Vegan Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

It was brought to my attention recently that not everyone has tried a whoopie pie - and more importantly - not everyone has heard of these little cakes of pillowy goodness. In this post I will aim to right this wrong with this recipe for Vegan Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. Creamy, dreamy and salted maple cream cheese frosting is sandwiched between two perfectly spiced pumpkin cakes in the shape of cookies! Light, delicious and fall-tastic! Oh! And it's all 100% vegan. Let's learn how to make them!

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Ingredients Needed for Vegan Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

These ingredients are carefully selected to create a vegan pumpkin whoopie pie with maple cream cheese frosting that's flavorful, moist, and well-balanced in terms of sweetness and texture. The combination of spices, pumpkin, and the creamy frosting makes for the perfect, handheld fall dessert.

Dry Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): All-purpose flour serves as the primary dry ingredient in this recipe. It provides structure and texture to the whoopie pies, helping them hold their shape and providing a soft, cake-like texture.
• Sugar (1 cup): Sugar adds sweetness to the whoopie pies, enhancing their flavor. It also contributes to the tenderness and moisture of the cakes by attracting and retaining water.
• Baking Powder (1 tsp) and Baking Soda (½ tsp): These leavening agents help the whoopie pies rise and become light and fluffy during baking. Baking powder provides an immediate lift, while baking soda reacts with the acid in other ingredients to create additional rise.
• Salt (¾ tsp): Salt enhances the overall flavor of the whoopie pies, balancing the sweetness and adding depth. It also helps strengthen the protein structure of the cake.
• Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves): These warm spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves) provide a delightful fall flavor profile to the pumpkin whoopie pies. They add depth, warmth, and complexity to the taste, complementing the pumpkin's natural sweetness.

Wet Ingredients

• Pumpkin Puree (1 cup): Pumpkin puree is the star ingredient, contributing both flavor and moisture to the whoopie pies. It gives them a rich, pumpkin taste and a soft, moist crumb.
• Non-Dairy Milk (1 cup): Non-dairy milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk) is used to create a vegan-friendly batter and adds moisture to the pies, ensuring they are tender and soft.
• Canola Oil (½ cup): Canola oil serves as the primary fat source, providing moisture and a tender texture to the whoopie pies. It also helps keep them moist and prevents them from becoming dry.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tsp): Apple cider vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create carbon dioxide gas, which helps the whoopie pies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the whoopie pies, adding a sweet, aromatic note that complements the pumpkin and spices.

Maple Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• Vegan Cream Cheese (4 oz): Vegan cream cheese is used to create the creamy, tangy filling. It mimics the traditional cream cheese frosting while keeping the recipe dairy-free and vegan.
• Non-Hydrogenated Shortening (½ cup): Non-hydrogenated shortening helps create a stable, thick filling that holds its shape and adds richness to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar (3 cups): Powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the frosting, giving it a smooth and creamy texture. It's essential for achieving the desired sweetness and consistency.
• Maple Syrup (2 tbsp): Maple syrup adds a distinctive flavor to the cream cheese frosting, giving it a deliciously sweet and slightly earthy taste that complements the pumpkin whoopie pies. It also adds a hint of fall flavor.
• Salt (¼ tsp): A small amount of salt in the frosting balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile, preventing it from being overly cloying.

Steps to Make Vegan Pumpkin Whoopie Pies (with pictures)

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together all of the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not over-mix.
3. Bake: Drop 2 tablespoon scoops of batter onto the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart. Place baking sheet on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Allow pies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Frosting: Make the frosting while the pies are cooling. Combine vegan cream cheese and shortening in a large bowl and beat with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer until completely smooth. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup and salt and continue beating until frosting comes together. 
5. Assemble: Once pies are completely cool you can begin assembling. Spread 2 tablespoon of maple frosting onto the inside of a whoopie pie. Press another pie on top of the frosting creating a sandwich. Continue until you have sandwiched all of the pies; you may have some frosting left over. Refrigerate pies for at least 2 hours before serving.

Tips for Making Perfect Vegan Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

1. Use High-Quality Pumpkin Puree: Choose a good-quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture. You can use canned pumpkin puree or make your own by roasting and pureeing a pumpkin. I would recommend canned puree for consistency and convenience. Be careful not to use canned pumpkin pie filling!
2. Ensure Vegan-Friendly Ingredients: Double-check that all your ingredients, such as non-dairy milk, vegan cream cheese, and shortening, are truly vegan-friendly and don't contain any animal-derived products.
3. Don't Over-mix the Batter: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined. Over-mixing can result in a tougher texture. It's okay if there are a few small lumps.
4. Use a Cookie Scoop or Piping Bag: To ensure uniform and consistent sizes for your whoopie pies, use a cookie scoop or a piping bag to portion out the batter onto the baking sheets.
5. Leave Adequate Space Between Pies: Leave enough space between the scoops of batter on the baking sheets to allow for spreading during baking. This prevents the pies from touching and sticking together.
6. Watch Baking Times Closely: Keep a close eye on the baking time, as vegan baked goods can sometimes cook faster than their non-vegan counterparts. The pies are done when they spring back when lightly touched.
7. Cool Completely Before Filling: Allow the pumpkin whoopie pies to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the filling. This prevents the filling from melting and ensures a stable structure.
8. Don't be too Hard on Yourself: Remember that whoopie pies are meant to be somewhat rustic. If they're slightly misshapen I promise they will still taste just as good!

What is a Whoopie Pie?

A whoopie pie is a classic American dessert that consists of two soft, cake-like cookies or rounds sandwiched together with a creamy filling in the center. The traditional whoopie pie is often described as a cross between a cookie and a cake, and it's typically round, but variations in shape and flavor exist.

Key Features of a Whoopie Pie:

1. Cake-Like Cookies: The two outer layers of a whoopie pie are soft and cake-like. You can make them in various flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, or pumpkin, depending on the recipe.
2. Creamy Filling: The filling is usually sweet and creamy, often made with ingredients like butter, shortening, powdered sugar, and flavorings like vanilla. In traditional recipes, the filling is somewhat reminiscent of buttercream frosting.
3. Variety of Flavors: While the most well-known whoopie pie is the chocolate with cream filling, there are many flavor variations, including red velvet, gingerbread, peanut butter, and the aforementioned pumpkin.
4. Size: Whoopie pies come in different sizes, but they are typically handheld and can vary from a couple of inches to palm-sized treats.
5. Origin: Whoopie pies have a disputed origin, with claims from both New England and Pennsylvania Amish communities. They have gained popularity throughout the United States and people often associate them with regional fairs and bake sales.
6. Name: The name "whoopie pie" is believed to have originated from the reaction people had when they found these delicious treats in their lunch or as a dessert—exclaiming "Whoopie!" in delight.
7. Cultural Significance: Whoopie pies have cultural significance in various regions, and they are sometimes considered a comfort food and a nostalgic treat.

In recent years, whoopie pies have seen a resurgence in popularity, and there are now many creative and modern variations available, including vegan and gluten-free options. They are a versatile dessert that can be customized to suit different flavor preferences, making them a beloved treat for people of all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of pumpkin for vegan pumpkin whoopie pies?

Yes, you can use different types of pumpkin for these whoopie pies. Canned pumpkin puree is a convenient option, and it's often made from a specific variety of pumpkin called the Dickinson pumpkin. However, you can also use homemade pumpkin puree made from sugar pumpkins or other varieties. Make sure you cook it thoroughly and blend it to achieve a smooth consistency.

Can I substitute a different type of flour for all-purpose flour?

You can experiment with different flours, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and taste of your whoopie pies. All-purpose flour is versatile and generally works well in this recipe. If you want to use a different flour, such as whole wheat or gluten-free flour, be prepared for potential changes in the final product.

Can I make these whoopie pies in advance?

Yes, you can make both the "cookies" and the filling in advance. Store the unfilled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and store the filling in the refrigerator. Assemble the whoopie pies just before serving to keep them fresh.

Can I make mini whoopie pies instead of regular-sized ones?

Yes, you can make mini vegan pumpkin whoopie pies by using a smaller scoop or spoon to portion out the batter on the baking sheets. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as mini pies will bake faster than regular-sized ones. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.

Can I omit the spices or adjust them to my taste?

Of course! You can adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences. If you want a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spices, or omit them altogether. Alternatively, you can increase the spices for a more robust and spiced flavor.

How to Serve/Store Vegan Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Serving Vegan Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

For those of you out there who have never heard of, eaten or made whoopie pies, here are some ideas on how to serve them:

1. On a Dessert Platter: Arrange the whoopie pies on a decorative dessert platter. This makes for an inviting display at parties or gatherings.
2. Individually Wrapped: Wrap each whoopie pie in parchment paper or plastic wrap. This makes them easy to grab and enjoy as a quick snack or to take on the go.
3. With a Garnish: Add a finishing touch by dusting the tops of the whoopie pies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. This enhances their appearance and flavor.
4. With a Scoop of Vegan Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve a whoopie pie with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream. The combination of warm whoopie pie and cold ice cream is a delightful contrast.
5. Paired with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a whoopie pie as a dessert with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The flavors of pumpkin and spices complement warm beverages beautifully.

Storing Vegan Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

As whoopie pies have a creamy filling, it's best to refrigerate them. Place the whoopie pies in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. You can store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To store pumpkin whoopie pies for an extended period, consider freezing them. Wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped whoopie pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until they firm up. Once partially frozen, transfer the whoopie pies to an airtight container or a freezer-safe resealable bag, placing parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Stored in the freezer, they can remain good for up to a month.

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