Heavenly Cake Bakers: Two Fat Cats Whoopie Pies

I liked these so much, I made them twice. Why do I like whoopie pies and not cupcakes? Isn't one just as trendy as the other? Simple answer: cake to frosting ratio. Real answer: Not sure, just do. So there. So I made them twice, once for the hardworking Polybe + Seats denizens setting up a benefit party, and once at the bakery on Friday morning. The first batch followed the recipe exactly, filling the pies with a vanilla 'marshmallow buttercream.' As I often do, I had a bit of trouble with the sugar syrup for the Italian meringue, and just a few lumps made it in. No one complained, probably because the cake was very very good. Probably so good it is my new go-to chocolate cupcake recipe. If I ever make chocolate cupcakes again.

My second batch, at the bakery, was less perfect as to cake--somehow the batter was just that tiny touch wetter, and spread too much, but featured the best Italian meringue I've yet made, to which I added strawberry puree for some pink-filled pies, which sold very well. I hate to say it, I'd like to be more elegant, but these will definitely be made again, and soon.