Name: Halloween Whoopie PIes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15.25 oz) box Devil’s Food cake mix; 3/4 cup water; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 (4-serving) box chocolate fudge instant pudding mix; 2 (16 oz each) tubs vanilla cake icing; Orange food coloring gel, as needed; Edible black glitter, for garnish; Powdered sugar, for dusting; Black licorice, for spider legs; Candy eyes, for spider faces

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If you’re looking for a delicious treat that brings festive fun and spooky charm to your Halloween celebrations, these Halloween Whoopie PIes are an absolute must-make. Soft, chocolatey cake rounds sandwich a creamy, vibrantly colored filling that screams fall with every bite. From their perfectly tender texture to the playful decorations—black glitter and candy eyes included—this recipe marries ease and creativity so wonderfully that you’ll want to make them every year. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family treat, or just because, Halloween Whoopie PIes bring warmth and joy wrapped up in a delightfully spooky package.

Halloween Whoopie PIes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Halloween Whoopie PIes come together with pantry-friendly ingredients that are simple but essential, each bringing its own magic to the final taste and texture. The cake mix creates a moist, tender base, while pudding mix adds extra richness. The vanilla frosting transforms with a pop of orange food coloring, setting the perfect seasonal tone for your treats.

Devil’s Food cake mix: Provides a rich, chocolaty flavor and a tender crumb that’s perfect for whoopie pies.
Water: Adds moisture to the batter, ensuring the cakes bake up soft and fluffy.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the texture moist without overpowering the chocolate notes.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure for perfect cake rounds.
Chocolate fudge instant pudding mix: Infuses extra fudgy richness and chewiness to the batter.
Vanilla cake icing tubs: The creamy filling that perfectly balances the rich chocolate cake.
Orange food coloring gel: Gives your frosting that festive Halloween hue without watering down the flavor.
Edible black glitter: Adds sparkle and spooky shimmer to the finished pies.
Powdered sugar: For dusting or adjusting frosting consistency if needed.
Black licorice: Useful for creative decorations like spider legs.
Candy eyes: Perfect for giving your Halloween Whoopie PIes playful character and charm.

How to Make Halloween Whoopie PIes

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, so it’s ready once your batter is mixed. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and the chocolate fudge pudding mix. Beat these together on medium speed until everything is blended into a smooth, thick batter—this step is key for those tender cake rounds that make Halloween Whoopie PIes so special.

Step 2: Portion the Batter

Next, decide if you want large or smaller whoopie pies. For bigger, more decadent treats, scoop 18 evenly sized mounds onto Silpat-lined baking sheets, shaping each into rounds. If you prefer bite-sized fun, go for 36 smaller circles. The size you pick will influence bake time and how they sparkle in the decorating stage.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 7 to 10 minutes, adjusting time depending on size—the larger pies need the full ten minutes, while smaller ones may be done closer to seven. You’ll know they’re ready when the cakes spring back lightly to the touch but are still soft. Then, let them fully cool before moving on; this keeps your filling and decorations neat and lovely.

Step 4: Color and Fill the Frosting

While your whoopie cakes cool, take those tubs of vanilla icing and mix in orange food coloring gel. Blend thoroughly until you reach a vivid, perfectly festive orange—the kind of bright color that really pops against the chocolate. Then, take a piping bag or a sturdy spoon to spread the frosting onto the flat side of one cake, and gently sandwich it with another. This sweet filling contrast elevates the whole Halloween Whoopie PIes experience.

Step 5: Decorate with Spooky Flair

The final step is where these treats really come to life. Sprinkle edible black glitter generously for a sparkling effect. Add candy eyes to give each whoopie pie personality and whimsy. If you’re feeling crafty, use pieces of black licorice as spider legs to create fun, Halloween-themed decorations that will wow your guests and bring smiles to everyone’s face.

How to Serve Halloween Whoopie PIes

Garnishes

Adding garnishes is where your creativity shines. Edible black glitter is perfectly spooky yet subtle enough so the bright orange filling stays the star of the show. Candy eyes make for instant character, turning a simple dessert into a mini Halloween party on a plate. You can also lightly dust with powdered sugar for a hint of contrast and a touch of frostiness that feels just right for fall.

Side Dishes

These Halloween Whoopie PIes are sweet enough to stand on their own, but pairing them with something like a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a creamy pumpkin latte takes the experience to a whole new level. A simple side of fresh fruit or even some salty popcorn might surprise guests with a balance of tastes that make the event even more fun and memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to truly impress, display your Halloween Whoopie PIes on a tiered dessert stand with seasonal decorations like mini pumpkins, autumn leaves, or spider web doilies. You can package individual pies in clear bags tied with orange and black ribbons as party favors or classroom treats. Stenciling spider or bat designs using powdered sugar and cookie stencils adds that extra spooky touch perfect for Halloween.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of these Halloween Whoopie PIes left after the party, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The frosting stays soft, and the cakes maintain their tender texture, making each bite just as delightful as fresh.

Freezing

To keep Halloween Whoopie PIes longer, freeze them before frosting. Arrange the cooled cake rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and then sandwich with frosting and decorate. This approach keeps your whoopies fresh without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Reheating

Whoopie pies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you prefer them warm, heat individually in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds. Avoid overheating, so the frosting doesn’t melt too much. Warming brings out the chocolate aroma and makes the filling a little gooey, perfect for cozy fall nights or Halloween celebrations.

FAQs

Can I make Halloween Whoopie PIes gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure your pudding and frosting are gluten-free as well. Just be mindful of any added decorations for hidden gluten.

How long do Halloween Whoopie PIes last?

Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these whoopie pies last for about 3 days. Refrigerating can extend freshness by a day or two but may change the texture slightly.

Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a boxed mix?

Absolutely! A homemade devil’s food cake recipe will work beautifully, just be sure your batter is thick enough to hold shape when scooped onto the baking sheet.

What other colors can I use for the frosting?

While orange is perfect for Halloween, feel free to get creative with purple, green, or even classic white for a ghostly vibe. Just use food coloring gel to keep that rich frosting consistency.

Any tips for decorating with candy eyes?

For best results, attach candy eyes using a dab of frosting as “glue.” Press gently so the eyes stick well without damaging the soft cake surface.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Halloween Whoopie PIes, they will quickly become a treasured tradition in your seasonal baking lineup. Their charming appearance combined with rich, indulgent flavors creates a treat that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. So grab your ingredients, bake a batch, and share the warmth and whimsy of Halloween in every delightful bite!

Halloween Whoopie PIes Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 24 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 18 large or 36 small whoopie pies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Halloween Whoopie Pies are a festive and fun treat perfect for spooky celebrations. Made with a moist Devil’s Food cake base and filled with orange-colored vanilla icing, they are decorated with edible black glitter, candy eyes, and black licorice to create eerie Halloween designs like spiders. Simple to prepare and delightful to eat, these pies bring a playful touch to your holiday dessert table.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
Mix Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and chocolate fudge instant pudding mix. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Portion Batter: For larger Whoopie Pies, spoon 18 evenly sized round scoops of batter onto Silpat-lined baking sheets. For smaller pies, make 36 smaller circles.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 7 to 10 minutes, adjusting the time based on the size of your pies. They are done when set and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool: Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Prepare Filling: Mix vanilla cake icing with orange food coloring gel until you reach the desired bright orange shade. Stir well to evenly distribute the color.
Assemble Pies: Pipe or spread the orange-colored icing onto the flat side of one whoopie pie cake, then sandwich with a second cake on top.
Decorate: Sprinkle edible black glitter on top. Use black licorice to create spider legs and candy eyes to form spider faces for festive decorations. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar.
Serve: Once decorated, serve your Halloween Whoopie Pies at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

You can stencil Halloween-themed designs onto the pies before applying icing by using powdered sugar and cut-out shapes as stencils.
To make Whoopie Pie spiders, cut black licorice into small segments for legs and use candy eyes for the spider’s eyes on top of the icing.
Store leftover Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free devil’s food cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American