4th of July Whoopie Pies Recipe
If you’re dreaming of the ultimate festive treat for your Independence Day celebration, look no further than 4th of July Whoopie Pies! These patriotic sandwich cakes are tender, chocolaty, and bursting with a pillowy marshmallow filling—all dressed up in vibrant red, white, and blue. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or bringing sweets to a picnic, these eye-catching confections guarantee plenty of oohs, aahs, and “Can I have another?” moments. This recipe pulls together classic American flavors and colors, making it the most fun, delicious way to show your star-spangled spirit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of 4th of July Whoopie Pies is how ordinary ingredients transform into a stunning showstopper! Each component has a job to do—whether it’s giving lift and softness, a rich chocolatey punch, or that playful red and blue pizazz. Let’s peek at the essentials and why you need them:
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone for a tender but sturdy cake sandwich.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives these pies their rich, chocolaty flavor and gorgeous dark color.
- Baking soda: Helps your whoopie pies puff up into soft, cakey rounds.
- Baking powder: Adds a little extra lift for a perfectly pillowy texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch deepens flavor and balances out the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (for cakes and filling): Brings unbeatable richness and that classic soft crumb.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight caramel note to the cakes—yum!
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract (for cakes and filling): Doubles up to infuse the dessert with warmth and that signature whoopie pie aroma.
- Buttermilk: Ensures a super moist crumb and a subtle tang that complements the chocolate.
- Red and blue gel food coloring: For bold, vibrant pops of patriotic color (gel is a must for vivid hues!).
- Powdered sugar: The secret to ultra-creamy, fluffy filling that’s never gritty.
- Marshmallow creme: Dreamy, gooey sweetness that sets these filling sandwiches apart.
- Optional: Red, white, and blue sprinkles: Because more festivity is always better—especially rolled around the sides.
How to Make 4th of July Whoopie Pies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
Get your workspace ready by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure your whoopie pies come off easily—no torn bottoms on your festive cakes!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This not only combines them evenly but also lightens up the mixture for an ultra-tender whoopie pie texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for that signature soft, cake-like crumb—don’t rush it!
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until everything is fully incorporated, and you’ll notice the mixture getting even fluffier and more luscious.
Step 5: Combine the Batter
Now, add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until the batter is smooth. Don’t overmix—this keeps the pies soft!
Step 6: Divide and Color the Batter
Split the batter evenly between two bowls. Add red gel food coloring to one and blue to the other, stirring until you get a vibrant hue. Gel coloring is your secret weapon for bold, beautiful colors that won’t water down the batter.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of each colored batter onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They’ll puff up but hold their shape in the oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the tops spring back gently when pressed. Let them cool completely before moving on to assembly.
Step 8: Make the Marshmallow Filling
In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth, then add the powdered sugar and keep beating until fluffy. Add the marshmallow creme and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully combined into a dreamy filling. This white filling is what transforms these cakes into classic 4th of July Whoopie Pies!
Step 9: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Pair similar-sized cakes and spread (or pipe) a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of one. Gently top with another cake to create each sandwich. If you want to go all out, roll the sides of the filling in red, white, and blue sprinkles for extra pizzazz!
How to Serve 4th of July Whoopie Pies
Garnishes
For the most festive finish, roll the edges of each pie in patriotic red, white, and blue sprinkles. A little dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a whimsical touch, or you could even use star-shaped sprinkles to really make them pop on your party table.
Side Dishes
Pair your 4th of July Whoopie Pies with bowls of juicy summer fruit like blueberries and strawberries, or offer a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. They also complement refreshing drinks like lemonade or berry punch, tying together a red, white, and blue dessert spread to delight everyone.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a crowd, arrange the whoopie pies on tiered trays or fun cake stands for a patriotic centerpiece. You can even place each one in a cupcake liner and tie it with twine for a charming grab-and-go treat. For a splash of extra flair, add miniature American flags as toppers for a true 4th of July Whoopie Pies showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover 4th of July Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If it’s extra hot out, you can refrigerate them; just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the softest texture.
Freezing
To freeze, individually wrap each whoopie pie in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month, making them the perfect make-ahead treat for holiday planning. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for a couple of hours on the counter when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
You don’t have to reheat whoopie pies, but if you prefer them extra soft, let refrigerated pies sit out for 20 minutes or microwave for 5–10 seconds. This brings back the cakes’ pillowy texture and ensures that irresistible marshmallow filling is perfectly gooey.
FAQs
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is best for 4th of July Whoopie Pies, as you’ll get vibrant red and blue without thinning out the batter. Liquid colors sometimes produce pale hues, but if it’s all you have, start with just a few drops and add more as needed—just watch the batter’s consistency.
Can I make the whoopie pies a day in advance?
Absolutely! 4th of July Whoopie Pies are just as delicious the next day. Store assembled pies in an airtight container, and if you want to keep the sprinkles crisp, add them right before serving for the freshest look.
Is there a substitute for marshmallow creme in the filling?
If you can’t find marshmallow creme, you can use a fluffy vanilla buttercream instead, but that signature gooey texture will be missing. Homemade marshmallow fluff also works if you’re up for the adventure!
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients for a big batch of 4th of July Whoopie Pies. Bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven, and you’ll have enough festive treats to keep the whole crew celebrating.
Are these pies only for the 4th of July?
While 4th of July Whoopie Pies are perfect for Independence Day, there’s no rule saying you can’t enjoy them anytime. Switch up the colors for other holidays—think pastel whoopie pies for spring or orange and black for Halloween. The possibilities are endless and delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your family and friends with a treat that looks as joyful as it tastes, these 4th of July Whoopie Pies deserve a spot on your summer menu. They truly encapsulate everything we love about festive baking: bright colors, classic flavors, and happy memories in every bite. Give them a go and make your holiday even sweeter!
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4th of July Whoopie Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling and assembly)
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate Independence Day with these festive 4th of July Whoopie Pies! These chocolate sandwich cookies are filled with a fluffy marshmallow creme filling and adorned with red, white, and blue hues for a patriotic treat.
Ingredients
Main Cookie:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Red and blue gel food coloring
Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
- Tint batter: Divide the batter into two bowls and tint one with red food coloring and the other with blue.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared sheets, bake for 10–12 minutes, then let them cool.
- Make filling: Beat butter until smooth, add powdered sugar, marshmallow creme, and vanilla extract, mix until well combined.
- Assemble: Spread or pipe the filling onto one cake, top with another to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cakes.
- Optional: Roll the sides in red, white, and blue sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
- You can freeze the whoopie pies for up to a month.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant red and blue hues.
- Add patriotic sprinkles for a fun finish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
