10 to 11 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them; they should look set and spring back when lightly touched.
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the whoopie pies cool completely on the sheets. Patience is key here; they need to cool to hold their shape.
To prepare the frosting, in a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter using an electric mixer until smooth. This should take just a few minutes. Once smooth, add the powdered sugar gradually while mixing on low speed.
After the sugar is fully incorporated, stir in vanilla extract and mix until the frosting is light and fluffy. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream for easier spreading.
Now, it’s time to assemble the whoopie pies! Take one cake, spread a generous dollop of frosting on the flat side, and top it with another cake, flat side down. Press gently to create a sandwich.
Store your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Things Worth Knowing

Cooling Time: Allow your whoopie pies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Ingredient Temperature: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened for the best frosting consistency.
Uniform Size: For even baking, try to scoop the batter with a cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
Storage: These pies maintain their flavor and texture well in the refrigerator.

Making Adjustments

Every baker has a unique touch, and making adjustments is part of the fun! Here are some tips to help you make these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies your own.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to keep them fresh.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these whoopie pies! Just wrap each one in plastic wrap and then in foil, storing them in the freezer for up to three months.
Pairing: These pies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making them perfect for a cozy gathering.
Flavor Variations: Consider adding some chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist.
Frosting Options: You can experiment with different flavored frostings, such as maple or maple cream for a seasonal twist.

Great Combinations for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Fall Gatherings: These pies are perfect for fall picnics or Thanksgiving dessert tables.
Afternoon Treat: Serve them with tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
Harvest Parties: They fit right in with festive autumn celebrations, adding a sweet touch to the occasion.
Creative Platter: Arrange them on a platter with other fall treats for a beautiful dessert spread.
Cozy Nights: Enjoy these pies while snuggled up watching your favorite fall movies.

FAQ

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are delightful dessert treats made with soft spiced cakes filled with creamy frosting. They are a popular choice during the fall season, particularly around Thanksgiving. The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice gives them a unique flavor that’s perfect for autumn. The pies are sandwiched together with a sweet filling, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own!

Absolutely! You can bake the whoopie pie cakes a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. The filling can also be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator. Just assemble the pies shortly before serving to maintain their freshness and texture. This makes them a convenient option for holiday gatherings!

If your frosting is too thick, don’t worry! You can easily adjust its consistency by adding a little milk or cream, a tablespoon at a time, while mixing. This will create a smoother, more spreadable frosting. Just mix well after each addition until you reach your desired consistency. It’s all about finding that perfect texture!

Leftover Pumpkin Whoopie Pies should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them for a longer time, consider freezing them. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!

Conclusion

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are a delightful blend of soft cake and creamy frosting that encapsulates the essence of fall. They are easy to make, perfect for sharing, and a treat that brings joy to any gathering. I encourage you to try making these delicious pies; you won’t regret it. Baking them fills your home with wonderful aromas and creates cherished memories!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

The ultimate fall treat is here! These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are soft, spiced, and filled with creamy frosting. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, they’re a must-have for any autumn gathering. Make them tonight and indulge in the flavors of the season!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings: 30 pies

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 15.25 ounce spice cake mix
1/3 cup unsalted butter softened
1 15 ounce pumpkin puree
2 whole eggs
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 8 ounce cream cheese softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

Frying pan
Wooden Spoon
Oven
Mixing Bowl
Baking Sheet

Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is an important step to ensure that the cakes bake evenly. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or lightly spray them with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, unsalted butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a mixer to mix slowly for about 30 seconds, just until combined. Then, increase the speed and beat for 1 to 2 minutes. The batter will be slightly wet and thick, which is perfect for these pies.
Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of batter onto the prepared cookie sheets. Make sure they are all roughly the same size for even baking. Leave enough space between each dollop, as they will spread while baking.
Place one pan in the oven at a time and bake for 10 to 11 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them; they should look set and spring back when lightly touched.
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the whoopie pies cool completely on the sheets. Patience is key here; they need to cool to hold their shape.
To prepare the frosting, in a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter using an electric mixer until smooth. This should take just a few minutes. Once smooth, add the powdered sugar gradually while mixing on low speed.
After the sugar is fully incorporated, stir in vanilla extract and mix until the frosting is light and fluffy. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream for easier spreading.
Now, it’s time to assemble the whoopie pies! Take one cake, spread a generous dollop of frosting on the flat side, and top it with another cake, flat side down. Press gently to create a sandwich.
Store your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week to keep them fresh.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these whoopie pies! Just wrap each one in plastic wrap and then in foil, storing them in the freezer for up to three months.
Pairing: These pies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making them perfect for a cozy gathering.
Flavor Variations: Consider adding some chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist.
Frosting Options: You can experiment with different flavored frostings, such as maple or maple cream for a seasonal twist.