Hershey Park Whoopie Pies: A Sweet Adventure

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Hershey Park whoopie pies are a beloved treat associated with the famous amusement park and surrounding area. These delectable desserts consist of two soft, cake-like cookies sandwiching a creamy filling. While not officially sold within Hershey Park itself, the surrounding Lancaster County area is renowned for its whoopie pies, offering visitors a chance to indulge in this regional specialty. The combination of rich chocolate flavor and sweet, creamy filling makes these treats a must-try for anyone visiting the Hershey Park area.

What Are the Origins of Hershey Park Whoopie Pies?

hershey park whoopie pies
Image ‘File:HersheyParkTrain0355.JPG’ by GK tramrunner229, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Whoopie pies have a rich history in Pennsylvania, particularly in the Lancaster County area surrounding Hershey Park. While not directly associated with the amusement park, these treats have become synonymous with the region’s culinary traditions. The exact origins of whoopie pies are debated, with both Pennsylvania and Maine claiming to be the birthplace of this dessert. However, in the Hershey Park area, whoopie pies have been a staple for generations, often made with HERSHEY’S Cocoa to give them that distinctive chocolate flavor.

How Can You Make Hershey Park-Inspired Whoopie Pies at Home?

hershey park whoopie pies
Image ‘File:Hershey Park roller coaster at night.jpg’ by Librarian1984, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

While there’s no official Hershey Park whoopie pie recipe, you can create a delicious version at home using HERSHEY’S Cocoa. Here’s a recipe inspired by the flavors of the region:

Ingredients:

For the Cakes:
– 4 cups flour
– 1 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa
– 2 cups sugar
– 1 cup shortening
– 2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 pinch of salt
– 2 teaspoons vanilla
– 2 eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup warm water

For the Filling:
– 4 tablespoons butter or shortening, softened
– 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar
– 4 tablespoons milk
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla or mint extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix dry ingredients for the cakes in one bowl.
  3. In another bowl, cream sugar, shortening, and eggs.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, add water and milk. Beat for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add vanilla and mix well.
  6. Drop batter onto ungreased cookie sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes.
  7. For the filling, beat butter and sugar, then add milk and extract until fluffy.
  8. Once cakes are cooled, sandwich filling between two cakes.

Where Can You Find the Best Whoopie Pies Near Hershey Park?

While Hershey Park itself may not sell whoopie pies, the surrounding area offers plenty of options for indulging in this local treat:

  1. Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe
  2. Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn
  3. Kitchen Kettle Village
  4. Shady Maple Smorgasbord

These locations are known for their authentic Lancaster County whoopie pies, offering visitors a taste of local tradition.

What Makes Hershey Park Area Whoopie Pies Special?

The whoopie pies found in the Hershey Park area are special for several reasons:

  • Local Ingredients: Many bakeries use fresh, local ingredients, including dairy from Lancaster County farms.
  • HERSHEY’S Cocoa: The use of HERSHEY’S Cocoa in many recipes gives these whoopie pies a distinctive chocolate flavor.
  • Traditional Recipes: Many bakeries use time-honored recipes passed down through generations.
  • Variety: While chocolate is the classic flavor, you can find unique variations like pumpkin, red velvet, and mint.

How Do Visitors Rate Hershey Park Area Whoopie Pies?

Visitors to the Hershey Park area often rave about the whoopie pies they find in local bakeries and shops. Here’s a summary of common feedback:

Aspect Rating Comments
Taste 5/5 Rich chocolate flavor, perfect sweetness
Texture 4.5/5 Soft, cake-like cookies with creamy filling
Size 4/5 Satisfying portion, great for sharing
Value 4.5/5 Worth the price for a local specialty
Overall 4.8/5 A must-try treat when visiting the area

What Are the Best Times to Enjoy Whoopie Pies in the Hershey Park Area?

While whoopie pies are delicious year-round, there are some special times to enjoy them in the Hershey Park area:

  1. Whoopie Pie Festival: Held annually at Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn, this festival celebrates all things whoopie pie.
  2. Fall Season: Many bakeries offer seasonal flavors like pumpkin during autumn months.
  3. Holiday Season: Look for festive flavors and decorations during Christmas and other holidays.
  4. Summer Visits: A perfect treat to enjoy after a day at Hershey Park.

How Can You Incorporate Whoopie Pies into Your Hershey Park Visit?

While you can’t buy whoopie pies inside Hershey Park, you can still make them part of your visit:

  1. Start your day with a whoopie pie from a local bakery before entering the park.
  2. Pack whoopie pies for a picnic lunch in the park’s designated eating areas.
  3. End your day with a visit to a nearby bakery for a sweet treat.
  4. Buy whoopie pies as souvenirs to take home and share with friends and family.

Remember to check park rules about bringing outside food before attempting to bring whoopie pies into Hershey Park itself.

By exploring the local bakeries and shops around Hershey Park, you can experience the delicious tradition of whoopie pies that has made this area famous for sweet treats. Whether you’re making them at home or sampling them from local establishments, Hershey Park area whoopie pies offer a taste of Pennsylvania’s rich culinary heritage.

References:
1. https://www.sj-r.com/story/lifestyle/food/2011/03/09/two-states-one-treat-who/41761282007/
2. https://www.discoverlancaster.com/blog/lancaster-county-whoopie-pie/
3. https://whoopiepiefestival.com/recipes/

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