Let me tell ya about these apple cider whoopie pies – they’re seriously game changers for fall baking. Made these for my family last weekend and they disappeared in like 10 minutes flat. The cake part has this incredible apple cider flavor that hits you right away, and the filling is this perfect creamy situation that balances everything out. What makes these special is how the concentrated cider gives them that authentic apple taste without being fake. Keep reading cuz I’m gonna show you exactly how to nail these on your first try.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Making apple whoopie pies used to stress me out – getting that perfect dome shape seemed impossible. But this recipe? Totally foolproof. I remember bringing these to a friend’s dinner party last fall, and even my friend who “hates desserts” asked for seconds.
These are super versatile too. You can make them ahead for parties, adjust the spice level, or even switch up the filling depending on what you’re into. They work for casual snacking or fancy enough for holiday gatherings. And bonus – your house is gonna smell incredible while they bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Whoopie Pie Cakes:
- 2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup) – this concentration is KEY for getting real apple flavor
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – you can sub 1/2 cup whole wheat if you want some nuttiness
- 1 tsp baking powder – helps with the rise
- 1/2 tsp baking soda – works with the acid in the recipe for perfect texture
- 1/2 tsp salt – don’t skip this, it balances the sweetness
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon – use Saigon cinnamon if you can find it
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg – fresh grated makes a huge difference
- 1/4 tsp cloves – optional but adds depth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temp – margarine works in a pinch but butter’s better
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed – dark brown gives more molasses notes
- 2 large eggs – bring to room temp for better mixing
- 1/2 cup applesauce – helps keep everything super moist
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – real stuff, not imitation
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – full fat works best
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – European style has more fat, makes it creamier
- 3 cups powdered sugar – sift it if it’s lumpy
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – or try maple extract for a twist
- 1/4 tsp salt – balances the sweetness
- 1 Tbsp heavy cream – helps with spreadability
For anyone with dietary restrictions, you can use gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum) for the cakes, and plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives work pretty well in the filling.
How to Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
- Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat
- Let it reduce down to 1/2 cup (about 20-25 mins) – it’ll get darker and syrupy
- Cool completely before using – can do this a day ahead and refrigerate
Step 2: Make the Whoopie Pie Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and all the spices in a bowl
- In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy (about 2 mins)
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each
- Mix in the cooled reduced cider, applesauce, and vanilla
- Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined – don’t overmix or they’ll get tough
- Batter will be thick but soft, like a cross between cake and cookie dough
Step 3: Bake the Cakes
- Scoop batter onto prepared sheets using a 1.5 Tbsp cookie scoop – leave 2 inches between each
- Bake 10-12 mins until the tops spring back when lightly touched
- They should be domed and not shiny on top
- Let cool on pan for 5 mins then transfer to cooling rack
- Cakes must be completely cool before filling
Step 4: Make the Filling
- Beat cream cheese and butter until super smooth and fluffy (about 3 mins)
- Add powdered sugar in batches, mixing on low to avoid a sugar explosion
- Mix in vanilla, salt, and cream until combined
- Beat on medium-high for 2 mins until light and fluffy
- Filling should hold its shape but be spreadable – if too soft, chill for 15 mins
Step 5: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
- Match up cake halves by size
- Pipe or spread about 2 Tbsp filling onto flat side of half the cakes
- Top with matching cake pieces, pressing gently so filling reaches edges
- Refrigerate for 30 mins to set the filling
Delicious Variations to Try
Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies
Add 1/4 cup caramel sauce to the filling and drizzle more on top for serious caramel apple vibes.
Apple Cider Donut Whoopie Pies
Roll the edges of the assembled pies in cinnamon sugar while filling is still soft for that classic donut finish.
Maple Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Replace half the powdered sugar with maple sugar and add 1 tsp maple extract to the filling.
Salted Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies
Add flaky sea salt to the tops and use salted caramel in the filling.
Pumpkin Apple Whoopie Pies
Replace half the applesauce with pumpkin puree and boost the spices for a double fall flavor punch.
Brown Butter Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Brown the butter before using in both the cakes and filling for a nutty, complex flavor.
Apple Cider Whoopie Pies
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop (1.5 Tbsp)
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag (optional)
Ingredients
For the Whoopie Pie Cakes:
- 2 cups apple cider reduced to 1/2 cup
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves optional
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temp
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
Reduce the Apple Cider:
- Simmer 2 cups of apple cider over medium heat until reduced to 1/2 cup (about 20-25 minutes).
- Let cool completely before using.
Make the Whoopie Pie Batter:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- In another bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy (2 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Mix in the reduced cider, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
- Fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
Bake the Cakes:
- Scoop batter onto baking sheets using a 1.5 Tbsp scoop, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until tops spring back when touched.
- Cool for 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Make the Filling:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low.
- Mix in vanilla, salt, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
- Match cakes by size.
- Pipe or spread 2 Tbsp of filling onto half the cakes.
- Top with remaining cakes and press gently.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the filling made of in whoopie pies?
Traditional whoopie pie filling is made from a mixture of butter, powdered sugar, and marshmallow fluff. In this apple cider whoopie pies recipe, I use cream cheese instead of marshmallow for a tangier flavor that complements the apple cider. The cream cheese also gives the filling more stability, especially at room temperature, which helps the pies hold their shape better.
Why are my whoopie pies sticky on top?
Whoopie pies get sticky on top when they haven’t been stored properly or if the batter was too wet. Make sure you’re reducing the apple cider completely – it needs to be thick and concentrated. Also, let them cool 100% before storing in an airtight container with parchment between layers. If your kitchen is humid, refrigerate them. The moisture content in these apple cider whoopie pies is higher than regular ones, so proper storage is extra important.
Are whoopie pies from Maine or Pennsylvania?
Both Maine and Pennsylvania claim to be the birthplace of whoopie pies! The Amish in Pennsylvania have been making them since the 1920s, while Maine also has a strong whoopie pie tradition. In 2011, Maine actually declared the whoopie pie their official state treat. These apple cider whoopie pies are my New England twist on this classic debate – bringing fall apple orchard flavors to whichever origin story you prefer.
What state is known for whoopie pies?
Maine is most famous for whoopie pies – they even host an annual Whoopie Pie Festival in Dover-Foxcroft and declared it their official state treat in 2011. Pennsylvania (especially in Amish country) is the other big contender. These states have different styles too – Maine versions tend to be larger with a fluffier filling, while Pennsylvania Amish whoopie pies are often smaller with a firmer cream filling. These apple cider whoopie pies lean more toward the Maine style with their cake-like texture.
What is Amish whoopie pie?
Amish whoopie pie is the traditional version made in Pennsylvania Dutch country – usually chocolate cakes with vanilla filling. Legend says they got their name when Amish children would shout “whoopie!” upon finding these treats in their lunch boxes. The Amish version typically uses vegetable shortening in the filling rather than butter or cream cheese. My apple cider whoopie pies recipe modernizes this tradition with fall flavors while keeping that classic handheld cake sandwich format the Amish perfected.
Make These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies Your Own
Just pulled a batch of these from the oven yesterday and watched my neighbor’s eyes light up when I handed her a few. There’s something about that apple cider flavor that connects with people – reminds them of fall family trips to the orchard or warm drinks on cool evenings.
What I love most about these apple cider whoopie pies is how they’re both familiar and surprising. They honor that classic whoopie pie tradition but bring something new to the table. So make em, share em, adjust the spices how you want – just don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe.
If you enjoyed these apple whoopie pies, you’ll also love my Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies or Apple Cider Cookies for more fall baking ideas. For something different but equally delicious, try my Key Lime Pie Cookies or Heavenly Hash Brownies.