Rainbow Whoopie Pies
Category: Desserts | Servings: 32
Whoopie pies are the ultimate treat for any occasion, but with a burst of vibrant colors and a deliciously creamy filling, these rainbow whoopie pies take dessert to the next level. These delicate, soft cakes with creamy custard filling will add a playful touch to your sweet table while satisfying everyone’s taste buds. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and make these colorful treats that are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 180g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 270g |
| Whole milk | 60ml |
| Heavy cream (fresh liquid) | 60ml |
| Baking powder | 8g |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Vanilla extract | 5g |
| Granulated sugar | 120g |
| Eggs | 1 |
| Food coloring | As needed |
| Potato starch (cornstarch) | 100g |
For the Custard Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole milk | 500ml |
| Egg yolks | 6 |
| Potato starch (cornstarch) | 50g |
| Vanilla bean | 1 pod |
| Granulated sugar | 150g |
For Decoration:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Colored sprinkles | As needed |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Rainbow Cake Base:
Start by preparing the cake batter. In a small bowl, mix together the heavy cream and vanilla extract until well combined. Set it aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, or with a handheld mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Add the egg, a pinch of salt, and the prepared cream-vanilla mixture, ensuring that all ingredients are at the same temperature. This is crucial to avoid the butter curdling. If the mixture does break, don’t worry—adding the flour will help stabilize it.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, potato starch (cornstarch), and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet batter, alternating with the milk. Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter. You should achieve a smooth, slightly thick batter.
3. Color the Batter:
Divide the batter into four equal portions. Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion, creating your desired shades of vibrant colors. Mix the food coloring in carefully until evenly distributed.
4. Bake the Whoopie Cakes:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for a conventional oven or 160°C (320°F) for a fan-assisted one. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and use a spoon or ice cream scoop to form small, even rounds of batter. Bake for 13-14 minutes in a static oven, or 10-12 minutes in a fan oven. The cakes should rise slightly and form a soft, spongy texture. Once done, remove from the oven and let the cakes cool on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Custard Filling:
While the cakes are cooling, it’s time to make the custard filling. In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla pod (split and scraped). Whisk everything together, then slowly heat the mixture over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Once the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency, remove from the heat and discard the vanilla pod. Transfer the custard to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to avoid a skin forming. Allow the custard to cool completely.
6. Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
Once your cakes are completely cool, transfer the custard filling to a piping bag. Take one colored cake disk and pipe a generous dollop of custard in the center. Top it with another cake disk, pressing gently to sandwich the filling between the cakes.
7. Decorate and Serve:
For a final touch, brush the top of each whoopie pie with a bit of leftover custard and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for that extra festive pop. Arrange the whoopie pies on a plate or serve them individually for a vibrant, fun presentation.
Tips and Variations
- You can easily customize the colors of these whoopie pies to fit any holiday or theme. Whether it’s a rainbow effect, pastel shades, or seasonal colors, the food coloring is your friend.
- Feel free to experiment with different fillings! While custard is classic, buttercream or whipped cream would also be delicious alternatives.
- Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 75mg |
Enjoy these colorful, indulgent rainbow whoopie pies at your next gathering or treat yourself to a fun dessert experience. Their creamy filling and soft, cake-like texture will certainly win everyone over!
