Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Blueberries

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Blueberries are a delightful treat that combines the light, airy texture of whoopie pies with the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake. These pies get a nice pop of flavor from fresh blueberries, making them not only visually appealing but also a delicious combination of sweet and slightly tart flavors. The bright red color of the cakes pairs beautifully with the creamy white filling and the dark blueberries, creating an eye-catching dessert perfect for any occasion.

These whoopie pies are soft and cake-like, with a rich cocoa flavor complemented by the sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting. The addition of blueberries offers a fresh burst of flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the cake and frosting, making each bite a refreshing experience. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a fun day of baking at home, these whoopie pies will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details of this wonderful dessert so you can make them yourself!

Ingredients about Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Blueberries

To make these delightful Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Blueberries, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

List of ingredients with measurements

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter, softened at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1 Tbsp red food coloring
• 1/2 cup whole fat buttermilk
• 1 Tbsp distilled white vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, cold
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
• 1 pint fresh blueberries

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you don’t have some of the ingredients or want a different flavor profile, here are a few suggestions for substitutions:

• For all-purpose flour, you can use a gluten-free blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
• You can replace the buttermilk with a mixture of regular milk and lemon juice or vinegar in equal parts as a substitute.
• If you want to avoid food coloring, you can experiment with beet juice, which will give a natural red color, although it might alter the flavor slightly.
• Instead of cream cheese, you can use mascarpone for a different texture and taste in the frosting.

How to Make Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Blueberries

Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to make these delicious whoopie pies. It may seem like a lot of steps, but everything flows smoothly together and the result is worth it!

Step 1: Prepare your baking sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is essential because it prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup. Make sure the parchment paper is flat against the sheet.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and baking soda. This step will ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly combined, which helps the whoopie pies rise properly during baking. Set this bowl aside since you will add it to the wet mixture later.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugars

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it becomes fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat for another 2 minutes. The creaming process incorporates air into the batter, making your whoopie pies light and fluffy. Once this is done, reduce the mixer speed to low and add the eggs one at a time, mixing until each is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine cocoa and food coloring

Next, add the unsweetened cocoa powder and red food coloring to the mixture. Beat this on medium speed for about one minute until everything is well combined and smooth. The batter will have a beautiful deep red hue at this point.

Step 5: Add buttermilk, vinegar, and vanilla

Now it’s time to add the buttermilk, distilled white vinegar, and vanilla extract. Continue to mix on low until everything is combined. You will notice the mixture becoming a tad thinner, which is okay.

Step 6: Incorporate the flour mixture

Gradually add the flour mixture in three additions, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to dense whoopie pies.

Step 7: Scoop the batter

Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each scoop for spreading. Make sure the tops are smooth and evenly shaped.

Step 8: Bake and cool

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm, and the tops are smooth. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool fully on a wire rack.

Step 9: Prepare the frosting

While the whoopie pies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the cold cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which will take about 3 minutes.

Step 10: Whip the cream

Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl and slowly stream in the heavy whipping cream down the side of the bowl. Beat until stiff peaks form, ensuring the filling is light and fluffy.

Step 11: Fold in pecans

Fold in the chopped toasted pecans carefully, which will add an extra layer of flavor and crunch to the filling.

Step 12: Assemble the whoopie pies

Spoon the frosting into a piping bag and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. To assemble the pies, flip half of the cooled cakes upside down, pipe a generous amount of frosting on each, and top it with fresh blueberries. Then, take the other half of the cakes and sandwich them on top of the filling. Be sure to press them gently to evenly distribute the filling.

Step 13: Finish and dust

Dust the tops of the whoopie pies with extra powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Blueberries

Now that you have your beautiful Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Blueberries assembled, it’s time to think about serving them!

Best ways to serve Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Blueberries

These whoopie pies are perfect for both casual and formal gatherings. They can be served as a dessert at a birthday party, bridal shower, or summer picnic. For more intimate occasions, you can enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon.

Serving suggestions or pairings

For an extra special treat, consider serving your whoopie pies with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair nicely with a fresh fruit salad or a creamy scoop of blueberry sorbet, enhancing the fruity flavor of the blueberries in the pies.

How to Store Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Blueberries

If you find yourself with leftovers, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain their freshness.

Proper storage methods

Store the assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3-4 days. Make sure to keep layers of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

Tips for reheating or freezing

If you want to enjoy them warm later, you can microwave the whoopie pies for just a few seconds until they are slightly warm. However, since the cream cheese filling does not freeze well, it’s best to assemble the whoopie pies fresh if you intend to freeze the cake pieces. To freeze, store the unfilled red velvet cakes in an airtight container, where they will last for about a month. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw and fill them with the frosting and blueberries.

Tips to Make Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Blueberries

Making these whoopie pies is quite simple, but there are some tips to help you get the best results.

Common mistakes to avoid

One common mistake is overmixing the batter, especially after adding the flour mixture. Mixing too much can create tough cakes. It’s also important to correctly measure your flour; too much can lead to dry whoopie pies. To avoid this, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it with a knife.

Helpful tips for better results

Always ensure that your butter is softened at room temperature for easy creaming, and use fresh blueberries for the best taste. You can also adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve the desired color intensity. Keep a close eye on baking times, as ovens can vary. Start checking for doneness a minute or two early.

Variation of Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Blueberries

While the original recipe is fantastic, here are some variations that can add new flavors or accommodate dietary needs.

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

You could try adding different fillings such as a chocolate ganache or a flavored whipped cream. If you want to infuse a little crunch, add finely chopped walnuts or other nuts alongside the pecans. Alternatively, you could create a layer of lemon curd or orange zest in the cream cheese filling for a lovely citrus twist, balancing sweet and tangy flavors.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

For those who are vegan or dairy-free, you can experiment with plant-based butters and vegan cream cheese. Use flax eggs or aquafaba as a substitute for eggs. Always be sure to check that the food coloring is vegan if that’s a consideration. You can also try gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivities to ensure everyone can enjoy this treat.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your whoopie pies are too dry, it may be due to too much flour or an overmixing issue. Ensure your ingredients are measured correctly and avoid overmixing after adding flour. If they are too flat, your baking powder or baking soda may be old, so check their expiration dates.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the whoopie pie cakes in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also prepare the frosting ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the pies right before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, as mentioned earlier. For the eggs, try flax or chia seeds mixed with water. If you can’t find buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice. The red food coloring can be exchanged for beet juice if desired for a natural alternative.

In conclusion, making Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Blueberries is an enjoyable and rewarding baking experience! With the tips and detailed instructions provided, you can create a stunning dessert that will impress anyone who lays eyes on them. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with your variations, you’re sure to create something delicious. Enjoy your time in the kitchen!

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