posted Oct 11, 2023

The Lancaster County Whoopie Pie

Pennsylvania Dutch Country's best known and most loved comfort food - the whoopie pie!

Whoopie pies originated in Lancaster County and are one of Pennsylvania Dutch Country's best known and most loved comfort foods for locals and visitors alike.

They were created by Lancaster’s Amish and Pennsylvania German communities and have been handed down for years in home kitchens and small bakeries, from generation to generation. It’s believed that whoopie pies were first made from leftover cake batter, and Amish legend has it that, when children and even farmers would find the delicious treat in their lunch pail, they’d yell out “Whoopie!,” hence the name.

Whoopie pies are actually more like a sandwich, made of two cake-like cookies with a cream center. The cookies are typically chocolate and the cream vanilla, but many flavor variations for both the cookies and the cream have been developed over the years.

Where to Buy Whoopie Pies in Lancaster County

You can find delicious whoopie pies all over Pennsylvania Dutch Country! From our farmer's markets, to local shops, bakeries, Amish-owned restaurants and quaint roadside stands! Here are just a few places where you can find this truly authentic Lancaster County delicacy!

In addition, check out all of the Lancaster County's local shops, purveyors of sweets & treats, farmer's markets, and restaurants who are sure to have some of the best whoopie pies you've ever tasted!

Lancaster County Whoopie Pie Festival

It's one of the most delicious days in Lancaster! Each September, join in on the dessert-y fun at the annual Whoopie Pie Festival at Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn! Participate in a whoopie pie eating contest, a whoopie pie treasure hunt, or set your eyes on the largest whoopie pie ever made!

PA Dutch Whoopie Pie Recipe

Make this Lancaster County favorite at home!

Whoopie Pies Cake Ingredients

4 cups flour
1 cup cocoa
2 cups of sugar
1 cup of shortening
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 pinch of salt
2 teaspoons of vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup of milk
1 cup of warm water

Preparing the Cakes
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, cocoa, and baking soda. Mix and set aside. In another bowl, combine the sugar, shortening and eggs. Beat for about two minutes. Mix the dry ingredients with the egg mixture and add the warm water and milk and beat at a medium speed for two to three minutes. Add the vanilla and beat until the ingredients are thoroughly blended. Bake the batter as drop cookies. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased non-stick cookie sheets. Bake in a preheated oven at 375° for 10 to 12 minutes or until the center of the "cookies" spring back when lightly pressed. Remove from the cookie sheets and cool a wire rack.

Filling Ingredients

4 Tbsp. flour
4 Tbsp. milk
2 egg whites
1-1/2 cups vegetable shortening
2 tsp. vanilla
4 cups confectioner's sugar

Preparing the Filling
Beat the egg whites until stiff then set them aside. Combine the other ingredients and beat vigorously for several minutes at a high speed. Fold in the beaten egg whites.

Whoopie Pie Assembly
Spread a generous amount of filling on a completely cooled cookie and then top with another cookie. To preserve your newly created treat, wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap.

Find Adventure in 2025!

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Pictured: Lancaster Balloon Rides

Credit: @jerzeedrones