If you are ready to embark on a delightful dessert adventure, the Pineapple Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Pineapple Filling Recipe will become your new favorite treat to make and share. These whoopie pies combine the nostalgic charm of pillowy cake-like cookies with a luscious, tangy pineapple cheesecake cream filling that bursts with tropical sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe brings an inviting, sunny twist to a classic dessert that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—the ingredients for this recipe are simple yet crucial for achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and that golden tropical hue. Each component plays its part, from the pineapple juice imparting moisture and zest to the smooth cream cheese creating that signature creamy filling.
- Pineapple cake mix: The base for tender, moist cupcakes that bring in that pineapple flavor seamlessly.
- Oil: Adds richness and keeps the cookies soft and fluffy.
- Pineapple juice: Boosts the pineapple essence and helps keep the batter moist.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
- Butter (softened): Provides creaminess and richness to the filling.
- Cream cheese (softened): Delivers tanginess and that velvety cheesecake vibe.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet aromatic note.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and dusts the final treat with a touch of elegance.
- Crushed pineapple (drained): Adds juicy pineapple bursts and texture inside the filling.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Pineapple Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Pineapple Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pineapple cake mix, oil, pineapple juice, and eggs. Use a mixer to blend everything until the batter is smooth and uniform—this ensures your cookies will be perfectly tender and full of pineapple flavor.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
Drop heaping tablespoon-sized portions of batter onto the parchment-lined cookie sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake on the center rack for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the tops spring back when touched gently. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack to achieve the right texture for sandwiching.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Pineapple Filling
While the cookies cool, prepare the luscious filling by creaming softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until fluffy. Slowly add powdered sugar and continue mixing until smooth and well combined. Finally, fold in the drained crushed pineapple, which adds bursts of juicy flavor and a delightful texture to this creamy filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Generously spread the cream cheese pineapple filling on the flat side of half the cooled cookies. Top each with a remaining cookie to form a sandwich, pressing gently so the filling spreads evenly to the edges. For a final touch, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty, sweet finish.
How to Serve Pineapple Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Pineapple Filling Recipe
Garnishes
These whoopie pies already shine on their own, but sprinkling a few toasted coconut flakes or finely chopped pineapple on top can add a lovely texture and visual appeal. For a pop of color, you might also try placing a small pineapple leaf or edible flower alongside as a charming garnish.
Side Dishes
Serve these joyful treats alongside a scoop of tropical sorbet or a simple fruit salad with mango and papaya to complement and enhance the fruity pineapple flavors. A chilled cup of lightly sweetened iced tea or a sparkling citrus drink pairs wonderfully for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a party, arrange these whoopie pies on a tiered dessert tray or place them in pretty cupcake liners for an elegant touch. Personalize each one with mini flags or handwritten notes to make your guests feel extra special. Layering a slice of fresh pineapple between the whoopie pies and the serving plate can also add a vibrant, tropical flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Pineapple Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Pineapple Filling Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy that perfect balance of creaminess and cake softness throughout the week.
Freezing
These whoopie pies freeze beautifully. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen whoopie pies maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving to enjoy that freshly baked taste.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the whoopie pies slightly warm, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes after removing from the fridge. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the filling to soften too much or separate. The best texture is always at a cool or room temperature, allowing the flavors to shine.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pineapple cake mix with yellow cake mix?
Yes! Using yellow cake mix will yield a more neutral cake flavor but won’t have that signature pineapple tang. It’s a fine alternative if you can’t find pineapple cake mix, but adding some pineapple juice as the recipe calls for is key to infusing flavor.
How important is it to drain the crushed pineapple in the filling?
Draining the pineapple well prevents the filling from becoming too runny, which helps maintain the perfect fluffy texture so it doesn’t ooze out when you assemble the whoopie pies.
Can I make these whoopie pies vegan or dairy-free?
You can try substituting dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, and use egg replacers to make the cookie batter vegan-friendly. The texture and flavor might be slightly different, but with some experimentation, you can create a delicious vegan version.
What is the best way to keep the cookies soft?
Using oil instead of butter in the cookie batter and proper storage in airtight containers ensures the cookies stay soft and moist. Avoid overbaking as well to keep them tender.
Can I double the recipe for a larger gathering?
Absolutely! This recipe scales well, so just double the quantities and bake in batches. Make sure to space the cookies well on your sheets to avoid overcrowding.
Final Thoughts
The Pineapple Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Pineapple Filling Recipe beautifully melds nostalgia with tropical flair, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting. Once you make these, you’ll see why they quickly become a crowd-pleaser and a recipe you’ll reach for time and again. Go ahead, bring a slice of sunshine to your kitchen and indulge in this deliciously creamy, fruity treat – you will not regret it!
PrintPineapple Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Pineapple Filling Recipe
Pineapple Whoopie Pies offer a delightful twist on the classic treat, featuring soft, cake-like cookies paired with a creamy pineapple cheesecake filling. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking a nostalgic yet flavorful indulgence, these whoopie pies bring together tropical pineapple and rich cream cheese for an irresistible bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 box pineapple cake mix (can use yellow if preferred)
- ½ cup oil
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 3 large eggs
Filling Ingredients
- 1 stick (4 oz) butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained well
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure proper baking temperature for the cookies.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Cookie Batter: In a large bowl, combine the pineapple cake mix, oil, pineapple juice, and eggs using a mixer until the batter is smooth and fully integrated.
- Portion Batter: Drop heaping tablespoons of the batter onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Place cookie sheets on the center rack of the oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the edges are browned.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan placed on a baking rack to prevent sogginess.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Sugar and Pineapple: Incorporate the powdered sugar into the cream mixture and blend well before gently folding in the well-drained crushed pineapple.
- Assemble Whoopie Pies: Spread a generous amount of the pineapple cream filling onto half of the cooled cookies, then sandwich them with the remaining cookies.
- Final Touch: Dust the tops of the assembled whoopie pies lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to avoid soggy filling.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.
- You can substitute yellow cake mix if pineapple flavor is not preferred for the cookies.
- For a firmer filling, chill the assembled whoopie pies before serving.
