4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pie

4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pies are the perfect treat for your summer celebrations! These delightful pies combine the ease of a box cake mix with the festive flair of red, white, and blue. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they are ideal for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. With creamy frosting and vibrant colors, these whoopie pies will be a hit at any 4th of July gathering!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cookies
• For the Frosting
• How to Make 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pie
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Batter
• Step 3: Bake the Cookies
• Step 4: Make the Frosting
• Step 5: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
• How to Serve 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pie
• Individual Treats
• Dessert Platter
• Picnic Style
• Ice Cream Sandwiches
• Kid-Friendly Party Favors
• How to Perfect 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pie
• Best Side Dishes for 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pie
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pie
• Reheating 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pie
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other cake mixes for these whoopie pies?
• How do I make my frosting more colorful?
• What if I don’t have shortening?
• Can I decorate my whoopie pies?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and 9 minutes to bake, making it a fast dessert option.
• Festive Colors: The addition of red and blue gel food coloring makes these whoopie pies visually stunning for Independence Day.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids can help with mixing and decorating, making this a fun family activity.
• Deliciously Creamy Filling: The buttercream frosting adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the cake-like cookies.
• Perfect for Sharing: Yielding 24 sandwiches, these treats are great for parties or gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pies, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will streamline the process!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool ensures that your batter is smooth and well-combined in no time.
• Baking sheets: Using sturdy baking sheets promotes even cooking and prevents spills in the oven.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 ounce instant vanilla pudding
• 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• Red and Blue gel food coloring

For the Frosting

• 2 egg whites, beaten until frothy
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup shortening
• 4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

How to Make 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, instant vanilla pudding, butter, and eggs.
2. Mix on medium speed until well blended.
3. Divide the batter into two separate bowls. Add red gel food coloring to one bowl and blue gel food coloring to the other until you achieve your desired shade.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Using a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of each colored batter onto the prepared baking sheets.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 9 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
3. Remove from oven and let cool completely on wire racks.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. In a separate bowl, beat together the frothy egg whites and sifted powdered sugar.
2. Gradually add in shortening, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing until fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

1. Spread a generous amount of frosting on one cookie half.
2. Top with another cookie half to create a sandwich.
3. Repeat until all cookies are assembled.

Enjoy these delightful 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pies at your summer festivities!

How to Serve 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pie

These delightful 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pies are perfect for celebrating Independence Day. They’re not just tasty, but also visually appealing, making them a hit at any gathering. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your dessert game.

Individual Treats

• Serve each whoopie pie on its own with a small flag toothpick for a festive touch.

Dessert Platter

• Arrange several whoopie pies on a colorful platter, alternating with fresh strawberries and blueberries for a patriotic theme.

Picnic Style

• Pack whoopie pies in individual containers for easy transport to picnics or barbecues. They make for a great grab-and-go sweet treat.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Split the whoopie pies in half and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream in between for an extra special dessert.

Kid-Friendly Party Favors

• Wrap each whoopie pie in clear cellophane and tie with red, white, and blue ribbon as fun party favors for kids and adults alike.

How to Perfect 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pie

Making the perfect 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pie is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these simple steps for the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and butter are at room temperature will create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid dense cookies.
• Chill the Batter: If time allows, chill the batter for about 30 minutes before baking. This can help maintain shape during baking.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your whoopie pies while they bake; slight adjustments might be needed depending on your oven.
• Piping Technique: Use a piping bag to create even circles when dropping the batter onto the baking sheet for uniform size.

Best Side Dishes for 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pie

Pairing your delicious 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pies with the right side dishes can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Patriotic Fruit Salad: A mixture of strawberries, blueberries, and bananas tossed together makes a refreshing complement.
2. Classic Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds a nice crunch and balances the sweetness of the whoopie pies.
3. BBQ Baked Beans: The smoky flavor of baked beans is a great contrast to the sweetness of your dessert.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter is simple yet delicious, perfect for summer celebrations.
5. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad can provide a hearty addition that pairs nicely with light desserts.
6. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a savory bite amidst sweet treats.
7. Deviled Eggs: A classic picnic staple that adds protein and flavor variety to your table setting.
8. Chips and Salsa: For those who enjoy a little crunch, chips paired with homemade salsa can be an unexpected yet delightful addition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pies, it’s easy to stumble upon a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and butter for the best texture. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense whoopie pie.
• Not measuring accurately: Ensure you measure your cake mix and frosting correctly. Too much or too little can affect the final product’s consistency.
• Skipping the chilling time: If your dough is too sticky, don’t rush it. Chilling for a bit makes it easier to scoop and shape your whoopie pies.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
• Ignoring food coloring tips: When adding gel food coloring, start with small amounts and gradually increase. This helps achieve the perfect shade without overpowering the batter.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store whoopie pies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pie

• Wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place whoopie pies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one whoopie pie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat. Place the whoopie pie in the skillet, cover, and heat for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pies:

Can I use other cake mixes for these whoopie pies?

You can definitely experiment with different cake mixes! Chocolate or red velvet mixes work great too.

How do I make my frosting more colorful?

You can add more gel food coloring gradually until you achieve your desired shade. Just remember to mix well!

What if I don’t have shortening?

You can substitute shortening with additional butter if needed. The texture may change slightly but will still taste delicious.

Can I decorate my whoopie pies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add sprinkles or festive decorations on top of the frosting for extra flair!

Final Thoughts

These 4th of July Cake Mix Whoopie Pies are not only festive but also incredibly easy to make! Their vibrant colors and delicious taste make them perfect for any summer gathering. Plus, you can customize them with different flavors or decorations to suit your style. Give them a try this holiday!