Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
Filling Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents for a consistent rise.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy to create a tender crumb in the cakes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, incorporating air into the batter and enhancing flavor.
- Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Add the dry mixture and buttermilk alternately, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter.
- Add Red Food Coloring: Gradually blend in the red food coloring until the batter reaches the vibrant red hue characteristic of red velvet.
- Bake the Cakes: Spoon the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in evenly spaced rounds. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, until the tops spring back lightly to the touch.
- Make the Filling: Beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth, fluffy, and well combined.
- Assemble the Whoopie Pies: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous dollop of filling on one cake and sandwich it with another. Press gently to even out the filling.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and butter to help ingredients blend smoothly.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cakes light and fluffy.
- Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing and uniform baking.
- Chill the cream cheese filling before spreading for easier application.
- Store assembled whoopie pies covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: red velvet, whoopie pies, cream cheese filling, Valentine’s Day dessert, soft cakes, sweet treat