Frequently Asked Questions
What are Peanut Butter & Jelly Whoopie Pies?
They are a delightful twist on classic flavors, combining the nostalgic taste of a sweet peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a soft, cake-like texture.
What type of cake mix is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using one 18-ounce box of white or yellow cake mix, with Duncan Hines being a recommended brand.
Can I use yellow cake mix instead of white?
Yes, you can choose between white or yellow cake mix based on your preference.
Why are graham cracker crumbs included in the ingredients?
Finely crushed graham cracker crumbs are added to the mix to enhance the texture and flavor of the whoopie pies.
What should be the temperature of the water used?
It is recommended to use 1 cup of room temperature water for the batter.
Can I use egg beaters instead of whole eggs?
Yes, you can use 3 eggs or an equivalent measure of egg beaters.
How much vegetable oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of vegetable oil to be measured out and set aside.
What kind of jam or jelly works best for the filling?
Strawberry jam works very well, but you are encouraged to experiment with your favorite fruit flavors.
How much jam or jelly is needed?
The recipe requires 15 tablespoons of fruit jam or jelly.
Does the butter need to be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, you should soften 5 tablespoons of butter before mixing it into the frosting.
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
While creamy peanut butter is preferred for the filling, chunky peanut butter works too if you prefer a bit of crunch.
How much peanut butter is used in this recipe?
You will need 10 tablespoons of peanut butter.
Should I sift the powdered sugar?
Yes, it is recommended to sift the 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the frosting.
How much milk is needed for the frosting?
The recipe starts with 2 tablespoons of milk, which can be adjusted as needed for the right consistency.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, using simple ingredients like cake mix and pantry staples, these whoopie pies are designed to be easy and fun to prepare.
What is the texture of these whoopie pies?
They have a soft, cake-like texture that mimics a traditional whoopie pie.
Can I customize the flavor of these whoopie pies?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different cake mix flavors and various jams to make them uniquely yours.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, their unique flavor profile and impressive appearance make them perfect for special events or just as a fun treat.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 10 main ingredients required for this Peanut Butter & Jelly Whoopie Pie recipe.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as a dessert, whoopie pies, peanut butter, jelly, cake mix, easy desserts, and sweet treats.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the familiar flavors of peanut butter and jelly make this a hit with children and adults alike.
Can I use grape jelly instead of strawberry?
Yes, grape jelly is a classic pairing with peanut butter and would work perfectly in this recipe.
How should the graham crackers be prepared?
The graham crackers should be finely crushed into 1 1/2 cups of crumbs.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not provided, but the recipe uses a standard 18-ounce box of cake mix.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with something else?
While the recipe specifies vegetable oil, other neutral oils or melted butter could potentially be used, though results may vary.
Is there any nutritional information available?
Specific nutritional data like calories, fat, and sugar content is not provided for this specific recipe.
How do I adjust the frosting consistency?
You can add more or less than the 2 tablespoons of milk to achieve your preferred thickness for the filling.
What makes this a 'twist' on classic flavors?
It reimagines the traditional PB&J sandwich into a decadent, soft-baked whoopie pie dessert.
Can I make these whoopie pies ahead of time?
Yes, whoopie pies generally store well and can be made in advance for parties or gatherings.
What brand of peanut butter is best?
The recipe doesn't specify a brand, so you can use your favorite creamy or chunky peanut butter.