If you’re looking for an irresistibly festive treat that’ll wow your guests and make your celebration extra special, these 4th of July Whoopie Pies are a total showstopper! This recipe takes classic chocolate cake sandwiches and gives them a patriotic twist, bursting with bold red and blue marshmallow filling and a shower of sprinkles. Whether you’re baking with family or surprising friends at your summer barbecue, these little cakes are the perfect blend of nostalgia, fun color, and fluffy texture—guaranteed to light up the dessert table as brightly as the fireworks overhead!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these whoopie pies truly magical is how everyday ingredients come together to create a festive masterpiece. Each item brings its own special something—rich flavor, the right amount of fluff, or that pop of color—to the table.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cakes their soft, tender bite while providing structure.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor for a true whoopie pie experience.
- Baking soda: Helps the cakes rise and stay light, not dense.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every chocolatey note.
- Granulated sugar: Adds both sweetness and a little moisture to the cakes.
- Unsalted butter (for both cakes and filling): Lends richness and that classic homemade taste—make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
- Large egg: Binds everything together and gives the cakes a tender crumb.
- Buttermilk: Adds a gentle tang and moisture, keeping each bite exceptionally soft.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall warmth and flavor of both the cake and filling.
- Marshmallow creme: Creates the iconic, fluffy filling and absolute childhood nostalgia.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the filling stability and just the right sweetness.
- Red and blue food coloring: You only need a little to dye the filling two bold pops of patriotic color!
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional): Sprinkle around the edges for that over-the-top holiday sparkle—totally festive and fun!
How to Make 4th of July Whoopie Pies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This little bit of prep ensures your whoopie pies bake evenly and gives you a nonstick surface for easy removal later. Nothing sticks, nothing burns—so you can focus on building those vibrant treats!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing them well at this stage guarantees your cakes bake up perfectly, with every bite just as fluffy and chocolatey as the last.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Mix in the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates the base of our cake’s soft texture. Now, beat in the egg followed by the buttermilk and vanilla extract. This combo adds richness and makes every cake cloud-like after baking.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick, chocolatey batter forms. Don’t overmix—just go until everything’s incorporated and smooth. This helps keep the cakes tender instead of tough.
Step 5: Portion and Bake the Cakes
With a spoon (or, for the neatest circles, a piping bag), drop heaping tablespoons of batter onto your baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops are set and lightly spring back to the touch. After baking, let them cool completely—it’s essential for easy assembly later!
Step 6: Make the Patriotic Filling
For the filling, beat the softened butter until creamy, then add marshmallow creme, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip it all together until light and dreamy. Divide the filling into two bowls—dye one bowl red and the other blue so you have two vibrant fillings ready to swirl into the pies.
Step 7: Assemble the 4th of July Whoopie Pies
To assemble, spread or pipe a layer of red filling on half of a cake, blue on the other, and sandwich together with another cake. If you want a little extra oomph, roll the freshly filled edges in red, white, and blue sprinkles for a burst of patriotic color. Let your whoopie pies chill for 20 to 30 minutes so the filling can set—this makes them a bit firmer and even more delightful to bite into.
How to Serve 4th of July Whoopie Pies
Garnishes
For a dazzling finish, roll the edges of your whoopie pies in red, white, and blue sprinkles just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few fresh berries on the side or top each with a mini flag pick—they’re sure to draw ooohs and aaahs from your guests!
Side Dishes
These 4th of July Whoopie Pies pair beautifully with light summer sides like fresh watermelon wedges, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a glass of homemade lemonade. Think refreshing and simple, so your dessert stands out as the star of the celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange them on a platter lined with a red-and-white checkered napkin, or stack them on a tiered dessert stand for height and drama. For extra flair, serve them individually wrapped in patriotic parchment paper—perfect for guests to grab and go as they watch the fireworks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any of these show-stopping 4th of July Whoopie Pies left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their moist texture for up to three days, and the colors will stay bright and vibrant.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze assembled whoopie pies! Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months—great for planning ahead or saving a surprise treat.
Reheating
Let frozen whoopie pies thaw in the fridge for several hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. There’s no need to reheat them; they’re best enjoyed cool and soft, just as they were intended.
FAQs
How do I get perfectly round whoopie pies?
For even, picture-perfect cakes, use a piping bag with a large round tip to portion the batter onto your trays. This keeps the shapes uniform and makes sandwiching a breeze!
Can I make 4th of July Whoopie Pies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. Check your baking soda’s label too, and you’ll have a festive gluten-free dessert everyone can enjoy.
Is there an alternative to marshmallow creme in the filling?
If you’re not a fan of marshmallow, try a simple vanilla buttercream or even a tangy cream cheese frosting as a swap. Both are delicious and give a slightly different twist while keeping the celebration vibes high!
How far in advance can I assemble 4th of July Whoopie Pies?
You can make and assemble them a day ahead. Letting them chill overnight in the fridge will actually make them easier to handle and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Can I use natural food coloring for the filling?
Absolutely! There are plenty of plant-based or liquid natural food colorings available at specialty stores. The shades may not be quite as bold, but they’ll still be truly festive and fun.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about sharing a plate of 4th of July Whoopie Pies with your favorite people that brings out all the magic of summer. Give this recipe a try at your next holiday celebration, and let those joyful colors and flavors add even more sparkle to your day. I can’t wait for you to experience the smiles and sweet memories these little cakes are sure to inspire!
Print
4th of July Whoopie Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate Independence Day with these festive 4th of July Whoopie Pies! These colorful treats are perfect for any patriotic gathering.
Ingredients
For the cakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups marshmallow creme
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- red and blue food coloring
- red, white, and blue sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cakes: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until incorporated. Mix in the buttermilk and vanilla, then gradually add the dry ingredients until a thick batter forms.
- Bake the cakes: Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the tops are set and spring back when lightly touched. Let the cakes cool completely.
- Make the filling: For the filling, beat the butter until smooth. Add marshmallow creme, powdered sugar, and vanilla, and mix until light and fluffy. Divide the filling into two bowls and tint one with red food coloring and the other with blue.
- Assemble the whoopie pies: Spread or pipe red filling on one half of a whoopie pie and blue on the other half, then sandwich with another cake. Roll edges in festive sprinkles if desired. Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving to help them set.
Notes
- For cleaner edges, use a piping bag to portion the batter.
- You can also use vanilla or cream cheese filling if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
