Get ready to indulge in a dessert that combines the classic flavors of caramel and apple! Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies are soft, sweet treats that will take your taste buds on a delicious journey. In this blog post, I’ll share easy steps to make these delightful pies, along with tips for storage and variations. Say goodbye to ordinary desserts and hello to your new favorite treat! Let’s dive in and whip up some magic.

$To start, you'll need some basic dry ingredients. These create the foundation of our whoopie pies. - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg These spices add warmth and flavor. The baking powder and soda help the pies rise. Next, we will focus on the wet ingredients. These bring moisture and sweetness to the cookies. - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened) The butter and brown sugar create a rich, sweet base. The applesauce keeps the cookies soft and adds apple flavor. Finally, we have the tasty fillings and toppings. These make the whoopie pies extra special. - 1/2 cup chopped green apples (like Granny Smith) - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling) The chopped apples add crunch. The cream cheese filling is smooth and creamy. Caramel sauce ties everything together with sweetness. Now, you’re ready to make the most delicious Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies! Each element adds to the flavor, making these treats hard to resist. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy. 2. Whisk dry ingredients and mix wet ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Set this aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well, then stir in 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce. 3. Incorporate both mixtures and fold in apples. Gradually add the dry mix into the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft. Now, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped green apples. This adds nice texture and flavor. 4. Forming the whoopie pies. Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to drop the batter onto your lined baking sheets. Space each dollop about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread while baking. 5. Baking the cookies. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. Once done, let them cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. 6. Preparing the cream cheese filling. While the cookies cool, mix 1 cup of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and well mixed. 7. Assembling the whoopie pies with caramel drizzle. Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous tablespoon of cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cookie. Drizzle with 1 cup of caramel sauce. Top with another cookie, flat side down. Repeat this for the rest of the cookies. For a final touch, drizzle more caramel over the assembled whoopie pies. Enjoy your sweet treat! To get the best texture for your cookies, start with softened butter. Cream it with brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to a soft whoopie pie. Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies. Space them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This way, they have room to spread. Bake them until the edges turn golden, about 10-12 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes. This helps them set before moving them to a wire rack. Cooling them completely is important. It keeps the filling from melting. For a smooth filling, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Beat it well with powdered sugar and vanilla until it’s creamy. If you want a sweeter filling, add a bit more powdered sugar. Taste it as you go. Adjust the sweetness to match your preference. To present your whoopie pies nicely, use a decorative platter. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for a tasty look. You can also sprinkle chopped apples on top for color. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. Pair these treats with a warm drink. Hot apple cider or a cup of coffee works great. The flavors will blend well, making each bite even better. {{image_2}} To make your Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies even more fun, try adding spices! A pinch of ginger or allspice can boost flavor. You can also try other extracts, like almond, for a unique twist. Using different types of apples can change the taste too. Granny Smith apples add a tart bite, while Honeycrisp apples bring a sweet crunch. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! For gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in this recipe. Just make sure to check the package for the right ratios. If you want a vegan version, use plant-based butter and flax eggs instead of the regular egg. Applesauce keeps the whoopie pies moist. Use a dairy-free cream cheese for the filling. These swaps make it easy for anyone to enjoy this tasty treat! Store your Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for about 2-3 days. If you stack them, put parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking and keeps the filling intact. Avoid direct sunlight and heat, as they can dry out your pies. To save whoopie pies for later, freeze them. First, let the whoopie pies cool completely. Then, wrap each pie in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, take a whoopie pie and remove the filling if you wish. Microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up. This helps the flavors pop. If you kept the filling, just warm it as well. Enjoy your delicious treat! Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. If you freeze them, they can last up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce! It saves time and still tastes great. Look for a thick sauce that has a rich flavor. Homemade caramel sauce can also add a special touch if you have the time to make it. The best apple for Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies is Granny Smith. Their tartness balances well with the sweet caramel and filling. Other crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji can work too, but I prefer the tart punch of Granny Smith. To boost the caramel flavor, you can do a few things. First, add more caramel sauce to the filling. You can also mix in a bit of caramel into the batter. Lastly, drizzle extra caramel on top of each pie before serving. This adds a sweet and sticky layer that everyone loves! You've learned how to make delicious Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies. We discussed the key ingredients, from flour and sugar to tasty green apples and cream cheese. I detailed the step-by-step process, ensuring your cookies turn out perfect. You now have tips to enhance flavor and store them properly. In the end, don't be afraid to experiment. Try new flavors or tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy baking and sharing these treats with family and friends!$

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

To start, you’ll need some basic dry ingredients. These create the foundation of our whoopie pies.

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

These spices add warmth and flavor. The baking powder and soda help the pies rise.

Wet Ingredients

Next, we will focus on the wet ingredients. These bring moisture and sweetness to the cookies.

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup brown sugar, packed

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened)

The butter and brown sugar create a rich, sweet base. The applesauce keeps the cookies soft and adds apple flavor.

Fillings and Toppings

Finally, we have the tasty fillings and toppings. These make the whoopie pies extra special.

– 1/2 cup chopped green apples (like Granny Smith)

– 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

– 1 cup cream cheese, softened

– 1/4 cup powdered sugar

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)

The chopped apples add crunch. The cream cheese filling is smooth and creamy. Caramel sauce ties everything together with sweetness.

Now, you’re ready to make the most delicious Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies! Each element adds to the flavor, making these treats hard to resist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.

2. Whisk dry ingredients and mix wet ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. Set this aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well, then stir in 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce.

Combining Ingredients

3. Incorporate both mixtures and fold in apples. Gradually add the dry mix into the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft. Now, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped green apples. This adds nice texture and flavor.

4. Forming the whoopie pies. Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to drop the batter onto your lined baking sheets. Space each dollop about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread while baking.

Baking and Assembly

5. Baking the cookies. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. Once done, let them cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Preparing the cream cheese filling. While the cookies cool, mix 1 cup of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and well mixed.

7. Assembling the whoopie pies with caramel drizzle. Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous tablespoon of cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cookie. Drizzle with 1 cup of caramel sauce. Top with another cookie, flat side down. Repeat this for the rest of the cookies. For a final touch, drizzle more caramel over the assembled whoopie pies.

Enjoy your sweet treat!

Tips & Tricks

Baking Tips

To get the best texture for your cookies, start with softened butter. Cream it with brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to a soft whoopie pie. Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies. Space them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This way, they have room to spread. Bake them until the edges turn golden, about 10-12 minutes.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes. This helps them set before moving them to a wire rack. Cooling them completely is important. It keeps the filling from melting.

Filling Tips

For a smooth filling, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Beat it well with powdered sugar and vanilla until it’s creamy. If you want a sweeter filling, add a bit more powdered sugar. Taste it as you go. Adjust the sweetness to match your preference.

Serving Suggestions

To present your whoopie pies nicely, use a decorative platter. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for a tasty look. You can also sprinkle chopped apples on top for color. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch.

Pair these treats with a warm drink. Hot apple cider or a cup of coffee works great. The flavors will blend well, making each bite even better.

Variations

Flavor Variations

To make your Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies even more fun, try adding spices! A pinch of ginger or allspice can boost flavor. You can also try other extracts, like almond, for a unique twist.

Using different types of apples can change the taste too. Granny Smith apples add a tart bite, while Honeycrisp apples bring a sweet crunch. Mix and match to find your favorite combo!

Dietary Modifications

For gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many blends work well in this recipe. Just make sure to check the package for the right ratios.

If you want a vegan version, use plant-based butter and flax eggs instead of the regular egg. Applesauce keeps the whoopie pies moist. Use a dairy-free cream cheese for the filling. These swaps make it easy for anyone to enjoy this tasty treat!

Storage Info

Short-term Storage

Store your Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for about 2-3 days. If you stack them, put parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking and keeps the filling intact. Avoid direct sunlight and heat, as they can dry out your pies.

Long-term Storage

To save whoopie pies for later, freeze them. First, let the whoopie pies cool completely. Then, wrap each pie in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

For reheating, take a whoopie pie and remove the filling if you wish. Microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up. This helps the flavors pop. If you kept the filling, just warm it as well. Enjoy your delicious treat!

FAQs

How long do Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies last?

Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. If you freeze them, they can last up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce! It saves time and still tastes great. Look for a thick sauce that has a rich flavor. Homemade caramel sauce can also add a special touch if you have the time to make it.

What is the best type of apple for this recipe?

The best apple for Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies is Granny Smith. Their tartness balances well with the sweet caramel and filling. Other crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji can work too, but I prefer the tart punch of Granny Smith.

How can I make these pies more caramel-flavored?

To boost the caramel flavor, you can do a few things. First, add more caramel sauce to the filling. You can also mix in a bit of caramel into the batter. Lastly, drizzle extra caramel on top of each pie before serving. This adds a sweet and sticky layer that everyone loves!

You’ve learned how to make delicious Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies. We discussed the key ingredients, from flour and sugar to tasty green apples and cream cheese. I detailed the step-by-step process, ensuring your cookies turn out perfect. You now have tips to enhance flavor and store them properly.

In the end, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try new flavors or tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy baking and sharing these treats with family and friends!

Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies

Indulge in the sweet and delicious world of Caramel Apple Whoopie Pies! These irresistible treats combine soft apple-infused cookies with a creamy filling and a swirl of caramel for the ultimate dessert experience. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these whoopie pies are easy to make and sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup applesauce (unsweetened)

1/2 cup chopped green apples (like Granny Smith)

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.

Stir in the applesauce and mix until smooth.

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Gently fold in the chopped green apples.

Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well blended.

Once the whoopie pie cookies are cool, spread a generous tablespoon of cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cookie, drizzle with caramel sauce, then top with another cookie, flat side down.

Repeat with remaining cookies.

Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the assembled whoopie pies for an extra touch of sweetness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the whoopie pies on a decorative platter and drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped apples or a light dusting of powdered sugar.