Photograph from The Cooking of Joy Cakespy's Jessie Oleson gives the "whoopie pies are the next big thing" movement a good ol' Bronx cheer: Problem one: The Stupid Name. There's no delicate way to say it: Whoopie Pie is a stupid-sounding name. For me, "whoopie" conjures up goofy images of sexual reference on the Newlywed Show and cushions that make farting sounds. I don't know about you, but even adding "pie" after it doesn't serve to cancel out these associations or change them to "irresistible dessert". Ms. Oleson also has problems with "the cute factor" (not much, she says) and their size (too big). I, for one, would still rather eat, look at, or read about whoopie pies than,... More

I was never a fan of whoopie pies as a kid. There was usually an icky, blobby filling I couldn't stomach that was sandwiched by bland, vaguely chocolate-tasting rounds. Jennifer, of Foodess, bakes a delicious adult version of the whoopie pie of my youth. How can anyone deny something filled with salted-caramel buttercream? Bookended by chocolate that is "thicker than cake, but lighter than cookie," these are indulgent treats for your inner child.... More

Although chocolate cake with white cream filling is the most iconic whoopie pie flavor, you can find a variety of flavors at bakeries in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Erin Zimmer investigates the growing diversity of whoopie pies; will they become as popular as cupcakes? More