There is something about Strawberry Lemon Whoopie Pies that feels like sunshine tucked between two soft cake pillows. Every time I bake Strawberry Lemon Whoopie Pies, my kitchen smells like spring mornings and warm laughter.
Hi👋 I’m MARILYN a 34-year-old FROM UNITED KINGDOM gCooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
The first time I made Strawberry Lemon Whoopie Pies, I wanted something playful. Something that made my nieces smile the second they saw it. I had fresh strawberries sitting on the counter and bright lemons waiting to be zested. I imagined soft strawberry cakes hugging a creamy lemon filling, and I knew instantly this would become a family favorite.
Strawberry Lemon Whoopie Pies are tender, fluffy, and bursting with fruity flavor. The strawberry cake layers stay moist and delicate, while the lemon buttercream filling adds a fresh, tangy contrast that makes every bite balanced and irresistible. When I make Strawberry Lemon Whoopie Pies, I don’t just bake dessert I bake happiness.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I adore Strawberry Lemon Whoopie Pies because they feel nostalgic yet modern at the same time. They remind me of classic whoopie pies from childhood, but the strawberry and lemon twist makes them bright and feminine.
I love that:
- The texture stays incredibly soft
- The lemon filling cuts the sweetness perfectly
- They look impressive but are simple to make
- Kids and adults both adore them
- They are perfect for spring gatherings, baby showers, and weekend tea
These little sandwich cakes bring people together. When I serve Strawberry Lemon Whoopie Pies at the table, conversations slow down. People take that first bite and smile without even realizing it.
That is why I bake.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
I keep my ingredients simple and fresh. Quality makes all the difference.
For the Strawberry Cakes
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup strawberry puree (fresh strawberries blended and strained)
- ¼ cup whole milk
- A few drops natural pink food coloring (optional)
Kitchen secret: I always pat my strawberries dry before blending them. Extra water makes the batter too loose.
For the Lemon Filling
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Kitchen secret: I zest the lemon before juicing it. I always use fresh lemons because bottled juice never tastes as bright.
How I Make It, Step by Step
I bake with intention and joy. Every step matters.
- I preheat my oven to 180°C (350°F) and line baking trays with parchment paper.
- I whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, I cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- I add eggs one at a time and beat well.
- I mix in vanilla and strawberry puree.
- I alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing gently.
- I pipe or spoon small rounds onto the tray, spacing them evenly.
- I bake for 10–12 minutes until soft but set.
- I let them cool completely before filling.
For the filling:
- I beat butter until creamy.
- I gradually add powdered sugar.
- I mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt.
- I whip until fluffy and smooth.
I pipe the lemon filling onto one cake and gently press another cake on top. I do not press too hard. I want them soft and pillowy.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving Strawberry Lemon Whoopie Pies with:
- Afternoon tea
- Fresh berries on the side
- A light dusting of powdered sugar
- A small dollop of whipped cream
When I host friends, I arrange them on a pastel cake stand. They look like little bakery treasures.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
I store Strawberry Lemon Whoopie Pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Before serving, I let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes so the filling softens.
I also freeze the unfilled cakes for up to 2 months. I thaw and fill them fresh when needed.
If I prepare them ahead for an event, I fill them the night before and refrigerate them overnight. The flavors deepen beautifully.
100-Word Short Version
Strawberry Lemon Whoopie Pies are soft strawberry cake sandwiches filled with creamy lemon buttercream. I make them with fresh strawberry puree and real lemon zest for bright, natural flavor. The cakes stay moist and fluffy, while the filling adds tangy sweetness that balances every bite. They are perfect for spring parties, baby showers, or cozy tea time at home. I bake the cakes until just set, cool them completely, and sandwich them with whipped lemon frosting. These little treats feel nostalgic yet fresh and always bring smiles to my family’s table.
Recipe Card
⏱️ Time
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes
Total: 32 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
For the cakes:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
¾ cup strawberry puree
¼ cup milk
For the filling:
¾ cup butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch salt
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla.
- Stir in strawberry puree.
- Alternate dry mix and milk.
- Scoop onto tray.
- Bake 10–12 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- Beat filling ingredients.
- Sandwich cakes with filling.
📝 Notes
Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
Do not overbake.
Chill filling if too soft.
🍽️ Nutrition
Approx. per serving:
Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 15g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 30g
Strawberry Lemon Whoopie Pies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Lemon Whoopie Pies are soft, fluffy strawberry cake sandwiches filled with bright and creamy lemon buttercream. Perfect for spring gatherings, tea parties, and sweet family moments, this easy homemade dessert delivers fresh fruit flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup fresh strawberry puree
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (for filling)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Stir in strawberry puree.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk until combined.
- Scoop small rounds onto prepared trays.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes and cool completely.
- Beat butter for filling until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually.
- Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt.
- Pipe filling onto one cake and sandwich with another.
Notes
Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Do not overbake the cakes to keep them soft. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Conclusion
When I bake Strawberry Lemon Whoopie Pies, I feel calm. I feel connected. I feel like I am giving my family something sweet and thoughtful.
These little cakes carry warmth in every bite. The strawberry softness and lemon brightness dance together beautifully. I hope when you bake Strawberry Lemon Whoopie Pies in your kitchen, you feel the same joy I feel in mine.
Bake with love. Always.