The whoopie pie is a classic American dessert, and its origin has long been debated. Both Maine and Pennsylvania claim to be the birthplace of this sweet treat. With two soft, cake-like cookies and a creamy filling, whoopie pies have become iconic in both states. So, where did this dessert really come from? Let’s explore.
What is a Whoopie Pie?
A whoopie pie consists of two soft, round cakes with a rich filling in the center. Traditionally, the filling is made from marshmallow fluff or buttercream. The dessert is a favorite in New England and Pennsylvania, with each region adding its own twist.
Maine considers the whoopie pie its official state treat. The state even hosts the annual Maine Whoopie Pie Festival. You can learn more about whoopie pies as a New England favorite from this article.
On the other hand, Pennsylvania’s Amish communities have been baking similar desserts for generations. There, the whoopie pie is often called “gobs.” Pennsylvania Dutch kitchens have passed down these recipes for years, using ingredients like buttermilk and buttercream. For more history, check out the gobs and whoopie pies history.
Whoopie Pies in Maine: A Sweet Tradition
In Maine, whoopie pies have been made since the 1920s. Labadie’s Bakery, in Lewiston, claims to have started making the dessert nearly a century ago. Their whoopie pies have soft chocolate cakes and a creamy marshmallow filling, a combination that’s become a local favorite.
Each year, Maine hosts the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival, attracting visitors who want to enjoy this dessert. The festival celebrates local bakers and their delicious creations.
Whoopie Pies in Pennsylvania: The Amish Tradition
While Maine claims the whoopie pie, Pennsylvania has a strong case too. In Pennsylvania, the dessert is often known as “gobs” and is deeply rooted in the Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch culture. Pennsylvania’s version of the whoopie pie is typically filled with buttercream instead of marshmallow fluff, giving it a different texture.
Pennsylvania’s Amish communities have passed down whoopie pie recipes through generations. They use simple, traditional ingredients like buttermilk, which gives the cakes a unique flavor.
The Origin Debate: Maine vs. Pennsylvania
The debate over the whoopie pie’s origin is intense. Maine’s Labadie’s Bakery has been making whoopie pies since 1925. The state even holds the record for the largest whoopie pie ever made, weighing more than 1,000 pounds. For more details on the record-breaking whoopie pie, check out Maine’s giant whoopie pie.
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s claim comes from the Amish tradition of baking gobs, which are very similar to whoopie pies. The Durkee Mower Company, known for producing Marshmallow Fluff, published a New England cookbook in the 1930s featuring a recipe for “Amish Whoopie Pies,” adding to the confusion over the dessert’s true origin.
Recipe Variations: Maine vs. Pennsylvania
Both Maine and Pennsylvania offer unique variations of the classic whoopie pie:
- Maine: The traditional version features chocolate cakes with marshmallow fluff filling.
- Pennsylvania: Gobs are often filled with buttercream or cream cheese, and flavors like pumpkin and gingerbread are popular.
These variations show just how versatile the dessert can be, allowing bakers to experiment with different flavors and fillings.
Internal Linking Opportunities
There are great opportunities to link to related recipes and content on Valeria Recipes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Mentioning the creamy filling options in whoopie pies could link to Lemon Cream Cheese, which offers readers a unique filling option.
- Discussing different cake textures could link to Chocolate Chip Cupcakes, a dessert that shares a similar texture with whoopie pies.
- Readers looking for alternative pies might enjoy the Coconut Cream Pie as another dessert option.
FAQs
Where did whoopie pies originate?
Both Maine and Pennsylvania claim the origin. Maine made it their official state treat, but Pennsylvania’s Amish community has a long history of baking a similar dessert called “gobs.”
What’s the difference between Maine whoopie pies and Pennsylvania gobs?
Maine’s whoopie pies typically use marshmallow fluff for the filling. Pennsylvania’s gobs usually have buttercream or cream cheese filling. Both desserts use soft chocolate cakes.
Can you make gluten-free or dairy-free whoopie pies?
Yes, you can substitute ingredients like gluten-free flour or dairy-free butter to meet dietary needs.
Whether you side with Maine or Pennsylvania, the whoopie pie is a dessert rich in history and tradition. Its versatility, with endless flavor and filling combinations, keeps it a beloved treat in both states. So, the next time you enjoy a whoopie pie, take a moment to appreciate the debate and the history behind this iconic dessert!