Get ready to elevate your dessert game with these irresistible High Altitude Red Velvet Cake Whoopie Pies that are guaranteed to make your taste buds dance! Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy red velvet cake sandwich with creamy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth - all perfectly adapted for those living in mountainous regions. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a high-altitude home cook struggling with traditional recipes, these whoopie pies are your delicious solution to creating bakery-worthy treats right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). For high altitude baking (above 3,500 feet), reduce the temperature by 25 degrees to 325°F.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. This helps eliminate lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well incorporated. Mix in the red food coloring and vanilla extract, ensuring a uniform deep red color.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Using a piping bag or large spoon, drop 2-inch rounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each whoopie pie base.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Due to high altitude, monitor closely to prevent over-drying.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, pipe or spread cream cheese frosting on the flat side of half the whoopie pie bases.
- Gently sandwich the frosted bases with the remaining whoopie pie shells, creating a classic whoopie pie sandwich.
- For best results, refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Always adjust your oven temperature when baking at high altitudes - reducing by 25 degrees prevents over-drying.
- Sifting dry ingredients is crucial to eliminate lumps and ensure even texture.
- Be extra careful not to overmix the batter, which can lead to tough whoopie pies.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
- Invest in a good quality piping bag or large spoon for uniform whoopie pie bases.
- Allow whoopie pies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Refrigerate before serving to help the frosting set and enhance flavor melding.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 65mg
