To Our Pennsylvania Friends....

[Paula]

Do any of you know if Whoopie Pies can be documented to the mid 1800's?

edited to add: I realize the name originates to about 1920.  Just wondering if the treat was around before that.

[Stephanie Brennan]

I think you hit the nail on the head. If it is to be found it will be under another name. I've tried google books but haven't come up with anything close yet except cupcakes.    Stephanie

[Paula]

Thanks Stephanie.  My google books searching skills always get great NOTHING results.  I just wondered if anyone had any better ideas.

[Beth Chamberlain]

Chocolate cake was uncommon, not unseen but not at all the norm for cake. And, icings of the day weren't soft and fluffy, the were spread on thin and crusted over fairly quickly, it wouldn't set well between two layers it would just melt into the cake. The closest thing I can think of is cake cut into fingers with jam between the layers. Or, if you look long enough you will find "Boston Cream Cakes" which were little cakes baked in patty pans (if I remember right, or maybe tart pans) with a custard filling put between the layers. You have to hunt for those as the more common version of Boston Cream Cakes mid-century was what we call a cream puff with custard filling.

Beth

[Robin C]

What you know as whoopie pies in your area are better known as gobs in my area--