“Amish� and “Pennsylvania Dutch� are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different things: one is a religious community, the other is a cultural and linguistic heritage. This article clarifies the distinctions, explains how each influences food, and offers a classic recipe that bridges both—a hearty, molasses-sweetened whoopie pie that reflects the region’s baking traditions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 min)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot coffee or hot water
- 1/2 cup (170 g) molasses (or dark corn syrup)
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1 jar (7 oz / 198 g) marshmallow fluff
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, egg, vanilla, hot coffee, and molasses until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir just until combined—do not overmix.
- Scoop 2-tablespoon mounds of batter onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. You should get about 24 rounds.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the filling: beat butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar and marshmallow fluff. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Spread filling on the flat side of one cake and top with another. Repeat with remaining cakes.
- Refrigerate assembled pies for at least 30 minutes to set before serving.
Tips
- Molasses substitute: Use dark corn syrup or honey, but note the flavor will be milder and less robust.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, making cakes tough. Stir until no dry streaks remain.
- Cool completely: Warm cakes will melt the filling—patience is key.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; they also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these whoopie pies as a dessert or snack with cold milk or coffee. They’re a staple at bake sales and picnics across Pennsylvania Dutch country. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Variations
- Pumpkin whoopie pies: Add 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice and replace molasses with 1/2 cup (120 ml) pumpkin puree.
- Chocolate-peanut butter: Swap marshmallow filling for 1/2 cup (130 g) peanut butter mixed with 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar and 2 tbsp softened butter.
- Vanilla whoopie pies: Omit cocoa and increase flour to 2 1/2 cups (310 g); add 1 tbsp vanilla extract.
Storage and Reheating
Store whoopie pies in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They can be frozen for up to 3 months—wrap each individually in plastic wrap and thaw in the fridge overnight. Serve cold or at room temperature; no reheating needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch the same thing?
No. “Amish� refers to a specific Anabaptist religious group with strict traditions, while “Pennsylvania Dutch� refers to the broader cultural group of German-speaking immigrants and their descendants, including Lutherans, Mennonites, and others. Many Amish are Pennsylvania Dutch, but not all Pennsylvania Dutch are Amish.
Why is it called “Dutch� if they’re German?
The term “Dutch� is a corruption of “Deutsch,� meaning German. It originated in the 18th century when German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania.
What is the difference in food between Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch?
Amish food is often simpler and more reliant on preserved ingredients like canned goods and dried herbs, while Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine includes a wider variety of dishes, such as pot pie, schnitz un knepp, and funnel cakes. Both emphasize hearty, home-style cooking.
Can I use a different filling for whoopie pies?
Yes, cream cheese frosting or buttercream work well. For a more traditional Pennsylvania Dutch version, use the marshmallow filling as written.
Why do whoopie pies sometimes crack?
Cracking usually happens if the batter is too thick or the oven is too hot. Ensure you measure flour correctly (spoon and level) and check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
Can I make whoopie pies ahead of time?
Absolutely. They taste even better the next day. Assemble them and refrigerate for up to 2 days before serving.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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