Classic Whoopie Pie from Pennsylvania Grange Cookbook 1972 — Jodi Loves (2024)

FAQs

What are whoopie pies called in Pennsylvania? ›

The Pennsylvania Amish claim to have whoopie pie recipes passed down through families from generation to generation. More commonly known by the name of "gobs" in this region, whoopie pies are a regular sight at roadside farm stands and local bakeries.

Described as a “New England phenomenon and a Pennsylvania Amish tradition,” whoopie pie historians have decided that it has its origins in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country (think Lancaster County).

These delightful treats have been enjoyed for generations, and their origin story is as rich and sweet as the dessert itself. The exact origins of the whoopie pie are shrouded in mystery, but it's believed that they were first created by Amish or Pennsylvania Dutch bakers in the early 1900s.

While considered a New England classic and a Pennsylvania Amish tradition, they are increasingly sold throughout the United States. The whoopie pie is the official state treat of Maine (not to be confused with the official state dessert, which is blueberry pie).

Upon further investigation, however, it was discovered that the bakery's whoopie pies – either a cookie pie or cake – were made with human breast milk. While the white fatty liquid from an Amish princess psychologically trapped in the 1800s may be unappetizing, it is unlikely to pose a danger to consumers.

Ingredients for Whoopie Pie Marshmallow Cream Filling:

Marshmallow Creme or Marshmallow Fluff work here. Marshmallow creme has a slightly thinner consistency than fluff, so you may need to add a bit more powdered sugar to sufficiently stiffen it up. Butter – This helps create the creamy filling.

It's commonly believed that this tasty treat, also known as gobs, moon pies, and black-and-whites, developed out of an Amish recipe. The story goes that Amish cooks in colonial America would use leftover batter from making cakes to make these small handheld cake sandwiches.

Pennysylvania history claims the whoopie pie was invented by Amish women, who used left-over cake batter to make these mini cake-like treats. Accounts suggest that they made little mounds of cake and sandwiched them together with a creamy frosting.

In 2011, the Maine State Legislature designated the whoopie pie as Maine's official state treat. This confection traditionally consists of two chocolate cake-like rounds surrounding a white cream filling. The popular treat is reported to have been baked in Maine since 1925.

The original Hershey's chocolate factory was founded in Lancaster, PA in 1894, which is one possible explanation as to why the chocolate chip cookie is the state dessert of Pennsylvania.

Are whoopie pies good for you? ›

So, there you go, eating a whoopie pie, according to this one study, is a gateway to becoming overweight. However, if you want a whoopie pie for a treat occasionally, enjoy it. Just remember moderation is key.

Whoopie Pie vs Moon Pie - Let's start by clearing up a common misperception: Whoopie Pies are not the same thing as a Moon Pie. A traditional moon pie has marshmallow filling sandwiched between graham cracker cookies, and then dipped in chocolate. Sounds good...but it's definitely not a Whoopie!

Also known as moon pies, big fat Oreos, black-and-whites, and gobs what most folks don't know is that there is a controversy about where this flavorful treat originated. Whoopie Pies combine two cookie-shaped chocolate cakes sandwiched between a creamy filling and vanilla-flavored frosting.

Whether you're a die-hard shoofly pie fan or simply curious about the history of one of Pennsylvania's most iconic desserts, there's no denying that this sweet and sticky treat has left a mark on the culinary landscape of Lancaster County.

Whoopie Pies (Gobs) Maybe you know them as "Gobs" (especially if you hail from PA) or maybe you know them as "Whoopie Pies". Whatever you call them, these classic desserts are absolutely irresistible! They consist of two cakey chocolate cookies sandwiched around an old-fashioned vanilla filling.

The pie for PA is a Shoofly Pie! The shoofly pie was invented by the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 1880's. It all started as molasses cake called centennial cake in 1876 made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.