Pineapple Whoopie Pies

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Experience a taste of paradise with these delightful Pineapple Whoopie Pies! Bursting with the tropical flavors of pineapple and cream cheese, these fluffy cakes sandwich a luscious pineapple cream filling. Perfect for summer parties, picnics, or anytime you crave a sweet treat, these homemade whoopie pies are sure to become a new family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 1 box pineapple cake mix (can use yellow if you wish)
  • ½ cup oil
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 stick (4 oz.) butter, softened
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (extra for dusting tops)
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained well

Directions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, use a mixer to combine the cake mix, oil, pineapple juice, and eggs until thoroughly combined.
  3. Bake: Drop heaping tablespoons of batter onto the prepared cookie sheets, keeping them about 3 inches apart. Bake on the center rack of the oven for approximately 10 minutes or until browned. Allow to cool in the pan on a baking rack.
  4. Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and mix well. Fold in the crushed pineapple.
  5. Assemble Whoopie Pies: Once cooled, spread the cream filling heavily on half of the cookies. Place the remaining cookies on top and dust lightly with powdered sugar.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Chill Before Serving: For an extra refreshing treat, chill the assembled Pineapple Whoopie Pies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and enhances the flavor.
  2. Garnish with Fresh Pineapple: Add a tropical touch by garnishing the whoopie pies with a small wedge of fresh pineapple on top. It not only looks appealing but also adds a burst of freshness.
  3. Serve with Coconut Shavings: Sprinkle toasted coconut shavings over the whoopie pies just before serving for a delightful texture contrast and a hint of coconut flavor that complements the pineapple filling.
  4. Pair with a Tropical Beverage: Serve these pineapple treats alongside a refreshing tropical beverage such as pineapple juice, coconut water, or a fruity cocktail to complete the island-inspired experience.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Pineapple Whoopie Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cream filling may become slightly firmer when chilled but will remain delicious.
  2. Freezing: While whoopie pies are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for longer storage. Place the assembled whoopie pies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating the layers with parchment paper. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  3. Thawing: If frozen, allow the whoopie pies to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. For a quicker thawing option, place individual whoopie pies on a plate at room temperature for 1-2 hours until softened.
  4. Individual Wrapping: To prevent the whoopie pies from sticking together during storage, consider wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper before placing them in an airtight container.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Pineapple Whoopie Pies stay fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever you need a taste of tropical paradise. Whether you’re indulging in them as a sweet snack or sharing them with friends and family, these homemade treats are guaranteed to brighten any occasion.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Chill Before Serving: For an extra refreshing treat, chill the assembled Pineapple Whoopie Pies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and enhances the flavor.
  2. Garnish with Fresh Pineapple: Add a tropical touch by garnishing the whoopie pies with a small wedge of fresh pineapple on top. It not only looks appealing but also adds a burst of freshness.
  3. Serve with Coconut Shavings: Sprinkle toasted coconut shavings over the whoopie pies just before serving for a delightful texture contrast and a hint of coconut flavor that complements the pineapple filling.
  4. Pair with a Tropical Beverage: Serve these pineapple treats alongside a refreshing tropical beverage such as pineapple juice, coconut water, or a fruity cocktail to complete the island-inspired experience.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Pineapple Whoopie Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cream filling may become slightly firmer when chilled but will remain delicious.
  2. Freezing: While whoopie pies are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for longer storage. Place the assembled whoopie pies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating the layers with parchment paper. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  3. Thawing: If frozen, allow the whoopie pies to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. For a quicker thawing option, place individual whoopie pies on a plate at room temperature for 1-2 hours until softened.
  4. Individual Wrapping: To prevent the whoopie pies from sticking together during storage, consider wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper before placing them in an airtight container.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Pineapple Whoopie Pies stay fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever you need a taste of tropical paradise. Whether you’re indulging in them as a sweet snack or sharing them with friends and family, these homemade treats are guaranteed to brighten any occasion.

Variations:

  1. Coconut Bliss: Enhance the tropical flavor by adding shredded coconut to the cake batter or sprinkling it over the cream filling for a delightful coconut-pineapple combination.
  2. Tropical Fruit Medley: Mix diced tropical fruits such as mango, kiwi, and papaya into the cream filling for a colorful and refreshing twist that adds extra sweetness and texture.
  3. Rum Infusion: Add a splash of rum extract or coconut rum to the cream filling for a hint of Caribbean flair. Just be mindful of serving to children or non-alcohol drinkers.
  4. Pineapple Upside-Down: Bake the cake batter in mini whoopie pie rounds, then sandwich them with a layer of caramelized pineapple slices and a dollop of whipped cream for a playful twist on the classic dessert.
  5. Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting: Whip up a tangy pineapple cream cheese frosting by blending crushed pineapple into cream cheese frosting. Spread it generously between two cake rounds for a decadent treat.
  6. Grilled Pineapple Whoopie Pies: Grill pineapple rings until caramelized, then sandwich them between two cake rounds with a dollop of vanilla ice cream for a warm and indulgent dessert.
  7. Pineapple Coconut Ice Cream Sandwiches: Scoop your favorite coconut or vanilla ice cream between two pineapple cake rounds for a cool and creamy treat that’s perfect for hot summer days.
  8. Pineapple Whoopie Pie Parfaits: Layer crumbled pineapple whoopie pie cake rounds with whipped cream and diced fresh pineapple in serving glasses for a quick and easy dessert parfait.
  9. Pineapple Whoopie Pie Milkshake: Blend crumbled pineapple whoopie pie cake rounds with vanilla ice cream and pineapple juice for a creamy and indulgent milkshake that’s bursting with tropical flavor.
  10. Pineapple Whoopie Pie Trifle: Layer sliced pineapple whoopie pie cake rounds with whipped cream or pudding and fresh pineapple chunks in a trifle dish for a stunning dessert centerpiece.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Ensure it’s diced finely and well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
  2. Can I make these whoopie pies ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake rounds and prepare the filling ahead of time. Assemble the whoopie pies just before serving to maintain freshness.
  3. Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Absolutely! Experiment with different cake mix flavors such as vanilla, coconut, or even lemon for unique variations of the whoopie pies.
  4. How do I prevent the whoopie pies from becoming soggy? To prevent sogginess, ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained and avoid overfilling the whoopie pies with filling.
  5. Can I omit the cream cheese from the filling? Yes, you can omit the cream cheese if desired. Simply use softened butter and powdered sugar for a lighter filling.
  6. Can I freeze the assembled whoopie pies? While it’s possible to freeze assembled whoopie pies, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the cake rounds and filling separately and assemble them fresh when needed.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up these heavenly Pineapple Whoopie Pies that are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Whether you’re hosting a tropical-themed party or simply want to indulge in a taste of paradise, these homemade treats are sure to impress. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to enjoy a slice of sunshine with every bite!