If you are on the lookout for a delightfully fun and festive treat, this Easter Sprinkled Vanilla Cake Mix Whoopie Pies Recipe is exactly what you need. These whoopie pies combine the best of moist, vanilla-infused cake cookies with a luscious, creamy pink frosting, all encrusted in colorful Easter sprinkles that bring an extra pop of joy and vibrancy. Perfectly soft, sweet, and easy to put together, this recipe celebrates springtime celebrations and makes sharing with friends and family a total breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role in building up the flavor, texture, and festive appearance. From the vanilla cake mix that forms the tender base to the heavy cream that smooths out the frosting, every component is essential.
- French vanilla cake mix: Provides a rich vanilla flavor and light, fluffy texture for the whoopie pie “cookies.”
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough together and keeps the texture soft and tender.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup for dough, ½ cup for frosting): Adds moisture and richness to both the cake and frosting, allowing for a creamy finish.
- Easter sprinkles (3 cups): Give the pies a colorful, festive coating that really makes them pop visually.
- Powdered sugar (2 ½ cups): Essential for the sweet, smooth frosting.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Deepens the flavor in the frosting with warm vanilla notes.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 tbsp): Adds creaminess and the perfect consistency to the frosting.
- Pink gel food coloring: Brings the frosting to a lovely pastel pink, perfect for Easter-themed treats.
How to Make Easter Sprinkled Vanilla Cake Mix Whoopie Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or use silicone baking mats. This step ensures your whoopie pies bake evenly and do not stick.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Dough
Using a standing mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the french vanilla cake mix, one large egg, and ½ cup of unsalted butter. Beat until a soft, cohesive dough forms. This mixture is your base, delivering that classic vanilla flavor and soft texture we all love.
Step 3: Add the Sprinkles
Mix in 1 cup of the Easter sprinkles into the dough. This creates little bursts of color inside each whoopie pie, making every bite exciting.
Step 4: Shape and Coat the Dough Balls
Using a small cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each portion into a smooth ball. Then, pour the remaining 2 cups of sprinkles into a bowl and roll each dough ball thoroughly in the sprinkles so that they’re completely coated. This adds a fun, crunchy exterior that’s so inviting.
Step 5: Bake the Whoopie Pies
Arrange the sprinkle-covered dough balls evenly on your prepared cookie sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes until they rise and firm up but remain soft to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the Pink Vanilla Frosting
While the whoopie pies cool, start on the frosting. In your standing mixer, beat together ½ cup softened unsalted butter, 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, and a few drops of pink gel food coloring. Beat everything until the mixture is creamy and can hold soft peaks—this will give you the perfect consistency for piping.
Step 7: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Fill a piping bag with the pink frosting. Pair up your cooled whoopie pie cookies and pipe a generous swirl of frosting onto the bottom half of each pair. Gently place the top half over the frosting, pressing lightly to sandwich them together without squeezing out the filling. Your Easter Sprinkled Vanilla Cake Mix Whoopie Pies Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easter Sprinkled Vanilla Cake Mix Whoopie Pies Recipe
Garnishes
These whoopie pies are already dazzling with sprinkles on the outside, but you can add a little extra pizzazz by dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or placing a few extra sprinkles on top of the frosting before sandwiching for maximum festivity.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet treats with a refreshing glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea to balance their sugary richness. Fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries also make a colorful, light complement to the richness of the cupcakes.
Creative Ways to Present
For an Easter party, place the whoopie pies on a tiered cake stand or in pastel-colored cupcake liners, arranging them with fresh spring flowers for a charming table presentation. You can also wrap them individually in cellophane tied with ribbon for gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, store them in the fridge where they will stay moist for up to 5 days.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead, freeze the assembled whoopie pies by wrapping each in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen whoopie pies, thaw them overnight in the fridge. You can bring them back to room temperature or warm them gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, just enough to soften the frosting without melting it completely.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor cake mix?
Absolutely! While the french vanilla cake mix gives a classic taste, feel free to experiment with chocolate or funfetti mixes to create unique versions of this recipe.
What if I don’t have a standing mixer?
You can mix the dough by hand using a sturdy whisk or a wooden spoon, though it might take a bit more effort to achieve the soft dough consistency needed.
Can I make the frosting without food coloring?
Yes, the frosting will still be delicious without the pink color, but the pastel hue adds a festive Easter touch that’s hard to resist!
Are these whoopie pies suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love the colorful sprinkles and sweet frosting, making these a perfect treat for Easter parties or school snacks.
Can I substitute the heavy whipping cream?
While heavy cream helps make the frosting smooth and creamy, you can substitute it with milk or half-and-half in a pinch, though the texture might be slightly less rich.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly joyful about making and sharing the Easter Sprinkled Vanilla Cake Mix Whoopie Pies Recipe. Its simple ingredients, fun sprinkle coating, and luscious pink frosting combine to create a treat that is as delightful to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re celebrating with family or bringing a smile to friends, these whoopie pies are sure to become a new favorite springtime indulgence. Give the recipe a try and enjoy every colorful, creamy bite!
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Easter Sprinkled Vanilla Cake Mix Whoopie Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easter Whoopie Pies are delightful, colorful treats perfect for springtime celebrations. Made with a French vanilla cake mix and decorated with vibrant easter sprinkles, these soft, sandwich-style cookies are filled with a creamy, pink vanilla frosting. Easy to prepare and bake, they bring fun and festive flavor to any Easter gathering.
Ingredients
Whoopie Pie Dough
- 1 box French vanilla cake mix
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups Easter sprinkles
Vanilla Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- Gel food coloring (pink), a few drops
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: In a standing mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the French vanilla cake mix, 1 large egg, and ½ cup unsalted butter. Beat until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Sprinkles to Dough: Gently fold in 1 cup of the Easter sprinkles into the dough to add festive color and crunch throughout.
- Form Dough Balls: Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough, then roll each scoop into a smooth ball with your hands.
- Coat Dough Balls in Sprinkles: Pour the remaining 2 cups of sprinkles into a bowl and roll each dough ball in them until fully coated for a colorful exterior.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the sprinkle-coated dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared cookie sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until set but still soft. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the sheets.
- Prepare the Frosting: Using a standing mixer, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, and a few drops of pink gel food coloring. Beat until the frosting holds soft peaks and has a fluffy texture.
- Fill a Piping Bag: Transfer the frosting into a piping bag for easy assembly.
- Assemble Whoopie Pies: Pair the cooled whoopie pie cookies in sets of two. Pipe a generous amount of frosting onto the flat side of one cookie.
- Complete the Sandwich: Gently press the matching cookie on top of the frosting to form a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Easter Whoopie Pies are now ready to be served. Enjoy these colorful and delicious treats with friends and family!
Notes
- Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the filling from melting.
- You can substitute the pink gel food coloring with any color you prefer to fit your theme.
- Store whoopie pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
