Lu-Ann Simon October 10, 2025

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Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies

Name: Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (255 grams, 5 oz); 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50 grams, 1.3 oz); 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature, 113 grams, 4 oz); 1/2 cup brown sugar (100 grams, 3.5 oz); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams, 3.5 oz); 1 egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup + 2 tablespoons milk; 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 1/2 – 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1/4 teaspoon vanilla; 1/2 cup sugar; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

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There’s something truly magical about baking on a cozy afternoon, especially when it involves Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies. As the sweet aroma of soft chocolate cakes mingles with the luscious scent of salted caramel, your kitchen transforms into a warm haven. Ideal for gatherings with friends, a delightful dessert for family dinners, or simply a treat to indulge in after a long day, these whoopie pies blend rich flavors and delightful textures that are always a crowd-pleaser.

What Makes Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies So Irresistible

Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies are unlike any other dessert, captivating your senses with their soft, cake-like texture and a creamy, indulgent filling. The perfect balance of sweet and salty offers a delightful surprise that keeps you reaching for one more.

Here are just a few reasons to love these treats:

Soft chocolate cakes that melt in your mouth
Rich, buttery salted caramel filling
A perfect balance of sweet and salty
Great for sharing or keeping all to yourself
Versatile, making them suitable for any occasion

Essential Ingredients for Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies

Before we dive into baking, it’s helpful to gather all your ingredients. Each component plays a key role in developing the rich flavors and textures we crave. If you need any substitutes, feel free to explore options like using coconut oil instead of butter, or almond milk in place of regular milk.

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour (255 grams, 5 oz)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50 grams, 1.3 oz)
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature, 113 grams, 4 oz)
1/2 cup brown sugar (100 grams, 3.5 oz)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams, 3.5 oz)
1 egg (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup + 2 tablespoons milk
1/3 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 1/2 – 2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies

Creating Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies is a delightful and satisfying process. Let’s break it down into simple steps, ensuring you capture every flavor and texture along the way.

Prepare the Whoopie Pies Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sea salt, and baking soda. Whisk until evenly mixed. In a separate bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients for a smooth batter.
Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop equal portions of the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. This will help them bake evenly.
Bake and Cool: Place in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Salted Caramel Buttercream: In a mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Add the vanilla and salted caramel sauce, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more caramel or powdered sugar if needed.
Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce: If you’re making homemade salted caramel, heat 3 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until it turns a caramel color, then carefully add 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir until smooth.
Assemble Your Whoopie Pies: Take one cooled chocolate cake round and spread a generous layer of salted caramel buttercream on its flat side. Drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the buttercream, and then gently place another cake round on top, pressing down lightly.
Storage Tips: Once assembled, store your whoopie pies in an airtight container.

Prep ~ 30 minutes, Cook ~ 12 minutes, Total ~ 42 minutes, Servings ~ 12, Kcal ~ 200 per pie (estimation).

Plan Ahead for Maximum Enjoyment

Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies can be prepped in advance, making them a convenient choice for busy hosts. You can bake the cookies and prepare the frosting, storing them separately in your fridge for up to two days before your event. When you’re ready, simply assemble the whoopie pies and enjoy.

Tips for Storing and Reheating

These delightful whoopie pies stay fresh for up to one week when stored in the refrigerator. If you want to freeze them, wrap the individual pies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature. To refresh them, place them in the microwave for just a few seconds.

Ideal Pairings

Enhancing the experience of eating Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies can be achieved with these delightful pairings:

A cup of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the richness.
Black coffee cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
A warm mug of hot chocolate adds extra coziness.
A side of fresh berries brings a refreshing twist.
A scoop of whipped cream adds airy texture and flavor.

Flavor Twists and Custom Options

Feel free to get creative with your Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies. Here are some fun ideas to try:

Add a pinch of espresso powder to the cake mix for a mocha twist.
Mix chopped nuts into the buttercream for added crunch.
Use different flavored extracts like almond or maple for a unique taste.
Incorporate peppermint extract during the holidays for a festive flair.
Experiment with flavored whipped cream in place of buttercream.
Substitute chocolate cake with red velvet for a colorful twist.

Tips for Achieving Perfect Whoopie Pies

Make your baking experience a breeze with these handy tips:

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
Take care not to overmix your batter, as this can affect texture.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform cake rounds and even baking.
Let the baked cakes cool completely to maintain structure when filling.
If your buttercream is too soft, chill it briefly before using.

Your Questions, Answered

What are Whoopie Pies?
Whoopie pies are delightful sandwich cookies made with soft, cake-like rounds filled with frosting or cream.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought salted caramel sauce works perfectly to save time, though a homemade option adds a personalized touch.

How do I know when the whoopie pies are done?
They should spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that is suitable for baking.

What is the best way to serve them?
Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature to maintain the flavor and texture, and always consider pairing with a beverage!

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies are more than just a treat; they are a wonderful way to bring comfort and joy to any occasion. The combination of soft, chocolatey goodness with rich caramel creates an unforgettable experience for your taste buds. Whether for a cozy afternoon at home or as a sweet ending to a gathering, these whoopie pies are sure to be a favorite. So why not roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and savor the delightful journey of making your own Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies? Enjoy every moment of this delectable adventure!

Salted Caramel Whoopie Pies

Author: lu-ann
Total Time: 42 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious soft chocolate cakes filled with rich, buttery salted caramel buttercream, offering a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sea salt, and baking soda. Whisk until evenly mixed.
In a separate bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients for a smooth batter.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop equal portions of the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Place in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Add the vanilla and salted caramel sauce, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
If making homemade salted caramel, heat 3 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until it turns a caramel color, then carefully add 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir until smooth.
Take one cooled chocolate cake round and spread a generous layer of salted caramel buttercream on its flat side. Drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the buttercream, and then gently place another cake round on top, pressing down lightly.
Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container.

Notes

Can be prepped ahead by storing baked cakes and frosting separately in the fridge for two days. Storing in the refrigerator keeps them fresh for up to one week; can freeze for up to three months.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American