Image by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels
While Thanksgiving is not a holiday traditionally celebrated in the United Kingdom, it’s a beloved and deeply rooted tradition in the United States. Being a business based on the American tradition of Whoopie Pies, we think it’s fantastic to embrace other aspects of American culture – food, celebration, and traditions. We, like many Brits, didn’t know much about Thanksgiving, other than what we’ve seen in Friends! So, we decided to learn a bit more about it, and share it with Whoopie fans.
This special holiday is all about coming together with loved ones to express gratitude and appreciation for the bountiful harvest and the blessings of the year. Thanksgiving’s focal point is, of course, the delicious food shared around the table. Who doesn’t love an excuse to enjoy great food and the company of loved ones? In today’s post, we’ll explore the essence of Thanksgiving and how our delightful Whoopie Pies could fit right into this feast of thanks right here in the UK.
Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States. It has its origins in the early 17th century when the Pilgrims, who had settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, celebrated a successful harvest alongside Native Americans. The tradition evolved into a national holiday in 1863, thanks to President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation during the Civil War.
What makes Thanksgiving so special is that it transcends any religious or cultural boundaries; it’s about the spirit of gratitude, togetherness, and sharing. Families and friends gather to express their thankfulness for the good things in life, whether it’s the love of family, good health, or a hearty meal on the table.
At the heart of Thanksgiving is a grand feast that showcases the rich diversity of American cuisine. Turkey is the undisputed star of the show, roasted to golden perfection and often served with mouthwatering stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. But the meal doesn’t stop there. It includes an array of side dishes like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and more. And of course, there’s an assortment of pies for dessert, with pumpkin and pecan pies being popular choices.
Now, let’s talk about Whoopie Pies – the delectable treats that are gaining popularity in the UK, thanks to businesses like ours. Whoopie Pies are a classic American dessert with a soft, cake-like exterior and a creamy filling, sandwiched together to create a delightful handheld indulgence. While they may not be a traditional Thanksgiving dessert, Whoopie Pies can make a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
Here’s how you can incorporate Whoopie Pies into your Thanksgiving celebration:
Thanksgiving is a holiday that transcends borders, and its focus on gratitude and sharing resonates with people worldwide. While it may not be a traditional celebration in the UK, the spirit of Thanksgiving is something we can all embrace. And with the rising popularity of Whoopie Pies, our sweet delights can add a touch of American charm to your Thanksgiving feast. So, this year, as you gather with loved ones, give thanks, and indulge in delicious food, why not consider adding some Whoopie Pies to your menu to sweeten the celebration?
Whoopie Pies, those delectable sandwich-like desserts with a soft, cakey exterior and a creamy filling, have captured the hearts and taste buds of many. But have you ever wondered why they are called “Whoopie Pies”? This whimsical name hides a history as rich and delightful as the dessert itself. In this blog post, we’ll explore the intriguing origin of the Whoopie Pie name.
The exact origin of the name “Whoopie Pie” is a matter of folklore and debate, but there are several theories about how it came to be:
1. Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch Roots: One popular theory suggests that Whoopie Pies were first created by the Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch communities in the United States. According to this theory, these communities would find these delightful treats in their lunchboxes and exclaim “Whoopie!” in delight. The joyful exclamation is said to have given the dessert its name.
2. An Expression of Delight: Another theory suggests that the exclamation “Whoopie!” is simply a reflection of the excitement people felt when they tasted this delightful dessert. It’s easy to imagine people taking a bite of the sweet, creamy treat and being so thrilled by the taste that they couldn’t help but exclaim “Whoopie!”
3. A Marketing Ploy: Some believe that the name “Whoopie Pie” was coined as a marketing strategy. Bakers may have introduced this whimsical name to make the dessert more appealing and memorable to customers. The name certainly has a fun and lighthearted quality that makes Whoopie Pies stand out.
4. Regional Variations: In different regions, these delightful treats go by various names, such as “gobs” in some parts of the United States and “bungles” in New England. These regional variations add to the mystery and charm of the dessert’s name.
Regardless of its true origin, the name “Whoopie Pie” has become synonymous with this beloved dessert, and it carries a sense of joy and delight that matches the feelings it evokes when enjoyed.
The origins of the name “Whoopie Pie” are shrouded in delightful mystery. Whether it was born from the joyful exclamation of those who first tasted it, a clever marketing ploy, or simply a way to make the dessert more memorable, the name has stuck, and it’s a testament to the joy and excitement that these sweet treats bring to our lives. So, the next time you bite into a soft, creamy Whoopie Pie, you’ll know that you’re savoring a dessert with a name as fun and delightful as its taste. Whoopie!
Whoopie Pies are a source of joy for dessert enthusiasts everywhere. But how would you describe a Whoopie Pie to someone who’s never had the pleasure of eating one? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the delightful world of Whoopie Pies and provide a mouthwatering description of our sweet treats.
A Whoopie Pie is a classic American dessert, known for its simple yet irresistible composition. Let’s break down the essential elements of a Whoopie Pie:
The Cakey Layers: The foundation of a Whoopie Pie consists of two soft, cake-like layers. These layers are typically round and gently domed, resembling miniature cake rounds. They are soft to the touch and moist, with a texture that falls somewhere between a cake and a cookie.
The Creamy Filling: What truly sets a Whoopie Pie apart is its creamy, dreamy filling. This filling can vary in flavour but in America it is most commonly a marshmallow-based mixture. It is rich, sweet, and velvety in texture, adding a delightful contrast to the cakey layers. Many of our Whoopie Pies have a delicious chocolate cheesecake filling, which really sets them apart.
The Sandwich Structure: A Whoopie Pie is constructed like a sandwich, with the cakey layers hugging the creamy filling in the middle. The result is a handheld treat that you can hold and savour without the need for utensils.
The Artisan Decoration: Our Whoopie Pies really stand out for their stunning, unique and creative decoration, featuring things like delicious Belgian chocolate drizzles, edible petals, and icing.
Whoopie Pies come in a diverse array of flavors to tantalise your taste buds. While the classic chocolate Whoopie Pie with marshmallow filling is a perennial favourite, there are numerous variations to explore, including:
– Red Velvet: Featuring a deep red cake layer with cream cheese filling.
– Pumpkin: Perfect for autumn, with spiced pumpkin cake and a creamy filling.
– Lemon: A zesty, citrusy twist with a lemon-flavoured cake and creamy filling.
A Whoopie Pie is a delectable combination of flavours, textures, and nostalgia. When you bite into one, you experience a harmonious blend of sweet, moist cake layers and a creamy filling that’s just the right amount of rich and indulgent.
But it’s not just about taste; it’s about the feeling it evokes. For many in the U.S., Whoopie Pies are a comfort food, a reminder of childhood, and a beloved treat that brings joy with every bite. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering, a local bakery, or made at home, a Whoopie Pie is a source of simple, unadulterated delight.
In essence, a Whoopie Pie is a delightful, handheld sandwich of happiness. Its soft, cakey layers cradle a creamy filling that offers a burst of sweet satisfaction. Whether you’re drawn to the classic chocolate version or eager to explore the diverse flavours and variations, a Whoopie Pie is a sweet indulgence that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
Hello, Whoopie Lovers!
Although we are not currently taking online orders, we are BACK FOR ONE WEEK ONLY AT THIS YEAR'S HULL FAIR! Check out our socials for pitch info, menu, prices and opening times.
Meanwhile, our beautiful little Whoopie brand is up for sale. If you want to take on a fantastic and unique product with nearly two years of groundwork already done, and are ready to take it to the next level, then The Whoopie Bakery could be just what you're looking for. Please email kate@thewhoopiebakery.co.uk to discuss.
You can also still join the mailing list and follow our socials for updates when the business has been taken on by a new owner, and to keep up to date with Kate and Matt's ventures, visit www.thechefandthesloth.com.
We want to say a huuuuge thank you to all our customers and we hope our paths will cross again, and that you'll continue to support Whoopie as it progresses.
