Description
The exact origins of the whoopie pie are a mystery but it’s believed that they were first created by Amish or Pennsylvania Dutch bakers in the early 1900s. According to one popular legend, the whoopie pie got its name from the sound of delight that would escape from children’s mouths when they discovered the treat in their lunch pails. Some historians also suggest that the whoopie pie was inspired by traditional British desserts like the Victoria sponge cake. The whoopie pie quickly became a popular dessert throughout the Northeast, especially in states like Maine, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. The Amish and PA Dutch began to sell these in bakeries, diners, and even gas stations, and they quickly became a staple at school bake sales and church picnics. Maine has long been considered the unofficial capital of whoopie pies. According to folklore, the first whoopie pies were created by Maine farmers’ wives who would use leftover cake batter to make small, portable treats for their husbands to take with them to work. Over time, these small treats made their way to PA! The whoopie pie is a sweet treat with a rich and fascinating history.