Craving a sweet treat that's both comforting and impressive? Look no further than these homemade maple whoopie pies! These delightful little cakes are incredibly easy to make, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Forget store-bought – these fluffy, maple-flavored cakes sandwiching a creamy filling are the epitome of homemade goodness. They're a fantastic addition to any dessert spread, perfect for potlucks, or simply a delightful end to a busy day.
Ingredients:
For the Maple Cakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions:
Making the Maple Cakes:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and maple syrup.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cake. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream Together: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Sweeten & Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and maple syrup.
Assembling the Whoopie Pies:
- Pair Up: Once the cakes are completely cool, pair them up to create even sandwiches.
- Fill & Enjoy: Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cake, and top with another cake. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for Perfect Maple Whoopie Pies:
- Room Temperature: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a lighter texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough cakes. Mix until just combined.
- Even Baking: Use a cookie scoop for consistent size and even baking.
- Cooling is Key: Make sure the cakes are completely cool before adding the filling to prevent it from melting.
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cake batter for a delicious chocolate maple combination.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter.
Nutritional Information (per whoopie pie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 25-30g
These nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These maple whoopie pies are a delicious and easy recipe perfect for any occasion. The combination of fluffy cakes and creamy filling is irresistible, and the maple flavor adds a touch of autumnal warmth. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!