Halloween Whoopie Pies: Soft, Spooky, and Easy to Make!

Introduction

Halloween Whoopie Pies are the ultimate spooky treat — fluffy, chocolatey cake sandwiches filled with sweet orange-colored icing and topped with festive sprinkles, candy eyes, or even licorice legs. These classic treats get a Halloween makeover with fun designs, bold colors, and creative flavors that make them ideal for parties, school events, or family baking nights.

Whether you’re turning them into spiders with licorice legs, stenciling powdered sugar bats on top, or keeping it simple with vibrant filling, this Halloween Whoopie Pies recipe is easy, versatile, and absolutely delicious. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro baker to make them. With boxed cake mix, pudding, and pre-made icing, you can pull together impressive Halloween whoopie pies in under 30 minutes!

Looking for more spooky desserts? Don’t miss our Jalapeño Popper Mummies — they’re the perfect savory sidekick to your sweet Halloween treats.

Let’s dive in and create some ghoulishly good Halloween whoopie pies from scratch!

Table of Contents

What Are Halloween Whoopie Pies?

The History and Origins of Whoopie Pies

While the term whoopie pie might sound whimsical, its roots are surprisingly nostalgic. Originating in Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish communities, the whoopie pie recipe has been a beloved dessert for generations. Traditionally, it features two soft, cake-like cookies sandwiched around a fluffy marshmallow or buttercream filling.

As the dessert gained popularity in the Northeast, especially in Maine and Pennsylvania, it evolved with regional flair. Maine whoopie pies tend to be larger and more chocolate-forward, while Pennsylvania whoopie pies lean toward traditional fillings and compact sizes.

Enter Halloween — the perfect occasion to reinvent this classic treat.

That’s where Halloween Whoopie Pies come in.

These spooky, sweet, and slightly mischievous versions use chocolate devil’s food cake, bright orange-colored vanilla icing, candy eyes, and black sprinkles to turn tradition into celebration. Whether you’re baking for kids, coworkers, or Halloween parties, these themed whoopie pies are always a hit.

Why They’re Perfect for Halloween Parties

Halloween is all about fun, color, and creativity, and Halloween whoopie pies from scratch check all those boxes. They’re soft and chewy like a cookie, fluffy like a cupcake, and filled like a sandwich — all in one bite-sized treat. Even better, you can dress them up:

• Make Whoopie Pie Spiders with licorice legs and candy eyes
• Use Halloween stencils and powdered sugar to create creepy designs
• Color the icing orange, purple, or even green for a monster effect
• Add edible glitter for a magical Halloween sparkle

They’re easy to serve, mess-free, and perfect for stacking on a spooky dessert table. Plus, the texture holds up well in lunchboxes, treat bags, or snack trays.

Want more treats that scream “party-perfect”? Check out our S’mores Cookie Cups — another easy-to-make hit for holiday gatherings.

So if you’re wondering what dessert will delight your ghosts and goblins this year, these Halloween-themed whoopie pies should top your list.

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Key Ingredients for Halloween Whoopie Pies

Devil’s Food Cake + Chocolate Pudding = Moist Magic

At the core of these Halloween whoopie pies from scratch is a base that’s dark, rich, and ultra-moist — thanks to the unbeatable duo of Devil’s Food cake mix and instant chocolate pudding. This combination creates a cake that’s firm enough to hold the filling but soft enough to melt in your mouth.

Here’s why it works so well:

• The pudding mix adds moisture and density
• Devil’s Food cake delivers that deep chocolate flavor with a spooky dark hue
• Using a boxed cake mix saves time while still tasting homemade

These ingredients make it simple to recreate a bakery-style whoopie pie recipe with cake mix, even if you’re short on time.

Icing, Color Gels, Candy Eyes & Edible Glitter

Now for the fun part — decorating your Halloween whoopie pies!

Once your pie halves have cooled, you’ll fill and style them with colorful flair. The filling for these whoopie pies is super simple: store-bought vanilla cake icing, whipped up and tinted with orange food coloring gel.

Prefer to make it from scratch? You can use your favorite vanilla whoopie pie filling instead.

Here’s what you’ll need for maximum Halloween wow-factor:

• Vanilla cake icing – smooth and sweet, perfect for piping
• Orange food coloring gel – gives that Halloween pumpkin color pop
• Black edible glitter or sprinkles – adds depth and texture
• Candy eyes – for making Halloween Whoopie Pie spiders or monsters
• Black licorice – great for creepy-crawly spider legs

These accessories turn your basic whoopie pie Halloween dessert into a themed masterpiece. Kids love them, adults devour them, and they look amazing on a party table.

Looking for another fun dip-style Halloween idea? Try our Funfetti Dip Recipe — it’s colorful, no-bake, and always a party favorite.

Quick Ingredient Recap:

Ingredient	Purpose
Devil’s Food Cake Mix	Base flavor and structure
Chocolate Instant Pudding	Moisture and richness
Eggs, Oil, Water	Combine everything into batter
Vanilla Icing	Sweet, fluffy filling
Orange Gel	Coloring for Halloween theme
Black Sprinkles & Edible Glitter	Texture and spooky aesthetic
Licorice & Candy Eyes	Decoration for spider whoopie pies

Step-by-Step – How to Make Halloween Whoopie Pies from Scratch

Preparing the Whoopie Pie Batter

The beauty of this Halloween whoopie pies recipe is how easy it is to make — thanks to a shortcut using Devil’s Food cake mix. But don’t be fooled, the result is bakery-quality softness with deep chocolate flavor.

Here’s how to start:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment or a silicone baking mat (like Silpat) to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, combine:
   • 1 box Devil’s Food cake mix (15.25 oz)
   • 1 box chocolate fudge instant pudding mix (4-serving size)
   • ¾ cup water
   • ½ cup vegetable oil
   • 3 large eggs
3. Mix it up: Beat all ingredients with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until the batter is thick, glossy, and lump-free.

This batter is what gives Halloween whoopie pies their signature cake-like texture — soft and fluffy on the inside, firm enough on the outside to sandwich that vibrant filling.

Baking the Perfectly Soft Pie Halves

Now it’s time to shape and bake.

You can go small and make 18 whoopie pies (36 halves) or go big and make 9 larger ones. Here’s what to do:

1. Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to portion out 18 or 36 even circles of batter onto your prepared baking sheets. Space them out at least 2 inches apart.
2. For perfectly round pies, wet the back of the scoop slightly to smooth out each circle.
3. Bake for 7–10 minutes depending on size. The pies should be puffed and spring back when lightly touched.
4. Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating or filling.

Pro Tip: Don’t overbake! Softness is key. Whoopie pies that are too firm lose their signature pillowy texture.

Want more creative, colorful desserts for your party table? Try our Orange Creamsicle Dip Recipe — it’s a citrusy hit that pairs perfectly with chocolatey Halloween treats.

Once your pie shells have cooled, you’re ready to bring the Halloween magic to life with color, candy, and texture.

Making the Halloween Icing & Filling

Customizing Vanilla Icing with Food Coloring

One of the easiest (and most fun) ways to give your Halloween whoopie pies recipe that festive touch is by turning classic white icing into bold Halloween orange.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Scoop both 16 oz tubs of vanilla cake icing into a large bowl.
2. Add a few drops of orange food coloring gel and stir thoroughly until the color is even and vibrant.
3. If you’re going for a deeper pumpkin tone, add a bit more coloring until you reach the desired shade.

This simple step transforms your treat from everyday to holiday-ready — making them true Halloween-themed whoopie pies.

If you’re making different versions (like mummies, monsters, or spiders), you can divide the icing and use black, purple, or green food coloring too.

Filling and Decorating Techniques (Black Sprinkles, Candy Eyes, and More)

Now comes the creative part — assembling and decorating your Halloween whoopie pie creations.

Assemble the Pies:

1. Flip half of the pie shells so the flat side is facing up.
2. Use a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off) to pipe a generous swirl of the colored icing on each flipped pie.
3. Top each with another pie shell to form a sandwich. Press gently to avoid squishing the icing out the sides.

Decorate:

• Sprinkle with edible black glitter or Halloween sprinkles for texture and sparkle
• Use stencils and powdered sugar to dust bats, pumpkins, or spiderwebs onto the tops
• For extra Halloween fun, add candy eyes or draw “stitches” using black icing gel

Want to go full monster mode? Turn them into creepy-crawly spider cookies — just like this fun idea from our Jalapeño Popper Mummies — Halloween snacks don’t get more creative than this!

These small additions make your Halloween whoopie pies stand out on a treat table, in goodie bags, or even in social media shots.

Bonus: How to Make Halloween Whoopie Pie Spiders

These are always a hit with kids (and adults who love fun food). Here’s how:

• Before adding the top pie, lay 8 short pieces of black licorice on the icing — 4 on each side
• Add the top whoopie pie, gently press to secure
• Use a small dab of icing to attach candy eyes to the top
• Optional: Use a touch of black gel to draw a spider mouth!

You’ve now turned your classic treat into a Halloween monster whoopie pie — fun to make, even more fun to eat.

Creative Halloween Whoopie Pie Ideas to Try

Spider-Themed Whoopie Pies

Give your whoopie pies a spooky twist by turning them into edible spiders — an easy way to impress kids and guests without much extra effort.

Here’s how to build them:

• Start with your filled whoopie pie sandwich
• Cut black licorice into eight small strips (for the legs)
• Gently press four legs into each side of the icing layer
• Use a small dab of frosting to stick on two candy eyes on top

Want to get fancy? Add a tiny mouth using a food-safe marker or black gel icing.

Looking for more sweet inspiration? Don’t miss this fruity favorite: Strawberry Pizza. It’s colorful, quick, and perfect for party spreads!

These Halloween spider whoopie pies are perfect for school bake sales, costume parties, or as a Halloween dessert kids can help decorate.

Pumpkin-Style Whoopie Pies

Even if you skip the pumpkin spice, you can still make your whoopie pies look like pumpkins — it’s all in the styling.

Try this method:

• After assembling your pies with bright orange frosting, add a small green candy or mini pretzel at the top to represent a pumpkin stem
• Lightly drag a toothpick across the icing in a curve pattern to resemble a pumpkin’s natural ridges
• Optional: Use edible glitter or a tiny cinnamon stick for a textured stem effect

This is a great option if you’re aiming for Halloween pumpkin whoopie pies without using real pumpkin in the recipe.

Monster and Mummy Pies

Get creative and add some Halloween spirit with monster and mummy themes. These versions are fun to make and double as edible art projects.

Monster Whoopie Pies:

• Use bright icing colors (green, purple, blue) for the filling
• Add multiple candy eyes — 2, 3, or even 5 for a silly monster vibe
• Pipe icing in jagged patterns for a wild, “hairy” look

Mummy Whoopie Pies:

• Stick to white icing
• Pipe straight horizontal lines to create a wrapped bandage effect
• Leave space for two candy eyes to peek through the “wrap”

These make fun alternatives to classic frosting and are a great way to involve kids in the decorating process.

Quick Hack: No time for detailed designs? Simply roll the sides in Halloween-themed sprinkles or crushed cookies — fast, easy, and still festive.

Whether you’re making silly monsters or elegant pumpkins, these Halloween whoopie pie variations give you plenty of ways to make your dessert table unforgettable.

Expert Tips to Nail Your Halloween Whoopie Pies

Making Halloween Whoopie Pies is a lot of fun — and with a few expert tips, they can go from good to ghostly great. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to impress your family, these tips will help you master the art of soft, spooky whoopie pies that look as good as they taste.

Don’t Overbake – Keep Them Soft and Moist

Unlike cookies, whoopie pies should be soft and cake-like, not crisp. One of the most common issues with making Halloween whoopie pies from scratch is overbaking them.

Here’s how to get it right:

• Bake for just 7–10 minutes
• Check that the cakes spring back gently when touched
• Let them cool on the pan for a couple of minutes before moving to a rack

Staying soft is key — it makes your Halloween whoopie pies pillowy, not crumbly.

Chill the Icing for Cleaner Assembly

Coloring your icing is fun, but if it’s too soft, it can get messy fast. Chill your orange-tinted icing for about 10–15 minutes before piping it onto your pies. This will help hold the structure better and make sandwiching easier.

Using a piping bag gives you clean, even layers — perfect for Halloween monster whoopie pies or detailed spider designs.

Keep the Texture Right (No Sticky Surfaces!)

Halloween Whoopie Pies tend to get sticky if not stored properly, especially in humid climates or when stacked. Here’s how to avoid the gooey mess:

• Cool completely before assembly
• Place parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them
• Store in a sealed container in the fridge
• Avoid wrapping warm pies — condensation leads to sticky tops

Want another show-stopping party treat? Check out our vibrant Mummy Jalapeño Poppers — the sweet and salty layers are perfect next to chocolate-filled whoopie pies.

Use a Scoop for Even Sizing

Uniformity matters, especially when you’re decorating your Halloween-themed whoopie pies. Using a cookie scoop (or small ice cream scoop) ensures your cake rounds are consistent in size. This gives your filled pies a balanced look and better stacking on your party tray.

By following these tricks, you’ll have consistently soft, delicious, and eye-catching Halloween Whoopie Pies every time — and no sticky surprises.

Storage, Make-Ahead, and Freezing Tips

Making a big batch of Halloween Whoopie Pies ahead of time? Good news — these festive treats hold up surprisingly well if stored the right way. Whether you’re baking days before a Halloween bash or saving leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh, fluffy, and flavorful.

How to Store Halloween Whoopie Pies

Once assembled and decorated, Halloween Whoopie Pies should be kept in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture. Here’s what works best:

• Room Temperature (1 Day Max): If your kitchen is cool and dry, store pies in a single layer on a tray or inside a container with parchment paper between each pie.
• Refrigerator (Up to 5 Days): For longer freshness, especially if you’ve used cream-based fillings or licorice decorations, refrigerate them. Just let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving so the texture softens.

Tip: Avoid stacking pies directly on top of each other without separation — icing can get smushed, and decorations may stick.

Can You Freeze Halloween Whoopie Pies?

Yes, you absolutely can — and it’s a smart move if you’re prepping far in advance.

Here’s how to freeze your Halloween-themed whoopie pies without losing quality:

1. Before freezing, ensure the pies are completely cooled and decorated (but avoid sprinkles that bleed when thawed).
2. Wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper.
3. Place wrapped pies into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container.
4. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To serve, thaw pies in the refrigerator overnight or leave them at room temperature for 1–2 hours.

Note: Freezing may affect the look of delicate candy eyes or sprinkles, so consider adding those after thawing if presentation is important.

Best Make-Ahead Strategy for Parties

If you’re planning for a Halloween party:

• 2 days before: Bake the whoopie pie shells and store them (undecorated) in an airtight container
• 1 day before: Color the icing and prep any add-ons (like candy eyes, licorice legs, etc.)
• Party day: Assemble and decorate! This keeps everything fresh and picture-perfect

Want a unique dessert to serve alongside your pies? Discover our elegant Marzipan Tart Cheesecake — it’s a rich, nutty treat that balances the sweetness of Halloween snacks.

With the right storage and planning, your Halloween Whoopie Pies will be ready to wow — whether you’re hosting, gifting, or just treating yourself.

FAQs About Halloween Whoopie Pies

Nutrition & Dietary Info

Even though Halloween Whoopie Pies are a sweet indulgence, it’s helpful to understand what you’re enjoying — especially if you’re planning for parties or portion control.

Below is a breakdown based on 1 small whoopie pie (out of 18 small pies total, using the recipe provided):

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 Pie)
Calories	396 kcal
Carbohydrates	59 g
Sugar	46 g
Protein	1 g
Fat	17 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	4 g
Monounsaturated Fat	2 g
Trans Fat	<0.01 g
Cholesterol	27 mg
Sodium	202 mg
Potassium	41 mg
Calcium	411 mg
Iron	0.1 mg
Fiber	0.4 g
Vitamin A	40 IU

Please note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on your specific ingredients (such as brand of cake mix or icing) and decoration choices.

Can You Make Halloween Whoopie Pies Healthier?

Absolutely! Here are a few simple swaps if you’re trying to reduce the sugar or fat content:

• Use light or low-fat frosting
• Swap oil with unsweetened applesauce (for part of the fat content)
• Reduce icing per pie to lower overall calories
• Use sugar-free instant pudding to lighten the batter
• Choose natural sprinkles and skip candy extras like eyes or glitter

While Halloween Whoopie Pies aren’t a health food, these adjustments can help you enjoy the fun without overdoing it.

Planning a treat board? Don’t miss our Zucchini Coffee Cake Bread — it’s a great contrast to chocolate-heavy sweets and adds a touch of autumn spice to your spread.

Conclusion: Sweet, Spooky, and So Simple

Halloween Whoopie Pies are more than just a dessert — they’re a creative, customizable way to bring Halloween spirit to your kitchen. Whether you’re decorating them as spiders, monsters, or pumpkins, these soft chocolatey treats are sure to vanish quickly from your Halloween dessert table.

Thanks to easy prep using cake mix and store-bought frosting, even beginner bakers can enjoy making these whoopie pies. And with fun decorating options and plenty of make-ahead flexibility, they’re perfect for school parties, potlucks, or just spooky family fun at home.

Looking to balance out the richness of these whoopie pies? Try something light and fruity like our Watermelon Sorbet Recipe or keep things refreshing with a Virgin Strawberry Mojito — perfect non-alcoholic sips to enjoy alongside dessert.

Let your creativity run wild, and have a frightfully fun time baking!