A Dessert Worth Taking a Risk For

Author

Katrina Iorio is a writer from Chicago, Illinois. In her free time, she likes to make music with others, bake focaccia bread, and read creative non-fiction books. She is currently enrolled as a copywriter at Chicago Portfolio School.

If you are like me, then you are not from New Hampshire, which means you also didn’t grow up knowing what a whoopie pie is, (Whoopi Goldberg? Yes. Whoopie Pies? What?) In fact, you may be wondering, what actually is a whoopie pie? It’s not cake, not quite a cupcake, it’s definitely not a pie… it’s almost like an ice cream sandwich minus the ice cream part. Traditional whoopie pies come from the New England region of the United States and are made by stuffing two dense chocolate cakes with fluffy marshmallow frosting. JL Cakes, a small business located in New Hampshire has their own version of the OG Whoopie pie--along with more than 25 other unique and tempting flavors. After trying NINE different flavors of JL Cake’s whoopie pies, I can now confirm that the dessert is just as fun and whimsical as its name suggests.
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JL Cakes prides themselves on being a small family business, (seriously small--just two people) and is located in Berlin, New Hampshire. While whoopie pies may feel a bit niche, JL Cakes owners Jody and Lisa are on a mission to bring whoopie pies to the world. As a midwesterner, I love this idea--why should New Englanders get to have all of the fun?

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​After ordering and choosing my flavors, my box of pies arrived within just a few days. The box clearly designated that the pies were perishable, and even had specific instructions on how to keep the pies fresh. Each pie was wrapped individually with a cute sticker on the front with the brand name and flavor. I loved the personalization of the delivery--you could tell by the packaging and specificity alone that JL Cakes is a business that cares about each and every one of their deliveries.

I picked a wide range of flavors, (admittedly some funky ones) from maple creme to mint chip to Baklava. I sampled them with my parents, because eating nine whoopie pies is easier said than done, and we had so much fun reviewing them and choosing our favorite flavors. The base for all of the pies is the same--a thick, almost brownie-like chocolate cake--while the flavor difference comes from the frosting inside. If you enjoy an Amaretto sour, I’d highly recommend their Amaretto flavor. It was nutty and tasted just like the real stuff. If you’re looking for something more classic, I’d also suggest trying out the Mint Chip or Snickers flavors. I would love to sample these again at a party of some sort--there is certainly a flavor for everyone and the pies themselves are such a fun way to try out a new kind of dessert.
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Growing up in the midwest, I had never had a whoopie pie, (I even worked at a bakery for over 5 years, and yeah, still nothing), but luckily JL Cakes didn’t disappoint. As a dessert-enthusiast and someone who is always willing to try something new, I’d definitely buy from JL Cakes again. Next time, I’d love to try the Peanut Butter Lover and Mexican Hot Chocolate Whoopie. If you find yourself bored of cookies, cakes, and cupcakes, and are itching to try something new, whoopie pies are unique, tasty, and fun to try. Check them out!

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