Whoopie Pies

If you've not heard of Whoopie Pies yet, you really don't know what you've been missing, but let me fill you in. Whoopie Pies apparently stem from the early Amish who used to make these for their menfolk and children to take in their packed lunches (who exclaimed "Whoopie!" when they opened their lunch boxes). True or not, it's a charming story all the same and it perfectly sums up the homespun charm of these gorgeous cake-y beauties.

Whoopies have also reputedly taken up the mantle from the cupcake for #1 sweet treat of choice, both this side and the other side of the Atlantic. Not only a quick cake fix, they also make the ideal (easy to bake) alternative to the more formal cupcake for weddings and other celebrations. A stack of these on each guest table, or perhaps several flavours piled up on a stand instead of a traditional cake with pretty napkins on hand (obv) would make a divine and more personal finish to any wedding breakfast.

Like a cross between a macaroon (for looks) and a cupcake (in ingredients), the classic Whoopie Pie is like a soft and squidgy "Oreo" in taste. Two soft and deeply dark not-too-sweet chocolate cake discs are sandwiched together with a fluffy white marshmallow cream filling. Heaven in a bite, or a few bites if you make them more generous or 'Man Size'! As you can imagine, resistance is futile. Flavours are easy to change and you can find them on sale in fashionable London bakeries and even Harrods and good old M&S adorning all kinds of decoration from glitter to suger flowers, but I think they look best plain and simple - cake and filling only. Leave the fondant icing and sprinkles to their dressier sisters who don't leave the house without their make-up and heels (the cupcake), as these lovelies look so much prettier with their scrubbed faces and slightly scuffed ballet pumps.

If like me you know that these will be your downfall (a batch of these taunting you from the kitchen will, I assume, counteract any leeway made to lose the last of my post-baby tum by my new running fitness regime...), then make a batch and simply freeze what you don't need before icing.

For more inspiration, pre-order either of the 2 amazingly cute looking new books on the subject of all things Whoopie Pie and try not to be too smug when sharing the results with loved-ones!
And to make this even easier, you can find them listed in my Amazon carousel to the right of this page! How nice am I?