The whoopie pie, a beloved American treat consisting of two cake-like cookies sandwiching a creamy filling, has a fascinating history that sparks debate among several regions claiming to be its birthplace. While its exact origins remain somewhat mysterious, the treat’s journey from local delicacy to national favorite reveals much about American culinary traditions.
The Contested Origins of the Whoopie Pie
Pennsylvania’s Amish communities and the state of Maine stand as the primary contenders in the whoopie pie origin story. According to Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, Amish women would use leftover cake batter to create these treats for farmers to find in their lunch pails. Legend has it that farmers would shout “whoopie!” upon discovering these delicious surprises, hence the name.
Maine, however, tells a different tale. Labadie’s Bakery in Lewiston, Maine, claims to have been selling whoopie pies since 1925, with some Maine historians suggesting the treat dates back to the state’s earliest days. So passionate is Maine about its claim that in 2025, they’ll celebrate the 14th anniversary of officially naming the whoopie pie as the state’s official treat.
The New England Connection
Beyond Maine, other New England states have their own whoopie pie traditions. Massachusetts bakeries have been producing variations for generations, while New Hampshire and Vermont both feature regional takes on the classic. What’s particularly interesting is how each area developed slightly different recipes – some favoring a drier cake, others a more moist texture.
“When I was researching traditional American desserts,” shares food historian Elizabeth Chambers, “I found family recipes for whoopie pies dating back to the early 1900s across multiple states, suggesting a shared culinary evolution rather than a single inventor.”
Commercial Development and Popularization
While home bakers were creating whoopie pies for decades, the commercial production helped standardize the treat. Companies like Berwick’s Cake Shop in Massachusetts and Wicked Whoopies in Maine turned regional favorites into nationally recognized desserts.
By the 1930s, several commercial bakeries were producing packaged versions, though they remained primarily a Northeast regional specialty until the early 2000s when gourmet bakeries across the country began offering artisanal versions.
The Modern Whoopie Pie Renaissance
Today’s whoopie pie bears the influence of multiple culinary traditions. What likely began as a practical way to use leftover batter has transformed into a canvas for culinary creativity. Walk into a modern bakery and you might find flavors ranging from red velvet to matcha green tea, pumpkin spice to lavender lemon.
As we look toward 2025, the whoopie pie continues to evolve while maintaining its core appeal: two soft cake-like cookies embracing a creamy filling. Whether you believe it originated in Pennsylvania, Maine, or somewhere else entirely, one thing remains certain – the humble whoopie pie represents a uniquely American contribution to global dessert culture, created not by a single inventor but through the collective creativity of home bakers seeking to bring joy through food.
