As the excitement of game day approaches, I find myself craving something indulgent yet playful to share with friends and family. Enter these delightful Chocolate Football Whoopie Pies—everything you love about classic whoopie pies but shaped like footballs, making them the ultimate treat for any match! With a scrumptious blend of rich chocolate cake and a light, dreamy marshmallow fluff buttercream filling, each bite feels like a touchdown of flavor.
Creating these adorable desserts is a breeze, taking only 30 minutes from prep to plate. Not only do they satisfy your sweet tooth, but they also add a festive touch to your game-day spread. Imagine bringing these beauties to your next Super Bowl party, where they’re sure to be the star of the show! So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this easy, fun recipe that even novice bakers can master. Prepare to impress your friends and enjoy a new homemade favorite!
Why are Football Whoopie Pies a Must-Make?
Unforgettable Fun: These whoopie pies will be the highlight of your game-day bash, captivating guests with their playful football shape.
Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip these up in no time, making them a perfect last-minute treat.
Deliciously Decadent: The combination of rich chocolate and fluffy marshmallow buttercream creates an irresistible flavor sensation that everyone will love.
Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, designs, or even add some food coloring for a festive twist!
Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: They’re ideal for sharing at parties or gatherings, ensuring your dessert table is full of smiles and compliments.
For more delightful ideas, check out our Game-Day Dessert Collection!
Football Whoopie Pie Ingredients
Get ready to create the perfect game-day dessert!
For the Cake
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and texture; substitute with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor; use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste.
- Espresso Powder – Enhances and deepens chocolate flavor; omit if not available.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Leavening agents to help the cakes rise; ensure they are fresh for best results.
- Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness; use table salt in half the amount if unavailable.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and richness; if using salted butter, reduce added salt.
- Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar – Special sweeteners for texture and flavor; can use only white sugar, but brown sugar adds moisture.
- Egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for better mixing.
- Whole Milk – Adds moisture to the batter; substitutable with plant-based milk for dairy-free options.
For the Filling
- Marshmallow Fluff – Key filling for sweetness and creamy texture; can use homemade buttercream as an alternative.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetener for the filling, helps achieve a creamy consistency.
These Football Whoopie Pies are as fun to make as they are to eat!
How to Make Football Whoopie Pies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. This will ensure your whoopie pies bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy every time.
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Whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl: combine all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mix them together until well blended.
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Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, stir melted unsalted butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until smooth. Then, add the egg and combine thoroughly to create a creamy mixture.
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Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually incorporate half of the flour mixture into the wet mixture, alternating with whole milk. Mix until everything is smooth, then add the remaining flour mixture and stir until fully combined.
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Prepare your baking sheet: Print football templates and place them under parchment paper on a baking sheet, securing with magnets to keep them in place while piping.
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Pipe the batter: Fill a piping bag with the chocolate batter and carefully pipe football-shaped blobs onto the parchment paper, ensuring they’re spaced out for even baking.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the whoopie cakes are set and spring back when touched. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make the filling: In a bowl, cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Then, mix in marshmallow fluff and vanilla extract until fully combined.
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Assemble the pies: Once the whoopie cakes are cool, spread a generous layer of the marshmallow fluff filling on one cake and sandwich it with another. Use piping to decorate with football laces for that festive touch!
Optional: Dust with a little cocoa powder for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Football Whoopie Pies
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, especially the egg and butter, are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
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Measure Carefully: Use a kitchen scale to measure your flour for accurate results. Too much flour can make your whoopie pies dense instead of fluffy.
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Oven Temperature Check: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. This will help your Football Whoopie Pies rise perfectly without burning.
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Piping Technique: When piping, keep a consistent pressure and distance from the parchment. This will give your pies a uniform shape and size, enhancing their appeal.
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Cooling Time: Allow the pies to cool completely before adding the filling. If they’re warm, the marshmallow fluff may melt, leading to a gooey mess instead of a delightful sandwich.
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Storage Tips: Store your Football Whoopie Pies in a single layer in an airtight container to prevent sticking and maintain their delicious texture for up to 4 days.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Football Whoopie Pies are perfect for meal prep, making your game-day planning a breeze! You can prepare the whoopie cake components up to 24 hours in advance by baking and storing the cooled cakes in an airtight container at room temperature, preventing any moisture loss. The marshmallow fluff buttercream filling can also be made ahead and refrigerating it will help maintain its creamy texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply take out the cakes, let them come to room temperature, and assemble with the filling. This preparation not only saves you time but ensures your Football Whoopie Pies are just as delicious as if made fresh!
Storage Tips for Football Whoopie Pies
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Room Temperature: Enjoy your whoopie pies at room temperature for the best texture. They can be left out for up to 2 hours during a game-day gathering.
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Fridge: Store leftover Football Whoopie Pies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper in the fridge for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their softness and flavor.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled pies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving for optimal taste and texture.
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Reheating: If you prefer them warm, heat the whoopie pies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Enjoy them while they’re soft to maximize the marshmallow fluff filling’s deliciousness.
What to Serve with Football Whoopie Pies?
Creating the ultimate game-day experience is all about pairing flavors and textures that tantalize taste buds and celebrate the spirit of fun!
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Ice Cream Sundaes: Top your favorite ice cream with chocolate sauce and sprinkles for a delightful treat that complements the chocolate cake.
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Mini Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit adds a burst of color and sweetness, creating a refreshing balance to the rich whoopie pies. Juicy berries are perfect for this!
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Patriotic Punch: A refreshing berry lemonade or a fruity punch adds a splash of color and excitement to your game-day festivities. Serve in fun cups for extra flair.
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Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses and crackers for a savory contrast to the sweetness of the whoopie pies. It’s perfect for grazing during the game!
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Savory Sliders: Little burgers or BBQ chicken sliders can round out a meal beautifully. Their savory flavors will be a hit alongside the sweet whoopie pies.
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Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: These provide a delightful crunch and salty-sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the fluffy marshmallow filling of the whoopie pies.
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Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A warm beverage can enhance dessert time! Both coffee or hot chocolate offer a comforting touch to the sweet celebration.
Elevate your game-day spread by including these delightful pairings that your guests will love!
Football Whoopie Pies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to make these delightful treats your own by exploring these fun variations!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version that still tastes amazing.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based milk and dairy-free butter in the batter to create a delicious dairy-free whoopie pie that everyone can enjoy.
- Different Fillings: Swap out marshmallow fluff for cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache—both add a delicious twist to the classic flavor.
- Add Some Spice: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to elevate the flavor and add a surprising kick to your whoopie pies.
- Colorful Fluff: Add a few drops of food coloring to your marshmallow fluff filling for a more festive look—perfect for game day celebrations!
- Mini Version: Make mini whoopie pies by piping smaller shapes; they’re cuter and perfect for sharing during parties.
- Chocolate-Orange Twist: Mix in a teaspoon of orange extract to the filling for a delightful chocolate-orange flavor combination that tempts the taste buds.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter for an added crunch and delicious texture that will surprise your guests.
These variations will surely spark creativity and excitement in your kitchen while making each bite of your Football Whoopie Pies a fresh and delightful experience!
Football Whoopie Pies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right cocoa powder for my Football Whoopie Pies?
Absolutely! For the richest flavor, I recommend using unsweetened cocoa powder, but if you want a smoother taste, opt for Dutch-processed cocoa. The difference may be subtle but can enhance your final product significantly.
How should I store my whoopie pies, and for how long will they stay fresh?
Very! To keep your Football Whoopie Pies at their best, store them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper in the fridge for up to 4 days. This method helps maintain their soft texture while they sit patiently for your indulging pleasure.
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Can I freeze my Football Whoopie Pies?
Absolutely! To freeze, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the assembled pies in a single layer. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap once frozen and transfer to an airtight container. They can last up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and they’ll be just as delightful!
What do I do if my whoopie pies turn out too dry?
If you find your Football Whoopie Pies came out drier than expected, it might be due to over-measuring your flour. I recommend using a kitchen scale for accuracy. If you’re in a pinch and they feel a bit dry, try adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate ganache when serving to restore some moisture!
Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind for my whoopie pies?
Very! If you’re preparing these for guests with dietary restrictions, you can easily make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Also, for a dairy-free option, simply substitute the whole milk with a friendly plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk. Always ensure that marshmallow fluff works with their dietary needs, especially for those with egg allergies!
Football Whoopie Pies: A Game-Day Treat Everyone Will Love
Ingredients Â
Equipment
MethodÂ
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix wet ingredients: stir melted butter with granulated and brown sugar until smooth.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients, alternating with whole milk.
- Prepare your baking sheet with football templates.
- Pipe the batter into football shapes on parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until set, then cool for 5 minutes.
- Make the filling: cream together butter, powdered sugar, and marshmallow fluff.
- Assemble the pies by spreading filling on one cake and sandwiching with another.
