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Apple cider whoopie pies are a delicious fall treat, perfect for enjoying the season's flavors with their soft, spiced cakes and creamy filling.
Lady Maria

ULTIMATE APPLE CIDER WHOOPIE PIES

These apple cider whoopie pies are the perfect fall treat, featuring tender, spice-infused cakes made with reduced apple cider and a creamy cinnamon cream cheese filling. The concentrated apple flavor and delightful textures make these whoopie pies an unforgettable seasonal indulgence. Chilling before serving allows the flavors to meld together for the best experience.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup 1 stick
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream, as needed for consistency

Equipment

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • large mixing bowls
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • medium saucepan
  • wire rack
  • Cookie scoop
  • Rubber spatula
  • whisk
  • Toothpicks

Method
 

  1. Reduce the Apple Cider: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the cider is reduced to ¼ cup, about 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Incorporate Reduced Cider: Add the cooled reduced apple cider and mix until combined.
  6. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  7. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  8. Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Alternatively, use a cookie scoop for uniform size.
  9. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Cool: Let the cakes cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Prepare the Filling: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cinnamon cream cheese filling. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  12. Add Powdered Sugar and Spices: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon.
  13. Adjust Consistency: Add milk or cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the filling reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable.
  14. Assemble the Whoopie Pies: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cinnamon cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cake. Top with another cake, flat side down, to create a sandwich.
  15. Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the whoopie pies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra burst of apple flavor, add 1/4 cup of finely diced apple to the cake batter. Store leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a different spice profile, try adding a pinch of cloves or allspice to both the cake batter and the filling. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. If the batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to achieve the desired consistency.