Cake Mix Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are soft, pillowy cookie sandwiches with the rich cocoa flavor of red velvet and a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. Using a boxed cake mix makes them incredibly easy and quick to whip up, perfect for holidays, parties, or just a sweet craving that strikes without much prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: Made with a red velvet cake mix and a few pantry staples.
- Classic Flavor Combo: Red velvet and cream cheese never go out of style.
- Quick to Make: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Fun and Festive: Great for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, birthdays, or gifting.
- Portable and Shareable: Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, and parties.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Whoopie Pies:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Portion the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons (or use a small cookie scoop) of batter onto prepared sheets, leaving 2 inches between each.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the tops are set and spring back lightly. Let cool on the pan for a couple of minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar; beat until fluffy and creamy.
- Assemble: Pipe or spoon the filling onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top with remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
- Chill (Optional): For a firmer filling, chill for 20–30 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 18–20 whoopie pies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Mini Version: Use a teaspoon-sized scoop and reduce bake time to 8–9 minutes.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the tops for an elegant finish.
- Festive Touch: Roll the filling edges in sprinkles for a holiday vibe.
- Different Flavors: Swap in other cake mixes (chocolate, lemon, spice) for fun new variations.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Serving: Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature. No reheating needed.
FAQs
Can I use any brand of red velvet cake mix?
Yes, any 15.25 oz standard box mix will work.
Can I use canned frosting instead?
You can, but homemade cream cheese frosting gives a richer, fresher flavor.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
If the batter seems very loose, chill it for 10–15 minutes before baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 24 hours and bake when ready.
Can I substitute butter for oil?
Yes, melted butter works but will slightly alter the texture and flavor.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, mini chips work well in the batter or in the filling.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
Yes, because of the cream cheese filling.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix.
Will the cookies be soft or crispy?
They’re soft and cakey—ideal for sandwiching.
Can I tint the filling?
Yes, a few drops of gel food coloring can create a festive pastel or bold center.
Conclusion
Cake Mix Red Velvet Whoopie Pies are a fun, festive, and incredibly easy dessert that combines rich flavor with creamy indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just to treat yourself, these pillowy red velvet sandwiches are sure to be a hit. Grab a box of cake mix and make magic happen in under 30 minutes.
Description
These easy red velvet whoopie pies start with a cake mix and are sandwiched with rich cream cheese frosting, making them a perfect quick treat for holidays, parties, or just because.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, oil, and vanilla until well combined and smooth.
- Scoop the batter by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the tops are set and spring back when lightly touched. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- While cookies cool, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until creamy and fluffy.
- Spread or pipe frosting onto the flat side of half the cookies, then top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best texture.
Notes
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized pies.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Optional: Roll the edges in sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for extra flair.
- Let soften at room temp for 10 minutes before serving if chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg