Whoopie pies are a quintessential American dessert made up of two soft, cake-like cookies sandwiching a sweet, creamy filling. Both Maine and Pennsylvania claim to make the best whoopies pies, leading to a rivalry that has captured the attention of dessert lovers across the country. Each state offers its own unique twist on this classic treat, from the texture of the cake to the consistency of the filling.
This article will dive into the history, ingredients, and cultural significance of whoopie pies in both Maine and Pennsylvania. Along the way, we’ll explore the variations found in other regions of the U.S. and attempt to answer the pressing question: Which state truly makes the best whoopie pies?
1. Introduction
The rivalry over whoopie pies is not just a matter of regional pride; it’s a battle for culinary supremacy between Maine and Pennsylvania. Each state has developed its own distinct take on the dessert, and fans from both sides are eager to claim that their version is superior. While the basic concept remains the same—soft cakes with a creamy filling—the details vary greatly between these two versions.
As this article explores the historical roots, ingredients, and cultural significance of the whoopie pie in each state, you’ll get a better understanding of the factors that fuel this friendly competition. By the end, you might find yourself leaning toward one state’s version—or perhaps discovering a love for both.
2. A Brief History of Whoopie Pies
The origin of whoopie pies is a subject of much debate, with both Maine and Pennsylvania laying claim to its invention. Pennsylvania’s story centers around the Amish community, where it is said that Amish women would make whoopies pies using leftover cake batter. These treats were placed in farmers’ lunchboxes, and the name “whoopie” supposedly came from the joyful exclamation made when the dessert was discovered.
Maine’s claim to the whoopie pie, however, is tied to its commercial bakeries. In the early 20th century, bakeries in Maine began producing and selling whoopie pies, spreading the dessert throughout New England. In 2011, the state went so far as to propose making the whoopie pie its official state treat, sparking outrage in Pennsylvania. This legislative battle only intensified the rivalry between the two states.
Interestingly, some historians argue that whoopie pies may not have originated in either state. Instead, they point to early bakeries in New York or Massachusetts that produced similar desserts as far back as the 1930s. Regardless of its exact origins, both Maine and Pennsylvania have played a significant role in popularizing whoopies pies and turning them into a beloved American treat.
3. What Makes Maine Whoopie Pies Stand Out?
Maine’s whoopie pies are known for their large, fluffy cakes and light, whipped filling. They are typically made with chocolate cakes, although seasonal variations such as pumpkin and maple have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Key Ingredients:
- Soft, Fluffy Cakes: Maine’s whoopie pies are celebrated for their light, tender cakes. The cakes are often larger than those found in Pennsylvania’s version, giving each pie a more substantial feel.
- Whipped Marshmallow Filling: The filling in Maine whoopies pies is usually made from marshmallow fluff or a whipped cream-based mixture. This gives the pies a lighter, airier texture compared to Pennsylvania’s denser filling.
- Seasonal Flavors: Maine bakers frequently incorporate seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, maple, or even blueberry to add variety to their whoopie pies.
Commercial Success:
One of the reasons Maine’s whoopie pies have gained national recognition is their commercial success. Companies such as Wicked Whoopies have turned the dessert into a household name, shipping thousands of whoopie pies across the country. These commercially produced pies are known for maintaining high quality, even in large quantities. Supermarkets, bakeries, and online stores regularly carry Maine whoopies pies, making them accessible to people far beyond the state’s borders.
The Whoopie Pie Festival:
Each year, Maine celebrates its love of whoopie pies with the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival. This event draws visitors from across the country and features a variety of whoopie pie flavors, as well as competitions to determine the best pies. The festival has become a staple of Maine’s culinary culture, helping to solidify the state’s claim as the home of the whoopie pie.
In summary, Maine whoopie pies are distinguished by their light texture, innovative flavors, and widespread availability. For those who prefer a lighter, fluffier dessert, Maine’s version is hard to beat.
4. Pennsylvania’s Traditional Take on Whoopie Pies
While people know Maine’s whoopie pies for their lightness, Pennsylvania offers a more traditional, dense version of the dessert. Pennsylvania’s whoopies pies have deep roots in Amish culture, where families have made them for generations. These pies are smaller and denser, offering a rich, homemade flavor that many fans adore.
Amish Roots and Traditional Recipe:
Pennsylvania whoopie pies are typically made using simple, rustic ingredients. The cakes are smaller and more compact than Maine’s version, with a denser texture that gives them a hearty feel. The filling, often made with marshmallow cream or shortening, is thicker and creamier than Maine’s lighter whipped filling.
Homemade Appeal:
One of the most appealing aspects of Pennsylvania’s whoopie pies is their homemade quality. Many Amish families and local bakeries in Lancaster County still make whoopies pies by hand, using traditional recipes passed down through generations. These pies often appear at Amish markets and local bakeries, allowing customers to enjoy the rich flavors of a classic, homemade treat.
Festivals in Pennsylvania:
Like Maine, Pennsylvania also celebrates its whoopie pie heritage with festivals, particularly in the Amish regions. These events focus on traditional recipes and the handmade quality of Pennsylvania’s whoopie pies. Visitors can sample a variety of pies and learn more about the Amish baking traditions that have kept the dessert alive.
Pennsylvania’s whoopie pies offer a taste of tradition, with dense cakes and creamy fillings that evoke the simplicity and warmth of home baking. They provide a nostalgic contrast to Maine’s lighter, more modern take on the dessert.
5. Whoopie Pies Across the U.S.: Regional Variations
While the rivalry between Maine and Pennsylvania dominates the whoopie pie conversation, other regions in the U.S. have also embraced the dessert, offering their own unique variations. Some of these regional takes on whoopie pies have become popular in their own right.
New England Variations:
Beyond Maine, other states in New England have their own versions of whoopie pies. Massachusetts, for example, has experimented with flavors like peppermint or mocha, adding a creative twist to the traditional chocolate cake. Vermont, known for its maple syrup, offers maple-flavored whoopies pies, which have become a local favorite.
Modern Takes on Whoopie Pies:
As whoopie pies have spread across the country, bakers have begun experimenting with a variety of flavors and fillings. Some of the most popular modern variations include:
- Red Velvet Whoopie Pies: This version swaps out the traditional chocolate cake for red velvet, pairing it with a cream cheese filling.
- Maple and Pumpkin Pies: Seasonal favorites like maple and pumpkin have become common in the fall, offering a festive twist on the classic dessert.
- Fruit-Filled Pies: Some modern bakers have started incorporating fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or lemon zest into their cakes or fillings, adding a fresh, fruity flavor to the pies.
Whoopie Pies in Other States:
Whoopie pies have also found a home outside of New England and Pennsylvania. Local bakeries in states like Ohio and Oregon have adopted the dessert, adding new flavors and styles. These variations show how versatile the whoopie pie has become, as bakers adapt the recipe to suit local tastes.
Whether you prefer the traditional versions found in Maine and Pennsylvania or the modern takes offered across the U.S., it’s clear that whoopies pies have become a national dessert. The versatility of the dessert allows for endless variations, making it a favorite for bakers and dessert lovers alike.
6. What Makes a Great Whoopie Pie? Key Criteria
To determine which state makes the best whoopie pie, we need to examine several factors. While personal preference plays a significant role, there are certain qualities that define an exceptional whoopie pie.
Texture:
One of the most important aspects of a great whoopie pie is the texture of the cake. Maine’s whoopie pies are known for their light, airy cakes, while Pennsylvania’s are denser and more compact. Your preference for a soft, fluffy bite or a substantial chew will likely influence which version you prefer.
Filling:
The filling is equally crucial to the success of a whoopie pie. Maine’s filling is typically whipped, giving it a lighter, creamier texture, while Pennsylvania’s filling tends to be thicker and richer. Fans of marshmallow fluff often prefer Maine’s version, while those who favor traditional cream filling lean toward Pennsylvania.
Flavor:
While chocolate is the classic flavor for whoopie pies, other varieties have emerged over the years. Maine’s bakers often incorporate seasonal ingredients like pumpkin or maple, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dessert. Pennsylvania’s version, however, sticks closer to tradition, focusing on the rich taste of chocolate and marshmallow.
Size:
Maine’s whoopie pies are generally larger than Pennsylvania’s, offering a more generous portion. This difference in size can influence the overall dessert experience, with Maine’s pies providing a longer, more indulgent treat and Pennsylvania’s offering a smaller, more concentrated bite.
Each of these factors contributes to the ongoing debate about which state makes the best whoopie pie. Ultimately, it comes down to what you value most in a dessert.
7. The Whoopie Pie Rivalry: A Lighthearted Culinary Battle
The rivalry between Maine and Pennsylvania over whoopie pies reached its peak in 2011, when Maine proposed making the dessert its official state treat. Pennsylvania residents opposed this move, believing that the whoopie pie’s roots lie in Amish culture. The debate quickly gained media attention, with both sides fiercely defending their claim to the dessert.
How the Rivalry Started:
Maine’s decision to push for whoopie pie recognition ignited a firestorm in Pennsylvania. Residents of Lancaster County argued that Amish families had been making the dessert for generations, long before Maine’s commercial success. This dispute led to a public battle, with both states staking their claims to the whoopie pie throne.
Public Perception:
The rivalry became a national topic of conversation, with dessert lovers across the country taking sides. Those who preferred Maine’s light, fluffy cakes rallied behind New England, while fans of Pennsylvania’s rich, dense pies sided with the Keystone State. The media coverage helped fuel the debate, turning the whoopie pie into a symbol of regional pride.
Whoopie Pie Festivals:
Both Maine and Pennsylvania celebrate their love of whoopie pies with annual festivals. These events attract tourists nationwide, eager to sample the best pies and discover the dessert’s history. The festivals have become an important part of each state’s culinary culture, helping to keep the rivalry alive.
In the end, the whoopie pie rivalry is a fun, lighthearted battle that highlights the passion each state has for its version of the dessert. While no definitive answer exists for which state makes the best whoopie pie, the competition enhances the dessert’s popularity.
8. FAQs
Which state makes the best whoopie pies?
There’s no definitive answer, as personal preference plays a large role. Maine offers light, fluffy whoopie pies, while Pennsylvania’s are rich and dense.
What makes Maine’s whoopie pies stand out?
Maine’s whoopies pies are larger, with a softer, fluffier cake. The filling is often whipped, giving it a lighter, creamier texture.
Why do Pennsylvania’s whoopie pies have ties to the Amish?
The Amish community in Pennsylvania has been making whoopie pies for generations. Moreover, the dessert is often made using simple, traditional ingredients, which reflect their rich culinary heritage.
Can you find whoopie pies outside of Maine and Pennsylvania?
Yes, indeed, whoopie pies have become a popular dessert across the U.S. Furthermore, bakeries and supermarkets in many states now offer their own unique versions.
What are the most popular whoopie pie flavors?
While chocolate and marshmallow are the classic combination, variations like pumpkin, red velvet, and maple are also popular, especially during the fall.
Is the whoopie pie Maine’s official state treat?
Yes, in 2011, Maine officially declared the whoopie pie as its state treat, a move that intensified the rivalry with Pennsylvania.
9. Conclusion
The question of which state makes the best whoopie pie is difficult to answer definitively. People know Maine’s whoopie pies for their large size, soft texture, and innovative flavors, which make them a favorite among those who prefer a lighter dessert. On the other hand, Pennsylvania’s whoopie pies are rich, dense, and rooted in Amish tradition, offering a more nostalgic and homemade experience.
In the end, the best whoopie pie comes down to personal taste. Whether you prefer Maine’s commercial success or Pennsylvania’s traditional charm, one thing is clear: whoopie pies are a delightful dessert that has earned its place in American culinary culture.
No matter which version you choose, a bite of a whoopie pie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.