Best Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe for Fall

If you’re craving something irresistibly soft, tender, and bursting with autumn flavors, these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are exactly what you need. Picture two fluffy pumpkin-spiced cakes hugging a creamy, dreamy filling that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether it’s a cozy fall afternoon treat or the centerpiece of your holiday dessert table, this recipe brings warmth and joy in every layer. Discover the ultimate Pumpkin Whoopie Pies recipe—moist, spiced, and perfect for fall gatherings. Bake these delicious treats today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The gentle sweetness complemented by warm spices ensures each bite is blissfully satisfying without being overwhelming.
• Moist and Soft Texture: These pumpkin cakes stay tender and light, creating a delightful contrast with the creamy filling.
• Simple Ingredients: Made from pantry staples and fresh pumpkin, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family snack or a festive party dessert, these whoopie pies fit right in.
• Aromatic and Inviting: The smell of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg baking fills your kitchen like a warm hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These essential ingredients come together easily to create the soft, spiced layers and luscious filling that make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies so beloved. Each element adds its part: the pumpkin for moisture and richness, spices for warmth, and the creamy frosting for that perfect finishing touch.

• Pumpkin Puree: Use fresh or canned pumpkin puree for a smooth, moist base and vibrant color.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and softness critical for cake-like cookies.
• Spices Blend: A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that brings cozy fall flavors to life.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Helps the cakes rise and stay tender in texture.
• Brown Sugar: Offers subtle caramel notes and keeps the cakes moist.
• Eggs: Bind everything together for a rich, cakey crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture without heaviness, keeping the cakes soft.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors, creating depth and warmth.
• Cream Cheese: The star ingredient for the creamy, tangy filling that balances sweetness perfectly.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that luscious mouthfeel.

Variations for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

This Pumpkin Whoopie Pies recipe is wonderfully adaptable, inviting you to experiment and make it your own. Whether you’re after a dietary twist, flavor boost, or festive flair, here are some simple ideas to customize this comforting treat.

• Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use vegan cream cheese to keep pies dairy-free and delicious.
• Spiced Maple Filling: Swap cream cheese frosting for a maple-flavored alternative for extra seasonal flair.
• Nutty Additions: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for crunch and texture.
• Chocolate Twist: Mix cocoa powder into the cake batter or add mini chocolate chips for a chocolate pumpkin fusion.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to keep the pies soft and tasty without gluten.

How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves). This mix builds the foundation of your pumpkin cakes’ flavor and texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat brown sugar and vegetable oil until combined, then add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla extract. Finally, stir in the pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

Step 4: Carefully Blend Dry and Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, folding gently until fully combined. The batter will be thick but spreadable—avoid overmixing to maintain softness.

Step 5: Portion and Bake Cakes

Spoon tablespoon-sized dollops of batter spaced about two inches apart onto your prepared baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until the cakes spring back when lightly pressed.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While cakes cool, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and spreadable.

Step 7: Assemble the Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Once the pumpkin cakes have cooled completely, spread a generous dollop of the cream cheese filling on one cake, then sandwich with another. Press lightly to spread the filling to the edges.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use eggs and cream cheese at room temperature for smooth mixing and fluffier texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cakes; they should be soft, not dry, so pull them out as soon as the edges are set.
• Uniform Size Matters: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure even-sized cakes for perfect sandwiches.
• Chill Filling If Needed: If your frosting is too soft for assembling, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until it firms up slightly.
• Flavor Boost: Toast your spices lightly before mixing for deeper, more aromatic flavors.

How to Serve Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Garnishes

Sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon on top for a simple but elegant presentation that emphasizes the warm spices.

Side Dishes

Serve your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies alongside a hot cup of spiced chai tea or pumpkin latte to enhance the autumnal experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them on a rustic wooden platter for holiday gatherings or wrap each pie individually in wax paper with twine to gift friends and family a sweet surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the filling fresh and the cakes moist.

Freezing

You can freeze unfilled pumpkin cakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag; fill and assemble after thawing for the best results.

Reheating

To gently warm pumpkin whoopie pies, remove the filling side from refrigeration and allow them to come to room temperature or microwave for a few seconds, avoiding overheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and gives consistent moisture and flavor, making it a convenient choice year-round.

How long do Pumpkin Whoopie Pies keep fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, they stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to keep the pies tender and delicious without compromise.

Can I make the filling dairy-free?

Yes, replace cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and margarine for a dairy-free version.

What can I substitute for the spices if I don’t have all of them?

Cinnamon alone works well, or you can use a pumpkin pie spice blend if you have it, which usually combines all the essential spices.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about biting into a homemade Pumpkin Whoopie Pies—warm, soft, and filled with creamy delight that perfectly captures the spirit of fall. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, this recipe promises comfort and smiles with every bite. Give it a try and watch how these little pumpkin gems become your new favorite seasonal indulgence!

Related Posts

• 5 Easy Ways to Make Pumpkin Pie Bars
• Irresistible Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
• Why Caramel-Stuffed Baked Apples Are Irresistible

Print