Cultural Desserts: Whoopie Pies

I, a lifelong denizen of the Pacific Coast, had never heard of Whoopie Pies until I read this article in the New York Times. For the uninitiated, Whoopie Pies are a homespun dessert staple in New England (particularly Maine) and in Pennsylvania Dutch country. As a thumbnail description, they are what Oreo Cakesters are attempting to replicate on a national scale. (But it goes without saying that the real Whoopie Pies are at least a thousand times more tasty.)

The classic Whoopie Pie is essentially some filling sandwiched between two large, cake-like cookies. It sounds not unlike a Moon Pie, but without the flavored coating. The traditional cookie is thick and dry and on the bland side, getting most of its flavor and texture from the sticky sweet filling. The filling can be made of either frosting or marshmallow fluff.

The origins of Whoopie Pie are shrouded in mystery. One researcher believes they were popularized on radio shows aimed at homemakers of the 1930s. The relative invisibility of the origins of Whoopie Pies speaks volumes to attitudes towards "women's work" in the first half of the 20th century.

The most highly-rated recipe for Whoopie Pies on Allrecipes.com is this family heirloom, provided by user Amy Kerby. The recipe uses a box of devil's food cake mix for the cookies, and a basic vanilla cream frosting for the filling. Humble origins indeed, but that hasn't stopped high-end retailers like Williams Sonoma from selling upscale versions for $50 per dozen.