Name: Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel and Buttercream Filling Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp ground cloves; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup apple cider, reduced to ¼ cup; ½ cup whole milk; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup reduced apple cider; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; ½ cup store-bought caramel sauce; Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 21 reviews

Oh, you’re in for such a treat with this Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel and Buttercream Filling Recipe! These delightful little sandwiches are the perfect blend of cozy fall spices, tangy apple cider, and luscious caramel goodness all wrapped up in a soft, cake-like cookie. I first made these on a blustery October afternoon, and they instantly became a favorite in my kitchen — the kind of recipe you want to share with friends over a warm cup of tea.

What I really love about this Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel and Buttercream Filling Recipe is how it combines nostalgic fall flavors with a fun twist on classic whoopie pies. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy weekend treat, or just because, these pies never fail to bring smiles. Plus, with a luscious buttercream and that irresistible caramel drizzle, they’re sure to impress without feeling intimidating to make.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavors: The warm spices and reduced apple cider create a perfect harmony that shines in each bite.
Soft, Moist Texture: The whoopie pies are tender but hold their shape, making them easy to sandwich and deliciously chewy.
Decadent Filling Duo: The apple cider buttercream pairs beautifully with the caramel drizzle, adding layers of flavor and richness.
Simple Yet Impressive: Despite its gourmet feel, the recipe’s straightforward steps make it approachable even for less experienced bakers.

The image shows four whoopie pies on a white marbled surface, each with two soft, round, light brown cake layers sandwiching a thick swirl of creamy white frosting in the middle. The cakes have a smooth, slightly cracked top texture, and the frosting is neatly piped with visible ridges, filling the space evenly between the cake layers. They are arranged closely on a white plate with a muted green tone, creating a simple but inviting presentation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel and Buttercream Filling Recipe work together to create that perfect blend of tender cake, spicy warmth, and luscious fillings. Each ingredient was chosen to bring out the best in that cozy fall flavor profile without overpowering the others—whether you’re shopping or raiding your pantry, picking quality staples makes a big difference.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for soft whoopie pies; be sure to measure accurately for consistent texture.
Baking soda & baking powder: These leavening agents give the pies a light, fluffy rise without becoming cakey or dense.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves: Classic fall spices that bring warmth and depth, making every bite feel seasonal and comforting.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness in both the pies and the buttercream perfectly.
Light brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the whoopie pies.
Apple cider: Reduced for concentrated flavor, it adds a lovely tart sweetness and unique touch that’s different from typical vanilla or chocolate pies.
Whole milk: Helps balance the batter’s moisture level, keeping the pies tender.
Large egg: Adds richness and assists in binding the ingredients together.
Powdered sugar: Essential for smooth, fluffy buttercream that holds shape well.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor and complements the apple cider perfectly.
Caramel sauce: A sweet finishing touch that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and apple flavors; store-bought works fine for convenience.
Flaky sea salt (optional): Just a pinch adds that irresistible contrast to the sweet caramel and buttercream.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I absolutely love this classic Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel and Buttercream Filling Recipe just as is, the beauty of these pies is how easy they are to tweak. Don’t be shy about making adjustments to suit your taste or occasion—you might discover a new favorite twist!

Variation: I’ve swapped the caramel sauce for a homemade brown butter caramel when I had extra time, and it really deepened the flavor. Feel free to experiment with different caramel types or even add a bit of sea salt for a salted caramel variation.
Dietary Adjustment: Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives to make it vegan-friendly; just ensure your powdered sugar is vegan as well.
Seasonal Twist: In colder months, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the batter for extra warmth.
Texture Play: For some crunch, add finely chopped toasted pecans inside the buttercream or sprinkle them over the caramel layer before sandwiching.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel and Buttercream Filling Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

The first step is crucial — reduce your apple cider so the flavor concentrates beautifully. Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer it over medium heat until it’s reduced to about ¼ cup, which usually takes around 10-15 minutes. I like to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it’s thickened and syrupy, set it aside to cool while you prep the whoopie pies. This intense cider reduction is what really gives these pies their signature punch.

Step 2: Bake the Whoopie Pies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper — this helps the pies bake evenly and prevents sticking. Whisk together all your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—this blend brings such cozy aroma to the mix. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy; this step traps air for a tender crumb.

Add the egg and vanilla next, then slowly beat in the cooled apple cider reduction. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mix, starting and ending with the dry, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop evenly sized mounds on your baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the tops spring back when touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Resist the urge to overbake — you want them soft but set. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before assembly.

Step 3: Make the Apple Cider Buttercream

While your pies are cooling, whip up the apple cider buttercream. Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar for that perfect fluffy texture. Pour in the cooled apple cider reduction, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until everything is smooth and pillows soft. This buttercream is the luscious glue that holds these pies together, bursting with cider flavor.

Step 4: Assemble Your Whoopie Pies

Once the pies are cooled, pair them up by size for matching sandwiches. Pipe or spoon a generous dollop of buttercream onto the flat side of one half, then drizzle caramel sauce over it. I love sprinkling flaky sea salt here — it adds a delightful contrast that keeps each bite interesting. Gently press the second half on top to sandwich them together. Repeat with the rest, then serve or store.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip Cooling: Always let the whoopie pies cool fully before adding the buttercream to prevent melting and soggy textures.
Perfect Apple Cider Reduction: Reduce the cider slowly on medium heat to avoid burning and retain that fresh apple tang.
Consistent Scoops: Using a cookie scoop helps make your pies uniform in size, so they stack and bake evenly.
Flavored Caramel Awesomeness: If you’re up for it, warm your caramel slightly before drizzling—it spreads easier and seeps just right into the buttercream.

How to Serve Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel and Buttercream Filling Recipe

The image shows a stack of soft brown cookies with a rough texture on a white marbled surface. Each cookie sandwich has two cookies with a thick layer of white cream in the middle. One cookie sandwich is broken open, revealing a smooth caramel sauce dripping from the center, contrasting with the white cream inside. The cookies have a slightly cracked surface and are arranged close to each other with warm autumn colors in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve these pies, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top adds a pretty finishing touch, but my favorite garnish is flaky sea salt on the caramel—it brings a perfect balance that keeps these pies from feeling too sweet. If you want to take presentation up a notch, a few tiny fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of toasted pecans on the plate look inviting and pair well flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

These whoopie pies are rich and flavorful all on their own, but for a fall-themed party, I love pairing them with a spiced chai latte or a hot cup of apple cider. They also shine alongside simple vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. On the savory side, think light cheese plates or roasted nuts to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these pies on tiered dessert stands decorated with autumn leaves and small pumpkins for a festive vibe. You can also serve them in pretty gift boxes or wrap individual pies in parchment tied with twine to give as thoughtful homemade gifts. Another fun idea is to serve mini pies as part of a dessert tasting platter with seasonal treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover apple cider whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and moist for about 3-4 days. Before sealing, I recommend placing parchment paper between layers to keep the buttercream and caramel from sticking together. Bringing them to room temperature before eating lets the flavors shine again.

Freezing

Freezing works really well for these pies! I freeze assembled pies on a baking sheet first, then wrap each individually in plastic wrap followed by foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep beautifully for up to 2 months. When you want them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temp before serving. The texture and flavors come through wonderfully!

Reheating

If you want to warm up these whoopie pies slightly, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds — just enough to soften the buttercream and caramel without melting them completely. I find this makes the flavors pop and gives a cozy taste experience without losing the texture.

FAQs

Can I make the apple cider reduction ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can reduce the apple cider a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before adding it to the batter or buttercream for the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have all the spices for the whoopie pies?

At minimum, cinnamon alone still gives great flavor, so I wouldn’t skip it. If you’re missing nutmeg or cloves, you can omit them or substitute with a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or ginger for a different but still delicious profile.
Can I use a homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?

Definitely! I often make my own caramel sauce when I have the time—it adds a nice homemade touch. Just make sure the caramel is thick enough to spread but not too runny, so it stays nicely between the pies.
How do I know when the whoopie pies are done baking?

Look for cakes that are firm to the touch and lightly spring back when pressed. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and tender.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Whoopie Pies with Caramel and Buttercream Filling Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it perfectly captures everything I love about fall in one bite — warm spices, fruity sweetness, and a touch of indulgence. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do, because they truly bring a little magic to any afternoon or gathering. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll want to keep this recipe handy all season long!