In July I took my birthday cake over to some friends’ house to share with them and their 3-year-old daughter. She always gets excited when I bring over treats. She likes sugar, so obviously we’re friends.
While we were all enjoying our dessert, I remarked that the cake consistency with the coconut whipped cream frosting reminded me of whoopie pies! Actually, I said, “I could totally make these into Ho Hos.” But after a quick google search, my terminology was corrected.
Vegan Whoopie Pies it was!
These little gems are kind of amazing.
Fluffy little chocolate cake-cookie hybrids filled with fluffy coconut whipped cream make a light, satisfying “cookies and cream” dessert.
I think I’m in love.
This recipe is simple, requiring just 1 bowl, easy methods, and basic ingredients.
Plus, it also comes together in about 2 hours (after your coconut cream is chilled overnight). The extra planning ahead is totally worth the effort.
These whoopie pies are amazing! They’re:
Fluffy
Tender
Chocolaty
Coconutty
Perfectly sweet
& Satisfying
Make these as a lighter dessert to have on hand during the week, or for special occasions like birthdays, baby showers, parties and more. Since they’re both vegan and gluten-free, they’re the perfect treat everyone can enjoy.
Three more perks? They’re naturally sweetened (besides the coconut whipped cream), 170 calories each, and can be made up to a couple days in advance so you can plan ahead and save time.
If you give these a try, let us know by leaving a comment and rating the recipe! It’s super helpful for us. And while you’re at it, take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram so we can see! We love seeing what you come up with. Cheers, friends!
Vegan Whoopie Pies
Ingredients
CAKES
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
- 3/4 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 Tbsp flaxseed meal (to make flax eggs)
- 5 Tbsp water (to make flax eggs)
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar (or sub organic cane sugar)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 3/4 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 heaping cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup almond meal (finely ground from raw almonds)
- 1/4 cup gluten-free oat flour (finely ground from raw oats)
- 3/4 heaping cups gluten-free flour blend*
FILLING
- 2 batches coconut whipped cream (NOTE: 2 batches require 2 14-ounce cans coconut cream chilled overnight in the refrigerator)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare your coconut whipped cream with your chilled coconut cream. Follow these instructions to make a double batch, sweetened to taste (I found 6-8 Tbsp (42-56 g) to be the right amount // amounts as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size). Transfer whipped cream to a large freezer bag (for piping) and set in the refrigerator to chill completely. Rinse out the mixing bowl to use for the batter.
- Measure out almond milk in a liquid measuring cup and add apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) and baking soda and stir. Set aside.
- In your large mixing bowl, prepare flax eggs by combining water and flaxseed meal. Let rest for 5 minutes while you prepare your other ingredients.
- Add the oil, coconut sugar, and maple syrup and whisk to combine.
- Next add applesauce, vanilla, and salt, and whisk to combine. Then add almond milk mixture and whisk again until everything is thoroughly incorporated – about 30 seconds.
- Lastly, add baking powder, cocoa powder, almond meal, oat flour, and gluten-free flour, and whisk to combine, making sure no large clumps remain.
- Transfer batter to the refrigerator to chill/thicken for 20 minutes, and preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C). Grease two large baking sheets with non-stick spray (if you don’t have two baking sheets, just use one and bake the cakes in 4 batches // use fewer or more baking sheets, as needed, if altering batch size).
- Once the oven is preheated, scoop out 1 heaping Tbsp amount of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 1-inch of room for spreading. Use your tablespoon to slightly spread them into a small disc. One standard baking sheet should fit 12 cakes. Repeat on second baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the edges appear dry. (I found 12 minutes to be the perfect time.) Remove from oven and let rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
- Repeat this process, baking the mini cakes until all batter is used – you should have about 48 total cakes (amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size).
- Once the cakes are completely cooled to the touch, clip a small corner of the coconut whipped cream bag off and pipe a generous amount (see photo) of coconut whipped cream onto the under-side of half the cakes (24 as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size). Carefully top with another cake of similar size and shape and press down slightly.
- Arrange on large serving plates or a cooled baking sheet and cover loosely with plastic wrap. You can enjoy these immediately; however, I found them to hold up better after 1 hour of refrigeration (and even better after 6 hours or overnight).
- Leftovers will keep covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calcualted with generous amounts of coconut whipped cream filling.
*Prep time does not include chilling coconut cream overnight.
*Adapted from my 1-Bowl Chocolate Hazelnut Cake.
Jenna says
Would I be able to just use all purpose flour?
Hi Jenna, you can use it in place of the oat flour and gluten-free flour blend, but we’d recommend keeping the almond meal. Start with slightly less flour as all purpose is more absorbent. Hope that helps!
Angela Denise says
Any recommendations for another egg replacer? My child has a flaxseed alllergy!
Yes! We’d recommend chia eggs.
Bev says
Have you made pumpkin vegan Whoopie Pies? Other flavors? I will use carob instead of cocoa. I’m going to try it as we have the solstice at work this week for our share of the pie day. We used to have actual pie. Now they are doing Whoopie Pies due to single servings, however, they are not vegan. Any gf Whoopie Pies? There are a few of us who are on vegan diets so I’m going to try carob and also vary the recipe for pumpkin spice-will let you know how they turn out and the ingredient amounts in the variations. Thanks for the basic recipe!
Hi Bev, this recipe is gluten-free, but we haven’t tried it with pumpkin! Let us know how it goes if you try it!
Ellie says
I made these and they came out great. I did sun out just regular flour as I did not need them gluten free and they seemed to be very rubbery and dense so I added in a half teaspoon of baking soda and that helped the cakes a lot. They were fluffy and a much better consistency. I definitely would make again but would try 1 teaspoon of baking powder plus a teaspoon of baking soda. Coconut cream was really yummy! Did half plain and the other half with peanut butter.
Ooo peanut butter sounds delish! Thanks so much for the great review and for sharing your modifications, Ellie!
Gracie says
YUM!! I just made these and stuffed them with mint frosting. So tasty and fun.
Ooo that frosting sounds extra delicious! Thank you for sharing, Gracie! xo
Angela says
Good Morning.. I am a Newbie here.. For the Whoopie pies.. What can I use in the place of the Nut flour and almond meal??
I stumbled on your site the other day and I just have to say for someone who has so many food allergies YOU ARE A LIFE SAVER!! You are making my holiday cooking so much easier!!
So THANK YOU!
Angela
Hi Angela! We’re so happy you’ve found us! Unfortunately we haven’t tried this recipe without almond meal and we aren’t sure if it would work, but it might work if you used extra oat flour in place of the almond meal? Let us know how it goes if you give it a try!
Tori says
Hi there! What would you recommend instead of the coconut whipped cream? My husband is a big time coconut hater 🤪
Hi Tori, If not dairy-free, you can use regular whipped cream. Otherwise, what about vegan cream cheese frosting? Let us know if you try it!
Bri says
Hi!
I make your recipes all the time and love them :) Before I try this one, what would you suggest I substitute for an oil free version?
Hi Bri, perhaps 2 Tbsp almond butter + 2 Tbsp applesauce in place of the avocado oil? Hope that helps!
Madison says
I accidentally made these without the 1/3 cup sugar and I still thought they tasted delicious and the texture was lovely! I will probably add the sugar next time if I am making them for others because I know most people prefer things a bit sweeter than I usually do, but in case there is anyone wondering, they still taste lovely without the cane/coconut sugar. I also used regular whipped cream instead of the coconut because that is what I had on hand and they were perfect. I can’t wait to have an occasion to make them again!
So glad to hear they were still delicious! Thank you for the lovely review, Madison! xo
Kristine says
These are mind-blowing! I put some peppermint extract in the whipped coconut cream, and replaced the vanilla extract with almond in the cookie part. So amazing.
Kristine says
Also replaced sugar with monkfruit/erythitol sweetner and reduced amounts slightly.
We’re so glad you enjoyed them, Kristine! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Jesse says
Can you just use regular flour instead of the oat flour? And how important is the almond flour?
Hi Jesse, we haven’t tried this recipe with modifications so we’re not sure how it would turn out. We’d suggest searching the comments to see if others have tried!
Tanja says
I made those yesterday and I am so happy that I succeeded and they were super yummy. They also looked similar to the ones on your pictures. I used to love baking, but since I’ve been on a vegan diet, the vegan cakes I made I didn’t enjoy so much. This is definitely a motivation for me to start baking more again. Thanks for this great recipe ☺️
Yay- we’re so glad they turned out well! Thanks for sharing, Tanja!
Kris says
can i freeze that ?
Probably so, yes! Let us know if you give it a try.
Terry says
I have made these Whoopi Pies several times now and the have always been amazing! I do freeze them with no issues 🙃
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Terry!
Sarit says
hi,
can i use 2 eggs instead of flax eggs ?
thanks :)
We think that would work! Let us know how it goes!
Isabelle says
Was just wondering how well does this recipe freeze. If I made a batch and save some in the freezer for another day?
Isabelle says
Is it the filling or the cake part that does not freeze well?
Both together. It could potentially work to freeze just the cake.
Hi Isabelle, Freezing them would be OK, but can make them a little too moist once thawed.
Bitor says
I have these ingredients that I saw in the “how its made” program, could give more or less the quantities or ratios that I should use to make the whoopies pies?
1) water, apple vengeance/apple cider, colza-oil or sunflower oil;
2) tapioca flour, bean flour (chickpea?) and sorghum flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar and brown sugar;
(4 minutes to mix)
3) For the filling: palm oil (alternative, since there is a lot of talk about this oil), powdered sugar, rice milk, vanilla flavor, carob juice / lemon juice, dyes / extracts: mint / alfalfa / saffron / lemon / raspberry / beetroot.
Hi there! I don’t know that I quite understand what you’re asking for. We haven’t tested the recipe any other way than how it’s published. But if you end up experimenting, let us know how it turns out!
Frances Murphy says
Could I use whipped soy cream for the filling? I’d like to make these for a charity event, so they’ll be sitting un-chilled on a table all day and coconut cream will just melt. ?xx
Hi Frances, we haven’t tried that and aren’t sure whether it would work! Let us know if you give it a try!
Mary Gray says
Can I use brown rice flour for the flour and do you put the coconut milk in bowls or keep them in the can?
Hi Mary, we haven’t tried it with brown rice flour and aren’t sure whether that would work. For best results, we recommend our homemade gluten-free blend. We keep the coconut milk in the can when refrigerating. Hope that helps!
j says
mine turned out super flat for some reason. hmm? taste is yummy, though! wonder what i need to adjust to get them fluffier. any ideas?
Hmm- did remember to add the baking soda? That can get overlooked in the almond milk step…As well as the baking powder? Also, did you remember to chill the batter?
j says
i did all those things, but i actually think they weren’t so much flatter than intended, i just had a vision of thicker pieces for some reason. but they were delicious, and a hit with the crowd (of mostly non-vegans, too)!
Chris says
Freezing a can of coconut cream does not work as it just ends up a solid mass.
Chris says
OOPS! It does say to refrigerate. My mistake.
Hi Chris, we haven’t had that problem. Would you mind sharing what brand of coconut cream you used? Thanks so much!
Anna Robinson says
Question:
How well do you think these will hold up if mailed in the post (Frozen)?
Hi Anna, we aren’t sure that would work very well since the coconut whipped cream will quickly loose form if they don’t remain chilled. Hope that helps!
Sandra G says
These were to die for! I made them for Halloween. They were a BIG hit. I love them and will be making these for MANY more occasions.
Great! Thanks for sharing, Sandra!
Sandra G says
These are DELICIOUS and FUN to make!! Made them for Halloween party tomorrow night. As the filling, I used SO Delicious Coco Whip! Thanks for a great recipe!
Lauren says
Can we substitute pineapple for applesauce?
Yes, that should work though it may change the flavor slightly!
Bria says
Thinking of making these for a birthday! Can I use all purpose flour instead of the gluten free flour? Will the measurements be the same?
Thanks!
Yes, that should work!
Kristen says
These are incredible! I’ve mad them 3 times the last few weeks and they’ve been a big hit with everyone I’ve shared them with!
Florence says
Oh My.
They look fantastic,
its a call for a dinner with vegans friends !
I have never been disappointed by one of your creations, and im sure this one will not be an exception!!
Thanks for sharing
Chari says
These were a hit! Made vegan cream cheese icing instead of coconut cream. Will make again for sure!
Mary Telfer says
Absolutely delicious!! I didn’t have the patience to let the coconut cream go overnight so I put it in the freezer and kept checking on it and stirring it. Also, I think I made them a little too big and soft (I was worried about burning them as they were so flat so I baked them a shorter time) so they were best straight from the freezer. LOVE them! Will make them again. Thanks !
Amélie says
Can they be kept at ambient temperature?
Thanks ;)
I’d recommend keeping them cool to ensure they don’t slide apart!
Jessica says
Just made these for Mother’s Day! One thing I learned is that less is more when it comes to how much batter goes on the cookie sheet. At first, my batter wasn’t chilled enough and I was scooping way too much for each. This made them turn out VERY flat. Eventually I started using almost exactly one tbsp. per cake and they turned out perfectly. I’m serving mine with fresh strawberries and aquafaba whipped cream!
Jena says
Hi! this looks wonderful, I was wondering if you thought subbing in regular AP flour would be okay? (I’m not GF and I’m not necessarily willing to go out and buy the GF flour blends for just one recipe, haha).
Jena says
actually, I see now that you’ve already answered this question! :)
Jeanne says
I made this recipe this weekend and they are delicious. The cakes were very flat and I’m wondering if substituting almond flour for almond meal caused this? Also, the cream is wonderful but not fluffy like in your picture. How did you get it so fluffy? Any hints or tips would be greatly appreciated. They are so much better than a boxed version we found in the grocery store. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with us!
Mary Telfer says
My cream was fluffy and I think it was because I put it in the freezer and kept checking on it and stirring it. Then I whipped it with my Kitchen Aid mixer and it was thick and fluffy.
Jeanne says
Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing your success! About how long did you have it in the freezer? Great idea.
Mary Telfer says
Probably an hour and a half to two hours. Then checked it and stirred it up every 15 minutes or so, so it would get cold throughout and not just the edges.
Karen says
Thank you SO MUCH for this DELICIOUS recipe!! I grew up eating whoopie pies but haven’t had them for years because I’m now eating gluten & dairy free. I like that you use good ingredients, they are easy to make & they taste wonderful!!!!! The cake is fluffy & holds together well. I didn’t get as many “pies”, mine are about 2.5″ dia so I have 12 complete whoopie pies. Serving them for Easter!
Carly says
Hey! I made these this weekend and they were amazing! I was thinking of making a more Easter-themed version this weekend and having the cakes be vanilla funfetti instead. Do you think just using this recipe minus the cocoa powder should be good? And then just adding in a bit more vanilla extract and sprinkles?
Thanks!
Hi Carley! Yes, I think that would work out well! Please share your final products with us using the hashtag #MinimalistBaker – We’d love to see them!! :D
Justin Wood says
These came out fantastically! How do I make these vanilla?!
Crista Cain says
So I’m running late on making these for my friends on V-Day only have one can of coco cream chilled. How long can I chill the coco cream before I can use it same day? So excited to try these!
Joy says
I replaced the oat flour and almond flour with teff flour, these were delicious! Well done again! Not too sweet, just right!
Keeley says
Hey Dana,
I live in Kenya and can get most things on your recipes but one thing I struggle to find its applesauce. ( I found a tiny jar of it for the equivalent of $6!) I did try cooking up loads of apples to make my own but it made a recipe into a really long affair, can you think of a simple sub I could use?
You can simply use apples and then saute them until soft and blend them! Or, finely grate fresh apples. Good luck! Pumpkin puree might also work ;D
Lindsay says
WOW, these are amazing! My kids loved them, and I loved that they make so many. I didn’t have coconut cream so we used vanilla ice cream. Definitely will make these again!
Teddy says
I have an allergy to both almonds and oat- what could I use to sub for the oat flour, almond meal, and almond milk?
Angelita says
I made these and they turned out AWFUL! The filling was runny and did not look anything like the photo pictured above. I used coconut milk on the first try and it was so soupy I threw it out. The second try was coconut cream and it was just a tad less runny than the coconut milk. Disappointing!!
So bizarre! Did you chill the coconut whipped cream after whipping it? That helps it firm up.
Kelly says
I am trying as much as possible to cut out all unnecessary oils from my diet. I noticed that there is both oil and applesauce in this recipe. I have used applesauce in place of oils in the past, and my desserts have come out just fine taste-wise. In this instance, would it be perfectly fine to leave out the oil and add in an extra 1/4 cup applesauce in place of it? Thanks for your baking expertise!
Jemimah Simpson says
Hi! I live in Australia, and I’ve looked everywhere but I can’t find anywhere that sells applesauce! Do you know any substitutes for that in the recipe?
Beet, pumpkin or butternut squash puree should work!
Cait says
These vegan whoopie pies are THE BEST! I’ve made them twice now, and each time I make them I get so many comments about how delicious they are! In order to keep them fresh, I store the cookies/cakes and the filling separately until just before they’re ready to be eaten. Healthy and delicious! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
So great! Thanks for sharing!!
amy danles says
Hi Dana,
I want to make these for my son’s birthday celebration at school. I just want to check on the melting factor? Should I make them and them freeze or refrigerate them?
thanks!
Love your recipes!
I would refrigerate them, and then only keep them at room temperature for a max of a couple hours! Freezing them would be OK, but can make them a little too moist once thawed. Good luck!
Ana @ Ana's Rocket Ship says
I’ve only had whoopie pies once- and I didn’t really like them. But I don’t see how I’m going to do anything but LOVE these. They’re perfect!
Rebecca Strauss says
I’d like to make these with just regular all-purpose flour instead of the gluten-free blend and oat flour. Can I substitute 1:1? Thank you!
Liz T says
OMG, I just made these and my husband and I can’t get enough. Going to make a double batch tomorrow! Also, they freeze super nice. Just freeze on a baking sheet for a few hours and wrap individually. Take them out an hour before you want to eat them to unthaw. Perfect weekday treat!!! (and almost guilt free!) Thank you so much for this recipe!! I’m new(ish) to your site and can’t wait to explore your other recipes.
Yay! So great, thanks for sharing, Liz! xoxo
Melanie says
I made these a few weeks ago for a family party and didn’t tell anyone they were gluten and dairy-free beforehand (besides my cousin who has both gluten and dairy allergies) and everyone loved them without even knowing the difference. The cake/cookies were divine, and although I don’t think my coconut cream ended up as whipped-creamy as the photos, I added peanut butter to it making peanut butter chocolate whoopie pies (SO GOOD) and that made up for the lack of volume in my whipped cream.
SO wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Melanie!!
Cassie Tran says
Looks great!
Beth says
Hi I’m new to becoming vegan and I was wondering why you put eggs in the mix and if so is there any substitutes btw they look amazing
Caitlin says
I think you may have misread, there are no eggs in this recipe.
Paul says
I just got done making these today, I only ended up with 14 assembled woopie pies.
I did find some of the ingredients a bit odd and cumbersome, but delicious!
I would like to see a recipe for these with “regular” baking ingredients yet still vegan.
Natali says
Hey,
I was wondering where to get or how to make the applesauce?
N.
Caitlin says
Applesauce can be found at every supermarket. Otherwise you could blend up apples to make your own.
Thandy says
What can I sub for the maple syrup or agave nectar?
Caitlin says
Coconut nectar or brown rice syrup?
Heidi says
I made these this morning… for some reason my little whoopie pies came out really, really flat! I followed the recipe perfectly, I swear. Any reason why these guys didn’t rise a little more? Yours look so fluffy… :(
Hmm, and you did remember to add the baking soda? That can get overlooked in the almond milk step…As well as the baking powder? Also, did you remember to chill the batter?
Paul says
mine were very very fluffy, almost forgot the baking powder though.
Jessie Snyder | Faring Well says
I am so in love. You are amazing. And mega happy belated birthday (!!!). Next time can I come?! ;)
all the hugs ;D
Enz F | Pinoy Kusinero says
There is no greater joy than having to indulge yourself with whoopie pies without experiencing so much guilt! I am loving the coconut cream filling. This one is surely a keeper. :)
Betsy says
This looks delicious! Is there a way to substitute in regular flour for the almond meal and gluten free flours?
Yes! I would just sub an even amount for those.
Brittany says
Totally emailing you my address so you can send me some of these. ;)
hee hee, I wish!
Amanda says
What can I sub for the ingredients with nuts? We have kids with tree nut allergies. Cant wait to try this recipe!
I would sub more oat flour, or gluten free (or all purpose) flour.
Jennifer Lemke says
These look amazing! Can I use 2 regular eggs if I’m not concerned about them being vegan? Also, we are GF and can not tolerate oats…can I use more GF flour or almond flour?
That should work for the eggs! As for the oats, use a 1/2 and 1/2 mix of more almond meal + GF flour. Let me know how it goes!
Andie@Micibakes says
looks delish!
must.make.now.
Kathryn - The Scratch Artist says
“So obviously we’re friends” I loved that line. Heart eyes emoji about everything else, of course.
Thanks Kathryn :D Who wouldn’t be friends with a dessert-loving 3 year old!?
Laura Olinger says
Whoopie pies that don’t require a special pan?! Sounds great!
Sarah | Well and Full says
I am ALL ABOUT these vegan whoopie pies!! It was genius of you to use coconut whipped cream as the filling, I love it!! :D
Thanks lady! xo
De says
Oh, now this I have to try. & then a pumpkin version because I had the most delicious pumpkin whoopie pie at a pumpkin patch last year. Dana, you’ve done it again!
Thanks De!!!
Mel @ The Refreshanista says
oh man, these look so decadent! ?
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
These look amazing with a capitol a.
Sydney | Modern Granola says
They are so perfect! I love your whole photography setup, too- that tall stack of whoopie pie heaven?! Yum!
xx Sydney
Thanks Sydney! xo
Eliza | Pen + Pan says
When I saw the title of this post, I KNEW that I had another use for coconut cream at my disposal. These vegan whoopie pies are definitely worth whooping over!
Thanks Eliza! Hope you love these!!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchent says
Coconut whipped cream is the best! These look fantastic!
Samantha @ThePlantedVegan says
Wow! What a beautiful looking recipe! That filling looks so yummy!
Emily | Robust Recipes says
Yum. These look so good. And simple to make, the best kind of dessert!
Sara @ Oats & Rows says
yesyesyessss!!
miss agnes says
Oh boy, these look decadently delicious. My kids would love this. My pantry is regularly stocked with coconut milk since I’ve started reading your blog. :-)
Yay! You never know when you’re gonna need some coconut! xo