Baking is one of the most heartwarming activities you can do, especially when the scent of warm spices and sweet apple fills your kitchen. These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel Filling embody the essence of autumn, marrying the richness of traditional whoopie pies with bright and refreshing apple flavors. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of soft, cake-like cookies, complemented by a spiced buttercream and a luxurious caramel center, making them the ultimate fall dessert.
Their roots lie deep in seasonal flavors, utilizing apple cider reduction to intensify the sweetness while letting you enjoy the tartness of apples. With cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves woven throughout, these whoopie pies bring comfort during chilly evenings and are bound to impress friends and family alike. Perfect for any gathering—from cozy gatherings at home to festive bake sales—these treats will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Whoopie Pies Recipe
- 🍎 Real Apple Flavor – The apple cider reduction enhances both sweetness and tang.
- 🍂 Warm Fall Spices – Features cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that create a cozy aroma.
- 🍬 Caramel Center – Highlights richness and indulgence, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- 🎃 Pumpkin Alternative – Offers a unique, fruity twist to the classic fall bake.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the delicious world of Apple Cider Whoopie Pies, it’s important to prep your kitchen. Start by gathering all your ingredients, measuring them out, and having them ready to go. This will streamline the process and keep your workflow smooth. You’ll need basic baking tools—mixing bowls, measuring cups, and spoons—but you’ll also want to have your baking sheets lined with parchment paper to make transferring the cookies hassle-free. Additionally, having a piping bag on hand will make assembling the whoopie pies much easier, especially when adding the buttercream and caramel filling. Be prepared for a delightful whirlwind of mixing, piping, and, of course, tasting!
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider (for reduction)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for buttercream)
- Additional cider reduction (for buttercream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for buttercream)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for buttercream)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for filling)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction
Begin by pouring 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and place it on the stove over medium heat. Allow it to simmer while stirring occasionally. The goal is to reduce the cider down to ¼ cup, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Once it has thickened and cooled down, you’ll mix it into both the cake batter and the buttercream. This reduction is essential because it intensifies the apple flavor, giving your whoopie pies that delightful taste of autumn.
Step 2: Make the Whoopie Pie Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves). In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and your cooled apple cider reduction. Mix until combined.
Gradually introduce the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. The batter should be thick yet easily droppable from a spoon. Using a tablespoon or a small scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto your lined baking sheets, keeping them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes until they bounce back when lightly touched. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Create the Buttercream Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar until it’s fully incorporated, then mix in your apple cider reduction and vanilla extract. Add the salt to balance out the sweetness. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, ensuring that it’s smooth and easily spreadable. This buttercream will serve as the perfect filling for your whoopie pies!
Step 4: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
To assemble your whoopie pies, match cookie halves that are of similar size. Use a piping bag to pipe buttercream onto the flat side of one cookie half generously. Drizzle your caramel sauce over the buttercream filling and sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt, if desired. Gently place another cookie half on top to create a sandwich, pressing lightly to secure the filling between them. Repeat this process until all pies are assembled.
Variations
- Protein: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
- Vegetables: Mix in some grated carrots for added moisture and texture.
- Spices: Experiment with ginger or allspice for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Don’t overmix the batter as that may lead to dense cookies.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Serve as dessert at fall gatherings or as a festive snack during the holidays.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider using flavored caramel sauce like apple or salted caramel.
- Store your whoopie pies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and moist for several days.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
- Protein: 2g per cookie
- Sodium: 150mg per serving
FAQs
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, using store-bought apple cider will work perfectly for this recipe!
How do I store the whoopie pies after baking?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I freeze the whoopie pies?
Absolutely! Assemble the pies and freeze them for up to 1 month. Thaw before serving.
What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?
If you’re short on time, cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes or microwave it at low power for a few seconds, keeping an eye on it.
Conclusion
As the fall season approaches, bringing out the best of nature’s produce, these Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel Filling offer a delightful way to celebrate. With the unique blend of flavors and textures, these cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a celebration of autumn itself. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering, enjoying them with a loved one, or simply treating yourself, you’ll find joy in every bite. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and bake up a batch—you won’t regret it! We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, and even your variations on this recipe, so don’t hesitate to leave us a message below.
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Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel Filling
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Baking is one of the most heartwarming activities you can do, especially when the scent of warm spices and sweet apple fills your kitchen. These Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel Filling embody the essence of autumn, marrying the richness of traditional whoopie pies with bright and refreshing apple flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider (for reduction)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for buttercream)
- Additional cider reduction (for buttercream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for buttercream)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for buttercream)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for filling)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction: Begin by pouring 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and place it on the stove over medium heat. Allow it to simmer while stirring occasionally. The goal is to reduce the cider down to ¼ cup, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Once it has thickened and cooled down, you’ll mix it into both the cake batter and the buttercream.
- Make the Whoopie Pie Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves). In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and your cooled apple cider reduction. Mix until combined, then introduce the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with whole milk.
- Create the Buttercream Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar until it’s fully incorporated, mix in your apple cider reduction and vanilla extract, and add salt to balance sweetness.
- Assemble the Whoopie Pies: Match cookie halves that are of similar size, pipe buttercream onto one cookie half, drizzle caramel sauce over the filling, and top with another cookie half.
Notes
Don’t overmix the batter as that may lead to dense cookies.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 2 g