Whoopie pies are a beloved dessert, known for their soft cake-like cookies sandwiched around a sweet, creamy filling. While this treat is enjoyed across the United States, two states—Maine and Pennsylvania—claim ownership over its creation. Both states offer distinct variations of the whoopie pie, and over the years, this has sparked the “Whoopie Pie Wars,” a lighthearted rivalry that has captured the attention of dessert enthusiasts. This article will explore the origins, key differences, and cultural significance of Maine and Pennsylvania whoopie pies, highlighting what makes each version special.
1. Introduction
Whoopie pies are more than just a dessert; they’re a symbol of regional pride for both Maine and Pennsylvania. Each state has developed its own interpretation of the treat, which leads many to wonder: What exactly sets these two versions apart? While the basic concept of two cakes filled with sweet frosting remains the same, the ingredients, texture, and preparation differ significantly. As we dive deeper into the origins of whoopie pies and examine their differences, you’ll discover how this humble treat has become a cultural icon in both states.
Understanding these differences can enhance your appreciation of the whoopie pie, whether you’re indulging in a Pennsylvania classic or a Maine twist.
2. History of Whoopie Pies
The origins of whoopie pies are shrouded in mystery, with both Maine and Pennsylvania claiming to be the birthplace of this iconic dessert. Pennsylvania’s claim to the whoopie pie lies in the Amish communities of Lancaster County. According to local legend, Amish women would bake whoopie pies using leftover cake batter, creating a portable treat for their families. The name “whoopie” is said to come from the excited reaction of children and farmers who found these treats in their lunchboxes and shouted, “Whoopie!”
On the other hand, Maine has built its own case for being the home of the whoopie pie. In the early 20th century, commercial bakeries in Maine began producing and selling whoopie pies, making them a staple in New England. By 2011, Maine lawmakers pushed to make the whoopie pie the official state treat, a move that sparked a rivalry with Pennsylvania.
Though no one can definitively say where the whoopie pie originated, both Maine and Pennsylvania have rich histories with the dessert. Over the years, whoopie pies have evolved from homemade confections to commercially popular desserts, and both states have kept the tradition alive in their own ways.
3. Pennsylvania Whoopie Pies
Pennsylvania whoopie pies have deep roots in Amish culture and reflect the simplicity and resourcefulness of Amish baking traditions. The Pennsylvania version is smaller and denser than its Maine counterpart, staying true to its original ingredients by using basic pantry staples passed down through generations.
Ingredients:
- Chocolate Cake Base: The Pennsylvania version typically features a traditional chocolate cake base that is more dense and rich.
- Marshmallow or Cream Filling: The filling is thick and creamy, often made from marshmallow fluff, shortening, and sugar.
- Simple Ingredients: Classic whoopie pies from Pennsylvania rely on flour, cocoa powder, shortening, and sugar to create a rich, comforting flavor.
Preparation Style:
The preparation of Pennsylvania whoopie pies stays true to the Amish tradition. These pies are often handmade in local bakeries or by families, with recipes passed down through generations. The filling is typically made with marshmallow fluff and shortening, giving it a thick and creamy texture that complements the rich, dense cake. The cakes themselves are smaller in size but are packed with flavor.
Amish bakers take pride in using traditional methods, which results in a whoopie pie that feels more rustic and homemade. Pennsylvania whoopie pies are often seen as a symbol of community, shared at gatherings, markets, and festivals.
Cultural Importance:
In Pennsylvania, whoopie pies are not just a dessert—they’re part of the cultural fabric. Amish families have been making whoopie pies for decades, and local bakeries throughout Lancaster County have kept the tradition alive. These pies are frequently found at Amish markets, where they are sold fresh and enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Pennsylvania’s whoopie pies have become an iconic dessert in the region, representing the state’s culinary heritage and the Amish community’s commitment to simple, wholesome ingredients.
4. Maine Whoopie Pies
Maine’s whoopie pies have a different history, one that is more commercially driven. While Pennsylvania’s whoopie pies are steeped in tradition, Maine’s version has evolved into a larger, fluffier, and more widely distributed treat. Maine whoopie pies are often bigger, softer, and filled with lighter, whipped fillings that cater to a modern audience.
Ingredients:
- Fluffier Chocolate Cake: Maine whoopie pies typically feature a lighter, fluffier chocolate cake, offering a softer bite.
- Whipped Marshmallow Filling: The filling in Maine’s version is often whipped, resulting in a more airy, light texture compared to the dense filling found in Pennsylvania’s pies.
- Modern Baking Ingredients: Commercially produced Maine whoopie pies may include preservatives or stabilizers to maintain freshness during mass distribution.
Preparation Style:
While many whoopie pies in Maine are still made at home, the state is also known for commercially producing these treats. Companies like Wicked Whoopies have popularized the dessert beyond Maine, shipping thousands of whoopie pies across the country. The use of whipped marshmallow fluff in the filling creates a lighter and more voluminous texture, making each bite feel less dense but still satisfyingly sweet.
Maine whoopie pies are larger than Pennsylvania’s, making them ideal for sharing or indulging in a single, generous portion. The cakes are fluffier, which adds to the overall lightness of the pie.
State Recognition:
In 2011, Maine made headlines when it proposed legislation to declare the whoopie pie as the state’s official treat. This move stirred controversy, especially with Pennsylvania, where many believed the dessert originated. Nevertheless, Maine succeeded in passing the bill, solidifying the whoopie pie’s place in the state’s culinary heritage.
Today, Maine celebrates the whoopie pie at local bakeries and festivals, making it a cornerstone of the state’s dessert culture.
5. Key Differences Between Maine and Pennsylvania Whoopie Pies
Now that we’ve explored the backgrounds of whoopie pies from both states, let’s take a closer look at the key differences between Maine and Pennsylvania versions.
Size and Texture:
One of the most noticeable differences is size. Maine whoopie pies are often larger, with a softer, fluffier cake. This contrasts with Pennsylvania’s smaller, denser pies that have a more homemade feel. The texture of Maine’s whoopie pies is light and airy, while Pennsylvania’s version tends to be more compact and rich.
Filling Consistency:
The filling is another key difference. In Maine, the filling is whipped, giving it a lighter, more airy consistency. Pennsylvania’s filling is thicker and richer, often made with shortening or marshmallow fluff. This creates a denser bite in Pennsylvania whoopie pies, compared to the fluffier filling found in Maine’s.
Baking Techniques:
Maine’s whoopie pies are often produced commercially, resulting in larger batches that can be shipped nationwide. In contrast, Pennsylvania’s whoopie pies are typically handmade in small batches, preserving the traditional Amish baking methods. This difference in baking style results in a more polished appearance for Maine whoopie pies, while Pennsylvania’s version feels more rustic.
Cultural Impact:
Maine and Pennsylvania whoopie pies hold different cultural meanings. In Pennsylvania, the Amish culture ties whoopie pies to values of simplicity and home baking. In contrast, Maine has commercialized the dessert, transforming it into a mass-produced product celebrated at state festivals. Both states cherish their whoopie pies, but the approach and significance differ.
6. Popular Variations in Each State
While the classic whoopie pie features chocolate cakes and marshmallow filling, both Maine and Pennsylvania have developed unique variations that cater to local flavors and seasonal ingredients.
Maine Variations:
Maine’s bakers create whoopie pies known for their creative and seasonal flavors. Some popular variations include:
- Pumpkin Whoopie Pies: These are particularly popular in the fall and often feature a cream cheese filling.
- Maple Whoopie Pies: Highlighting Maine’s rich maple syrup industry, these pies use maple-flavored cakes and filling.
- Seasonal Varieties: You can find blueberry whoopie pies in the summer or peppermint-flavored pies during the holiday season.
Maine’s whoopie pies tend to be more experimental, offering a wide range of flavors beyond the traditional chocolate and marshmallow.
Pennsylvania Variations:
While Pennsylvania’s variations are fewer, they are equally delicious. Popular versions include:
- Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies: Adding chocolate chips to the batter creates a fun twist on the classic chocolate whoopie pie.
- Peanut Butter Filling: For those who love peanut butter, some Amish bakers fill their whoopie pies with a creamy peanut butter filling.
- Spiced Whoopie Pies: In the fall, Amish bakers may add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter, creating a comforting, seasonal treat.
Pennsylvania tends to stick closer to tradition but offers subtle variations that enhance the classic flavors.
7. The Whoopie Pie Wars: A Cultural Battle
The “Whoopie Pie Wars” began in 2011 when Maine sought to claim the whoopie pie as its official state treat. This move did not sit well with Pennsylvania, where the dessert has deep roots in Amish culture. What followed was a lighthearted rivalry that drew attention from the media and dessert lovers across the country.
How the Whoopie Pie Wars Started:
Maine’s legislative push to recognize the whoopie pie as its state treat ignited the rivalry. Maine argued that the dessert had become an essential part of the state’s identity, especially with its commercial success. However, Pennsylvania countered by pointing to the Amish community’s long history of making whoopie pies.
Pennsylvania’s Response:
In response, Pennsylvania launched a campaign to “Save the Whoopie Pie.” Lancaster County residents and Amish bakers emphasized that whoopie pies had been a part of their tradition for generations. The campaign sought to protect Pennsylvania’s claim to the dessert.
Media and Publicity:
The media quickly caught wind of the “Whoopie Pie Wars,” and both states began hosting festivals and events to celebrate their version of the dessert. These events attracted whoopie pie enthusiasts from across the country, further cementing the rivalry in popular culture. While the competition was mostly in good fun, it showcased the strong sense of pride both states have in their culinary heritage.
8. FAQs About Maine and Pennsylvania Whoopie Pies
What is the main difference between Maine and Pennsylvania whoopie pies?
Maine whoopie pies stand out due to their larger size and fluffier texture, creating a light and airy dessert. In contrast, Pennsylvania whoopie pies are smaller and denser, offering a rich, compact experience. These key differences highlight the unique qualities of each version.
Why does Pennsylvania claim to have invented whoopie pies?
Pennsylvania’s claim comes from Amish tradition, where generations have made whoopie pies as a simple, portable dessert.
What makes Maine’s whoopie pies unique?
Maine’s whoopie pies stand out for their larger size, fluffier cakes, and lighter whipped filling. Commercial producers also make them on a large scale.
Which state hosts the largest whoopie pie festival?
Maine hosts the largest whoopie pie festival, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Pennsylvania also hosts festivals, but Maine’s event is larger.
Can you find whoopie pies outside of these two states?
Yes, whoopie pies are available across the U.S., though regional variations may differ from the traditional Maine or Pennsylvania styles.
Which filling is better—Maine’s whipped filling or Pennsylvania’s traditional filling?
This depends on personal preference. Some prefer the lightness of Maine’s whipped filling, while others enjoy the richer, denser filling found in Pennsylvania’s pies.
9. Conclusion
While both Maine and Pennsylvania claim to be the birthplace of whoopie pies, each state offers its own unique version of the dessert. Maine’s whoopie pies are larger, fluffier, and often commercially produced, while Pennsylvania’s pies are denser and tied to Amish traditions. The rivalry between the two states has brought attention to this delicious dessert, with festivals and events dedicated to celebrating whoopie pies.
Ultimately, whether you prefer the light, airy version from Maine or the rich, traditional Pennsylvania pie, there’s no denying that whoopie pies are a delightful treat with a fascinating history. So the next time you indulge in a whoopie pie, take a moment to appreciate the regional differences that make this dessert so special.