Vegan Whoopie Pie Recipe – A Sweet Tooth Delight

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Are you craving a sweet treat but struggling to find desserts that fit your vegan lifestyle? I’ve been there, searching high and low for a dessert that satisfies my sweet tooth without compromising my dietary choices. 

That’s when I discovered the Vegan Whoopie Pie Recipe, which completely transformed my baking experience. Discovering a treat so indulgent yet completely aligned with vegan principles was a revelation. This recipe offers a compassionate alternative to traditional desserts and brings every bite a rich, creamy delight. 

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just beginning your plant-based journey, this whoopie pie recipe is the perfect way to indulge guilt-free. Join me as we dive into vegan baking, where delicious meets ethical in the most delightful way.

What Is Vegan Whoopie Pie? 

A vegan whoopie pie is a plant-based version of the classic treat. It comprises two round, soft, cake-like cookies sandwiched between a sweet, creamy filling. Unlike traditional whoopie pies, the vegan version avoids all animal products. 

This means the cakes are made without eggs, dairy milk, or butter, and the filling does not contain cream or other dairy derivatives. Instead, vegan whoopie pies use plant-based milk, flaxseed (as an egg substitute), coconut oil, or vegan butter.

The filling often utilizes coconut cream, vegan cheese, or other dairy-free alternatives to achieve a rich and creamy texture. 

Vegan whoopie pies come in various flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, pumpkin, and red velvet. They cater to various tastes while maintaining an ethical and environmentally friendly profile.

Fact– A vegan whoopie pie is a delightful twist on the classic dessert. It features two soft, cake-like cookies with a creamy, dairy-free filling. It’s a sweet, indulgent treat that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences.

Recipe Directions 

Prepare Coconut Whipped Cream

• Whip chilled coconut cream in a large mixing bowl, sweetened to taste with 6-8 Tbsp coconut sugar. Transfer to a large freezer bag for piping. Chill in the refrigerator.

Mix Wet Ingredients

• Measure almond milk and add apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) and baking soda. Set aside.
• Prepare flax eggs in the rinsed mixing bowl with water and a flaxseed meal. Let rest for 5 minutes.
• Add oil, coconut sugar, and maple syrup; whisk to combine.
• Incorporate applesauce, vanilla, and salt. Then add the almond milk mixture, whisking thoroughly for about 30 seconds.

Combine Dry Ingredients

• Add baking powder, cocoa powder, almond meal, oat flour, and gluten-free flour. Whisk to ensure no clumps remain.

Chill Batter

• Transfer the batter to the refrigerator to chill and thicken for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and grease the baking sheets.

Bake

• Scoop 1 heaping Tbsp of batter onto baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-14 minutes, until edges appear dry. Let rest on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks.

Assemble Whoopie Pies

• Once cooled, pipe whipped cream onto half the cakes and top with another cake. Press down slightly.

Chill and Serve

• Arrange on plates or a baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. They’re best after chilling for 1 hour, even better overnight.

Storage

• Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Variations

• Chocolate Chip: Incorporate vegan chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful crunch and chocolatey burst.
• Red Velvet: Add vegan red food coloring and a touch of cocoa powder to the batter for a stunning red velvet version.
• Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin puree and spice mix to the batter for a fall twist. This variation pairs wonderfully with a cinnamon-infused whipped cream filling.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the batter and filling for a refreshing citrus note, perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

Add-Ons

• Nut Butter: Swirl almond or peanut butter into the batter before baking for a nutty flavor.
• Fruit Purees: Incorporate fruit purees like raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry into the whipped cream for a fruity filling.
• Espresso Powder: Mix a teaspoon of espresso powder into the batter for a mocha-flavored whoopie pie.

Toppings

• Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the whipped cream before sandwiching the pies for an added texture and tropical flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Dust the assembled whoopie pies with vegan powdered sugar for a sweet and professional finish.
• Vegan Ganache: Drizzle or coat the pies with a rich vegan chocolate ganache for an extra decadent treat.
• Crushed Nuts: Press the sides of the filled whoopie pies into crushed nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy exterior.

Vegetable Substitutions

• Mushrooms: Due to their hearty texture, mushrooms are great for replacing meat. Portobello mushrooms work well for burgers, while shiitake or cremini mushrooms add depth to stir-fries and soups.
• Cauliflower: A versatile substitute for grains or as a base for vegan wings. Roasted cauliflower can also mimic the texture of meat.
• Jackfruit: Jackfruit has a texture similar to pulled pork, and it is ideal for vegan tacos, sandwiches, and curries.
• Lentils: Perfect for ground meat substitutions in sauces, tacos, and meatloaves due to their protein content and texture.
• Eggplant: Its meaty texture makes it a good substitute for lasagna layers or as a base for vegan bacon.
• Zucchini: Excellent for noodles or as a filler in meatballs and burgers.
• Chickpeas: Can replace chicken or tuna in salads and sandwiches, offering a protein-packed option.
• Butternut Squash: Works well as a filling for ravioli or a substitute for cheese in creamy sauces.

Quick Tip– Add a dash of apple cider vinegar to your plant-based milk for a richer flavor in vegan baking. This creates homemade buttermilk, which enhances your recipes!

Best Side Dishes

1. Fruit Salad A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a light, sweet contrast to the rich whoopie pies.
2. Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream Have a scoop of creamy ice cream on the side or sandwiched between whoopie pies for a delightful treat.
3. Nutty Quinoa Salad For a savory balance, a nutty quinoa salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing side.
4. Maple Glazed Carrots Their sweet and savory flavors provide a delicious counterpoint to the dessert’s sweetness.
5. Roasted Chickpeas Seasoned and roasted chickpeas can add a crunchy, salty snack.
6. Sweet Potato Fries Baked sweet potato fries with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar offer a sweet and savory snack.
7. Zucchini Chips Thinly sliced and baked zucchini chips make a light, crispy accompaniment.
8. Kale Chips Kale chips seasoned with nutritional yeast complement the whoopie pies for a healthier crunch.
9. Cucumber Sandwiches Small, refreshing cucumber sandwiches with vegan cream cheese can balance the sweetness with their crisp, savory flavor.
10. Coconut Yogurt Parfait Layered with fruits and granola, it’s a light, refreshing side that pairs well with the dessert’s richness.

How To Serve?

• Chilled: Serve them chilled from the refrigerator for a firm texture and cool contrast to a warm beverage.
• With Dairy-Free Milk: Offer a glass of almond, soy, or oat milk on the side for dipping or sipping.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: Place a scoop of vegan ice cream between two whoopie pie cakes for a decadent treat.
• Dusted with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the tops with vegan powdered sugar for a sweet, decorative finish.
• With Fresh Berries: For a fresh, tangy balance, accompany with a side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
• Coffee or Tea Pairing: Serve with coffee or tea, choosing flavors that complement the whoopie pies, such as vanilla, hazelnut, or chai.
• On a Dessert Platter: Arrange them on a platter with other vegan sweets and treats for a variety of taste and texture.
• Garnished with Edible Flowers: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the plate with edible flowers.
• Whipped Cream Topping: Before serving, add a dollop of extra coconut whipped cream on top or the side for dipping.
• As a Gift: Package them individually in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Quick Tip– To prevent vegan cakes from sticking, lightly dust your greased pans with flour or line them with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and perfect shapes every time.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Storage: Once baked, allow the vegan whoopie pies to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the whoopie pies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the whoopie pie batter as instructed, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, scoop the chilled batter onto baking sheets and follow the baking instructions. This make-ahead option allows for fresh-baked whoopie pies whenever you crave them, with minimal effort.

Fact– The original whoopie pie, believed to have been created by Amish women, was considered a lucky surprise when found in lunch pails, hence the exclamation “Whoopie!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make The Vegan Whoopie Pies Gluten-Free?

You can make Vegan Whoopie Pies gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients, especially the flour blend and oat flour, are certified gluten-free. The recipe already calls for a gluten-free flour blend, but double-checking labels for cross-contamination warnings is crucial if you’re sensitive or allergic to gluten.

How Long Do Vegan Whoopie Pies Last?

Vegan Whoopie Pies typically last 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. They should be kept in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake parts separately and assemble them with the whipped cream just before serving.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Milk Instead Of Almond Milk?

Absolutely. You can substitute almond milk with other plant-based milk, such as soy, oat, or coconut milk, without significantly affecting the recipe’s outcome. The key is to use unsweetened and unflavored varieties to maintain the intended flavor profile of the whoopie pies.

Is There A Substitute For Coconut Cream In The Whipped Filling?

Yes, suppose you’re not a fan of coconut or have an allergy. In that case, you can use other vegan alternatives for the whipped filling, such as store-bought vegan whipped cream or a homemade version made from chilled aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) whipped with sugar. However, the texture and taste will vary slightly from the original recipe.

How Can I Ensure My Whoopie Pies Are The Same Size?

Using a cookie scoop or measuring spoon is the best way to ensure your whoopie pies are uniform in size. Scoop the batter with your tool of choice, then gently flatten it on the baking sheet if needed. Consistency in size affects the appearance and ensures that the pies bake evenly.