Few desserts capture the perfect balance of creamy richness and indulgent texture quite like Tiramisu Whoopie Pies. This recipe brings together the classic Italian flavors of tiramisu with the soft, pillowy goodness of traditional whoopie pies, creating a unique treat that’s both elegant and comforting.
With each bite, you’ll experience the deep coffee-infused chocolate cake, the light mascarpone cream filling, and the signature cocoa-dusted finish that defines tiramisu. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a dinner party, a special treat for coffee lovers, or an elevated take on a childhood favorite, these whoopie pies are guaranteed to impress.
The Inspiration Behind Tiramisu Whoopie Pies
A Marriage of Italian and American Desserts
Tiramisu and whoopie pies may come from different culinary backgrounds, but they share a love for rich flavors and luscious textures.
✔ Tiramisu – A classic Italian dessert featuring layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder.
✔ Whoopie Pies – An American favorite made of soft, cake-like cookies sandwiched with a creamy filling.
By merging these two beloved desserts, we create a treat that is deeply flavorful yet incredibly easy to enjoy. No forks, no layering—just a handheld bite of heaven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich coffee and chocolate flavors – Inspired by tiramisu’s signature espresso-soaked layers.
- Soft, moist cake layers – A delicate balance between cake and cookie textures.
- Luscious mascarpone filling – Light, creamy, and perfectly sweetened.
- No need for soaking or layering – All the flavors of tiramisu in a simple, portable form.
- Perfect for any occasion – Whether for a dinner party or a casual sweet treat, these whoopie pies never disappoint.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup freshly brewed coffee, warm
For the Mascarpone Coffee Filling:
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee
- 6 ounces mascarpone, cold
For Garnish:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat brown sugar, vegetable oil, and butter until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk and warm coffee, until combined.
- Scoop batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each portion 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, then cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Coffee Filling
- Beat heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and instant coffee until soft peaks form.
- Add mascarpone in two batches, beating until stiff peaks form.
Step 3: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
- Flip half of the cooled cakes upside down.
- Pipe or scoop a generous amount of mascarpone filling onto each.
- Sandwich with the remaining cakes and gently press.
Step 4: Dust & Serve
- Lightly dust the tops with cocoa powder.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Pie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sugar | 22g |
The Secret to Perfect Tiramisu Whoopie Pies
Creating the best whoopie pies requires a few key techniques that elevate the flavors and textures. Here are some expert tips to ensure your cookies are soft, rich, and perfectly balanced with their creamy filling.
1. Use Quality Cocoa Powder for a Deep Chocolate Flavor
Since the cake layers serve as the base of the whoopie pie, the cocoa powder you choose makes a difference. Dutch-processed cocoa is preferred because it creates a smoother, richer chocolate taste without excessive bitterness.
2. Incorporate Coffee for an Authentic Tiramisu Flavor
Instead of just a chocolate cake, we add freshly brewed coffee into the batter. This enhances the deep chocolate flavor while replicating the coffee-soaked element of traditional tiramisu.
3. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing can result in dense, tough cakes instead of soft, fluffy ones. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated to maintain a light, airy texture.
4. Keep the Mascarpone Cold for a Stable Filling
Mascarpone cheese is a delicate ingredient that can become too runny if overworked. Keep it chilled before whipping to ensure a smooth, stable filling that holds its shape when sandwiched between the cake layers.
5. Allow the Flavors to Meld
For the best texture and taste, refrigerate the assembled whoopie pies for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together beautifully, mimicking the effect of a traditional tiramisu that’s set overnight.
Variations on Tiramisu Whoopie Pies
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to fit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few fun ways to switch things up:
1. Add a Splash of Coffee Liqueur
For an extra grown-up twist, add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa or Tia Maria) to the mascarpone filling. This gives it a deeper, more intense tiramisu flavor.
2. Try a White Chocolate Variation
Replace the dark cocoa powder with white chocolate shavings in the batter for a lighter, creamier version of these whoopie pies.
3. Make It Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free flour in place of regular flour to create a version that’s just as soft and delicious for those with gluten sensitivities.
4. Swap the Coffee for a Mocha Flavor
If you love mocha flavors, mix a little melted dark chocolate into the batter along with the coffee for a deeper, richer flavor.
5. Add Chocolate Ganache for Extra Decadence
For those who love extra chocolate, drizzle a rich ganache over the assembled whoopie pies before dusting with cocoa powder.
How to Serve Tiramisu Whoopie Pies
These delightful handheld treats can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion.
1. As a Standalone Dessert
Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature, dusted with extra cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu finish.
2. With Coffee or Espresso
Since tiramisu is known for its coffee pairing, these whoopie pies are perfect alongside an espresso, cappuccino, or a creamy latte.
3. As a Special Occasion Treat
For an elegant presentation, serve them on a dessert platter with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
4. Frozen for a Cool Treat
Pop these whoopie pies into the freezer for an hour and enjoy them slightly chilled for a refreshing summertime dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make These Whoopie Pies Ahead of Time?
Yes! They actually taste better after sitting for a few hours. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring they are in an airtight container.
2. Can I Freeze Tiramisu Whoopie Pies?
Absolutely! Wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap, place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
3. What’s the Best Substitute for Mascarpone?
If you don’t have mascarpone, you can use cream cheese blended with a bit of heavy cream for a similar texture, though the flavor will be slightly tangier.
4. How Do I Prevent the Filling from Becoming Runny?
Make sure to use cold mascarpone and don’t over-whip the cream. If the filling seems too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before assembling.
5. Can I Make Smaller Whoopie Pies?
Yes! Simply use a smaller scoop for the batter and reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes. Mini Tiramisu Whoopie Pies are perfect for parties or bite-sized desserts.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Dessert for Coffee and Chocolate Lovers
Tiramisu Whoopie Pies take the best of two worlds—the rich, coffee-infused flavors of tiramisu and the soft, cake-like texture of whoopie pies—and combine them into one irresistible treat.
Whether you’re a longtime tiramisu fan or just looking for a unique, indulgent dessert, these whoopie pies offer all the decadence of a classic Italian treat in a fun, handheld form.
With simple ingredients, easy assembly, and endless customization possibilities, there’s no reason not to try making them today.
So, gather your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy the creamy, chocolatey, coffee-infused goodness of Tiramisu Whoopie Pies!
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Easy Tiramisu Whoopie Pies Recipe – Sweet & Decadent
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 whoopie pies 1x
Description
Indulge in the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts with these Tiramisu Whoopie Pies! Soft chocolate cakes are sandwiched with a luscious mascarpone coffee filling, then dusted with cocoa powder for an elegant finish. Perfect for dinner parties, celebrations, or just treating yourself, these handheld desserts bring the rich flavors of tiramisu into a fun and portable form.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (40 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup (215 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup freshly brewed coffee, warm
For the Mascarpone Coffee Filling:
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (55 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee
- 6 ounces mascarpone, cold
To Finish:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the brown sugar, vegetable oil, and softened butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until a few streaks of flour remain.
- Add milk and warm coffee, and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Using a medium cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), scoop the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 3 inches between each scoop.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the centers are slightly soft. Let the cakes cool completely on the baking sheets.
Make the Mascarpone Coffee Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and instant coffee on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Add half of the mascarpone and mix until just combined.
- Add the remaining mascarpone and beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overmix.
Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
- Flip half of the cooled cake discs so the flat sides are facing up.
- Using a medium cookie scoop or piping bag, add a dollop of mascarpone filling to the center of each flipped disc.
- Top with the remaining cake discs, flat side down, and gently press until the filling spreads to the edges.
Finish and Serve:
- Dust the tops of the assembled whoopie pies with unsweetened cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
- Chill the assembled whoopie pies for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Freezing Option: Wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
- Customizations:
- Use decaf coffee to make the recipe caffeine-free.
- Substitute cream cheese for mascarpone for a tangier filling.
- Add a splash of coffee liqueur to the filling for an adult twist.
- Pro Tip: Chill the mascarpone before making the filling to ensure a smooth, stable texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
