The Lancaster County Whoopie Pie | Discover Lancaster (2024)

FAQs

Are whoopie pies a PA thing? ›

Described as a “New England phenomenon and a Pennsylvania Amish tradition,” whoopie pie historians have decided that it has its origins in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country (think Lancaster County).

According to local lore, the first whoopie pies were created by Maine farmers' wives who would use leftover cake batter to make small, portable treats for their husbands to take with them to work. Over time, these small treats grew in popularity, and the whoopie pie became a beloved part of Maine's culinary heritage.

The whoopie pie, alternatively called a black moon, gob (Pittsburgh area), black-and-white, bob, or BFO (for Big Fat Oreo), is an American baked confection that may be considered either a cookie, pie, sandwich, or cake.

It's believed that whoopie pies were first made from leftover cake batter, and Amish legend has it that, when children and even farmers would find the delicious treat in their lunch pail, they'd yell out “Whoopie!,” hence the name.

Upon further investigation, however, it was discovered that the bakery's whoopie pies – either a cookie pie or cake – were made with human breast milk. While the white fatty liquid from an Amish princess psychologically trapped in the 1800s may be unappetizing, it is unlikely to pose a danger to consumers.

Whether you're a die-hard shoofly pie fan or simply curious about the history of one of Pennsylvania's most iconic desserts, there's no denying that this sweet and sticky treat has left a mark on the culinary landscape of Lancaster County.

It's commonly believed that this tasty treat, also known as gobs, moon pies, and black-and-whites, developed out of an Amish recipe. The story goes that Amish cooks in colonial America would use leftover batter from making cakes to make these small handheld cake sandwiches.

Ingredients for Whoopie Pie Marshmallow Cream Filling:

Marshmallow Creme or Marshmallow Fluff work here. Marshmallow creme has a slightly thinner consistency than fluff, so you may need to add a bit more powdered sugar to sufficiently stiffen it up. Butter – This helps create the creamy filling.

The pie for PA is a Shoofly Pie! The shoofly pie was invented by the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 1880's. It all started as molasses cake called centennial cake in 1876 made to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Pennysylvania history claims the whoopie pie was invented by Amish women, who used left-over cake batter to make these mini cake-like treats. Accounts suggest that they made little mounds of cake and sandwiched them together with a creamy frosting.

Why do whoopie pies get sticky? ›

Why are my whoopie pies sticky? Since these whoopie pies use pumpkin puree, they're quite moist and can become sticky when left at room temperature. Keep the whoopie pies in the fridge once they've cooled to room temperature to prevent them from becoming sticky.

1. US, informal + old-fashioned : to have sex. 2. British, informal + old-fashioned : to have noisy fun.

Whoopie pies are considered a New England phenomenon and a Pennsylvania Amish tradition. They have also been known as a “gobs” in Western Pennsylvania (see Gob History below). They are one of Maine's best known and most loved comfort foods.

It's the whoopie pie, a snack so beloved that residents in two states have cooked up a good-natured tug-of-war over which place is its rightful home: Maine or Pennsylvania.