Name: Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Cream Filling
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup buttermilk; 2 teaspoons red food coloring; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling); 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)

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Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! If you’re looking to add a sprinkle of love and a dash of fun to your dessert table, look no further than these Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Cream Filling. Not only do they look gorgeous, but they also taste divine. Perfect for celebrations, cozy date nights, or just treating yourself, these little delights are sure to warm anyone’s heart. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful dessert adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are not just beautiful; they are also a feast for the senses. The rich, vibrant red color embodies love and joy, making them an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or even just a girly get-together. Each bite is a soft, fluffy explosion of flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cream filling with the earthy notes of cocoa.

Moreover, there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating heart-shaped treats. It elevates the ordinary whoopie pie into something extraordinary. You can easily adapt the recipe to fit any occasion, infusing it with your own personal touch, and the best part? They are simple enough that even novice bakers can feel like pros!

Step-by-Step: Making Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Ready to get started? Here’s how to whip up these lovelies in just a few easy steps.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons red food coloring
½ cup sour cream
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)

Directions

Step 1: Make the Batter
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla, and mix well. Slowly pour in the buttermilk, sour cream, and red food coloring, stirring until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth.

Step 2: Shape & Bake Hearts
Transfer the red velvet batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe heart shapes onto the parchment-lined baking sheets, making them about 2 inches wide. If needed, you can use a toothpick to refine the edges. Bake these beautiful hearts for about 10 to 12 minutes. They are done when they spring back slightly when touched. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make Cream Cheese Filling
While your whoopie pies cool, it’s time to create that luscious filling! In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until creamy. Add the teaspoon of vanilla extract, then gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until the filling is smooth and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble Whoopie Pies
Once your whoopie pie shells are completely cooled, spread or pipe the delicious cream filling onto the flat side of one heart-shaped cake. Top it off with another heart cake to create a sandwich. Repeat this until all your whoopie pies are assembled. Trust me; it’s almost hard to resist sneaking a taste!

Best Ways to Serve Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Serving these whoopie pies is all about presentation and atmosphere. You can place them on a beautiful cake stand to create an eye-catching centerpiece. For a fun twist, you can dust them lightly with powdered sugar or melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the top. These whoopie pies also make a lovely addition to any dessert platter, so feel free to pair them with other sweets!

To drink, I’d suggest a hot cup of coffee or tea that complements the sweetness of the pies. Add a few fresh strawberries on the side for that romantic touch!

Keeping Your Whoopie Pies Fresh

Proper storage is key to ensuring your lovely whoopie pies maintain their softness. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, just make sure to separate each pie with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll be perfect!

Expert Tips for Perfect Heart-Shaped Whoopie Pies

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This will help create a light and fluffy batter.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can lead to dense whoopie pies.
Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the baking time. They should spring back when lightly touched.
Customize Your Filling: Experiment with flavors! Consider adding a bit of lemon zest or almond extract for a delightful twist on the standard cream cheese filling.

Delicious Variations of Heart-Shaped Whoopie Pies

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can switch up the flavor profiles in countless ways! Try replacing the red velvet with a traditional vanilla or chocolate batter, or even a spice cake for an autumn vibe. You can also switch the filling to a salted caramel, or a berry-flavored buttercream. Adding a touch of espresso in the filling could also elevate it, creating delicious mocha whoopie pies. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the whoopie pies in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just add the cream filling closer to the time you plan to serve them for the best texture.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?
No worries! You can use a Ziplock bag with one corner snipped off as a makeshift piping bag!

How do I know if the whoopie pies are done?
They should be set on the edges and slightly spring back to the touch. If they still look shiny or wet in the center, they need a bit more time in the oven.

So, there you have it! A lovely little guide to making Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Cream Filling. Remember, baking is all about joy and creativity, so have fun with it! Happy baking, friends!