We’re having a bit of a local family get-together tonight at my sister’s house. Even though we all live within a few miles of one another, we really don’t all get together that often.

I asked what we could bring – no one person should have to feed this motley crew – and my niece said a desert – “your desserts are the best.”

Flattery will get you everywhere!

So… what to make for 15 pseudo-adults and two toddlers?!? Why, Whoopie Pies, of course! Fun, hand-held, the kids can make a mess of them… Perfect!

These are a combination of recipes I’ve made in the past. The classic filling is a shortening and marshmallow fluff concoction I don’t really care for, so I devised more of a cream cheese frosting with marshmallow fluff that’s more to my liking. I’m the one cooking, so it’s all about me.

Whoopie Pies

Cakes:

  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 6 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups milk

Filling:

  • 8 ounce pkg cream cheese, softened
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 12 oz jar Marshmallow Fluff

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the sugar, butter, and eggs together until well combined. Add the oil and vanilla and beat again.

In a separate bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Add half of the dry mixture to the egg mixture and beat or stir to blend. Add 1 1/2 cups milk and beat again. Add the remaining dry mixture and beat until incorporated. Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups milk and beat until blended.

With a 4oz scoop, scoop out 32 or more circles of batter onto a baking sheet. Bake for 12-13 minutes. Let cool.

Meanwhile, cream butter and cream cheese. Add fluff and mix well. Add vanilla and slowly add powdered sugar. Mix to a stiff, creamy texture.

Fill half of the cakes with filling and top with second half.

Enjoy.

I had to finish the batter by hand – it was too much for my KitchenAid mixer – but it worked out okay. I got 42 cakes – 21 Whoopie Pies.

Your results may vary – just make sure you have an even amount.

And… if you’re in a Fall Mood, here’s a link to the Pumpkin Version!