Makin' Whoopie!

The Whoopie Pie was invented in Maine back in the 1920s. However, residents of Pennsylvania say the first Whoopie Pie originated there. Then there are also those who give the Amish credit for making the original Whoopie Pie. Some believe it was the Amish who traveled to Maine and actually introduced this cake-like dessert. Regardless of the true origination, the delicious taste is almost always agreed upon.

 It is similar to a giant Oreo cookie, with two discs of chocolate cake sandwiching a creamy-sweet filling. They are made with vegetable shortening rather than with butter.

One thing that is significant about the Whoopie Pie is the name. It is clever and unforgettable, but where did they ever come up with it? If the Amish did indeed make the first of these cakes, they are most likely the ones who named them. An old Amish legend says that children would squeal with delight and yell "WHOOP-EE" when they saw they were getting one of these treats. 

This is the view when you are having a Lobster Roll at the Lobster Shack!


You can find them in most places in Maine with flavors such as pumpkin or red velvet for the cookies. The fluffy cream center can vary as well. Though vanilla is the most common flavor, chocolate, strawberry, mint or peanut butter fluff is just delicious!  The Maine House votes that The Lobster Shack has the best Whoopie Pies in Maine!

Noah and Abbie's Favorite Birthday Cake!

Maine "Makin' Whoopie" Cake

Cake

1 cup margarine

2 cups sugar

2-1/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1-1/4 cups buttermilk

3 eggs

9 tablespoons cocoa powder

Icing

2 cups whole milk

3/4 cup white flour

2 cups granulated sugar

8 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 cup solid vegetable shortening

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 9" round cake pans. Beat together the margarine and sugar. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix slowly, gradually adding buttermilk. Beat 2 full minutes. Add eggs, then gradually add cocoa, beating another 2 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape the sides of the bowl.

Pour batter into prepared pans and bake about 40 minutes, until center springs back when gently pushed.
Cool the cake layers 5 minutes, then remove them from pans and cool them completely on a wire rack.
To make the icing, pour the milk into a stainless steel saucepan over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour until a thick paste forms. Do not scorch! Remove from stove and cool this mixture in the refrigerator.
In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, butter, vanilla, and shortening. Add the cooled paste. Whip for at least 3 minutes until creamy. This makes enough icing to generously frost a 2-layer cake.

Why do we love Whoopie Pies so much?

It could be we love the taste or that the name makes us giggle.

 It could also be because they remind us of our youth when life was carefree.

Then again, it could be all of the above.

 As long as there are Whoopie Pies, there is still a child inside us who loves them!