“`html
There is something truly magical about the whimsy and flavor of the Unicorn Whoopie Pies Recipe. These delightful treats pair soft, fluffy cake-like cookies bursting with funfetti sprinkles and a luscious, colorful cream filling that feels like a party in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to add a splash of joy to your day, this recipe offers a perfect blend of vibrant colors, textures, and sweet vanilla goodness that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving the playful charm and delicious softness of these whoopie pies. Each item is simple but carefully chosen to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that unmistakable Unicorn Whoopie Pies Recipe look.
- French vanilla cake mix: Provides a tender, moist base with a rich vanilla flavor that’s easy to work with.
- Unsalted sweet cream butter (softened), 1/2 cup (for batter): Adds richness and ensures a smooth, tender texture to the cake rounds.
- One large egg: Binds the ingredients to give structure without sacrificing softness.
- Funfetti sprinkles, 1/2 cup: Brings vibrant specks of color right into the cake, giving the classic unicorn vibe.
- Unsalted sweet cream butter (softened), 1/2 cup (for filling): The creamy base for the filling that whips up to dreamy fluffiness.
- Powdered sugar, 1 1/2 cups: Sweetens the filling delicately without graininess.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the sweet cream flavor and deepens the overall taste.
- Heavy whipping cream, 4 tablespoons: Helps achieve a light, airy texture in the frosting.
- Blue, pink, and purple food gel: These gels add that signature rainbow-hued swirl to the filling that makes this recipe truly magical.
How to Make Unicorn Whoopie Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by mixing the French vanilla cake mix with 1/2 cup of softened butter and one large egg until you achieve a uniform, fluffy batter. This is your base where the magic begins, and adding the funfetti sprinkles here is the secret to capturing that charming burst of color in every bite!
Step 2: Bake the Whoopie Pie Rounds
Spoon the batter onto a lined baking sheet in small, even circles about 2 inches in diameter. Pop them into the oven at the package recommended temperature, typically around 350°F, and bake for about 10 minutes. When they emerge golden with just a slight spring back, your whoopie pie rounds are ready to cool and be filled.
Step 3: Whip Up the Frosting
For the luscious filling, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until it’s smooth and silky. This is where you add those delightful swirls of blue, pink, and purple food gels—gently folding in each color to create a dreamy, unicorn-inspired marbled effect that makes your filling as striking as it is scrumptious.
Step 4: Assemble Your Unicorn Whoopie Pies
Once the cake rounds have cooled completely, spread or pipe a generous dollop of the colorful frosting onto the flat side of one round, then sandwich it together with another. Press lightly to evenly distribute the filling without squishing out all the pretty swirls.
How to Serve Unicorn Whoopie Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation by sprinkling extra funfetti or edible glitter on top of the whoopie pies right before serving. It adds a shimmering sparkle that’s perfect for celebrations and instantly makes your dessert table feel more festive.
Side Dishes
These soft, sweet whoopie pies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or lightly brewed herbal tea, offering a lovely balance to the sugary burst. For a party, serve alongside fresh fruit salad to contrast the richness with a fresh, clean bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Unicorn Whoopie Pies Recipe into a showstopper by stacking them tower-style on a pretty cake stand, or arrange them in pastel-colored muffin liners for an easy grab-and-go treat. You can also individually wrap them in cellophane with a colorful ribbon for charming party favors that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Unicorn Whoopie Pies bear best freshness when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them softer, the fridge is an option, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezing
If you want to save some magic for later, freeze the assembled whoopie pies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealable freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge to maintain the perfect texture.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven feel, simply let your whoopie pies reach room temperature if refrigerated or gently warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds if frozen. Be cautious as the filling can get soft with too much heat, but a light warm-up is ideal to revive that soft cake texture.
FAQs
What makes these whoopie pies “unicorn” themed?
The unicorn theme comes from the use of funfetti sprinkles inside the cake rounds and the vibrant swirls of blue, pink, and purple food gel in the fluffy frosting, creating a whimsical rainbow effect perfect for any magical occasion.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can experiment with other vanilla-based cake mixes, but French vanilla is recommended for its rich and creamy undertones that best complement the colorful sprinkles and filling. Chocolate or other strong flavors might overpower the delicate design.
How long do Unicorn Whoopie Pies last?
Freshly made, they stay delicious at room temperature for about two days. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing extends their shelf life without sacrificing taste or texture too much.
Is it necessary to use gel food coloring?
Gel food coloring is preferred because it provides vibrant color without thinning the frosting. Liquid food coloring may dilute the filling’s texture, making it less stable for sandwiching.
Can I make the filling without butter?
Butter is key for that rich, creamy filling texture in the Unicorn Whoopie Pies Recipe. However, if dairy-free is needed, you could try a solid vegetable shortening and fat-based substitute, but the flavor and consistency might vary.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a burst of joyful color and sweet nostalgia to your baking repertoire, the Unicorn Whoopie Pies Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s simple, fun, and irresistibly delicious—perfect for sharing a little magic with friends and family. So grab your ingredients and dive into this enchanting treat; I promise it’ll brighten your day and taste buds!
“`
Print
Unicorn Whoopie Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these whimsical Unicorn Whoopie Pies, featuring soft vanilla cake layers bursting with colorful funfetti sprinkles, sandwiched with a creamy vanilla frosting tinted in magical pastel hues. Perfect for parties, special occasions, or adding a touch of enchantment to your dessert table.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers
- 1 box French vanilla cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup funfetti sprinkles
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- Blue, pink, and purple food gel coloring
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the French vanilla cake mix, softened butter, and egg. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated and the batter is smooth. Gently fold in the funfetti sprinkles for a pop of color in your cake layers.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow spreading. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Color the Frosting: Divide the frosting into three separate bowls. Add a few drops of blue, pink, and purple food gel coloring to each bowl respectively and mix until the colors are evenly blended.
- Assemble the Whoopie Pies: Spread a generous amount of colored frosting onto the bottom side of one cake layer. Top with another cake layer to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cakes and frostings, using different colors to create a magical rainbow assortment.
- Chill and Serve: Place the assembled whoopie pies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. Serve chilled and enjoy your enchanting Unicorn Whoopie Pies!
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth batter and frosting.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning your frosting.
- The funfetti sprinkles add texture and color inside the cake but avoid using non-edible glitter or decorations inside the batter.
- These whoopie pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
