Gluten-Free Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Soft, cake-like sandwich cookies with a beautiful natural red color from pureed beet and rich cocoa flavor. The tender coconut flour cookies are filled with creamy palm shortening frosting for an indulgent treat. These whoopie pies offer a healthier twist on the classic dessert while maintaining the beloved red velvet taste. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress with a naturally colored dessert that's free from artificial dyes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Add beet to medium pot and cover with water
- 2
Bring to low boil for 25-30 minutes until soft
- 3
Drain water and cool beet before pureeing in blender
- 4
Add 1 tbsp water if needed for smooth puree
- 5
Scoop out 2 tbsp beet puree for cookies
- 6
Line baking sheet with lightly greased parchment paper
- 7
Preheat oven to 350 F
- 8
Mix coconut flour, arrowroot, cocoa powder, and baking soda in medium bowl
- 9
Stir in beet puree, palm shortening, and maple syrup until dough is combined
- 10
Scoop 1 tbsp dough onto baking sheet
- 11
Flatten each portion with palm of hand into cookie shape
- 12
Bake for 10 minutes
- 13
Transfer carefully to cooling rack and cool completely
- 14
Whisk together shortening and sweetener for cream filling
- 15
Sandwich cookies with spoonful of cream filling
- 16
Chill in refrigerator to set frosting before serving
Tips
Save leftover beet puree for smoothies or other baked goods within a few days
Allow cookies to cool completely before handling as they break easily when warm
Chill assembled whoopie pies for firmer frosting texture
Good to Know
refrigerate assembled whoopie pies up to 3 days covered
beet puree can be made 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated
best served chilled for firm frosting
Common Mistakes
cool cookies completely to avoid breaking when handling
do not skip chilling step or frosting will be too soft
Substitutions
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use regular flour instead of coconut flour?
No, coconut flour absorbs much more liquid than regular flour. You would need to completely reformulate the recipe with different ratios.
What can I do with leftover beet puree?
Use within 2-3 days in smoothies, other baked goods, or freeze in ice cube trays for future use in small portions.
How long do these whoopie pies keep?
Store assembled whoopie pies covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cookies soften slightly over time but remain delicious.