While the official origin of the whoopie pie is still debated (Maine, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania all claim to have invented them!), one thing’s for sure – the best state in New England to get whoopie pies is Maine. It’s hard to walk anywhere in Maine that serves dessert and not see a whoopie pie on the menu, and the bakeries here have really perfected this little treat.
This post is all about the best whoopie pies in Maine, and as someone who’s eaten a lot of them in the Pine Tree State, this is a list I promise you can trust! So, let’s get snackin’!
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So, What The Heck Is A Whoopie Pie, Exactly?
In case you’re not exactly sure what a whoopie pie is, let’s start by clarifying that it’s actually not a pie at all. It’s a hand-held dessert where white, cream filling is sandwiched between two soft chocolate cakes.
A good whoopie pie from Maine sometimes incorporates marshmallow fluff into the vanilla cream center, or the filling can be more of a buttercream. The cakes should be soft and dense, but not too sweet to balance out the cream.
Many places now offer a variety of flavors, especially seasonally, so you may see varieties like red velvet for the holidays and Valentine’s Day season, and pumpkin in the fall. However, for a classic Maine whoopie pie experience, you’ll want to go with chocolate cake and white filling. This is definitely what you should order if it’s your first!
Why Are Whoopie Pies So Popular In Maine?
Well, it’s actually the official dessert of Maine! It was signed into Maine legislature in 2011, so clearly, they take their whoopie pies seriously. And since many fables, history and stories can be traced back to originating in Maine, it’s definitely a possibility this dessert was invented here.
And, the first distributed whoopie pie can been confirmed to be the Labradies Bakery whoopie pie, which is right in Maine (and on my list of best ones to try!). Maine is also the source of most of the widely-distributed whoopie pies in the U.S.
Best Whoopie Pies In Maine
1. Labadies Bakery – Lewiston
For the very first and OG Maine whoopie pie, you’ll want to head right to Labadies Bakery in Lewiston, which is about 45 minutes north of Portland.
Labadies served the very first whoopie pie in Maine in 1925, and since then, the location and the recipe remain unchanged. They’ve since expanded their business to online retail, so you can order authentic Maine whoopie pies right to your doorstep, but of course, stopping at the original bakery is the best experience.
During your visit to the bakery, they’ll usually have a few varieties of whoopie pies to try, including the original chocolate and vanilla cream, as well as an all-vanilla version, a raspberry version and more. Their donuts here are also great, so be sure to try a few different things when you swing by!
Pro Tip: The bakery is cash only, so plan accordingly.
2. Auntie’s House Bake House – Kennebunkport
One of the best places in southern Maine for whoopie pies also happens to be in one of the cutest coastal towns. Auntie’s House is Kennebunkport makes a mean whoopie pie, but they’ve also become known for their unique take on this classic dessert – the whoopie ball.
I was honestly skeptical at first because I’m very much a “you don’t mess with the original” kind of person, but I loved the whoopie balls just as much! The whoopie ball is a cake ball that has the same texture as the original whoopie, and has a cream center, and finished off with a coating of chocolate. They have all kinds of flavors to choose from, including special seasonal flavors like eggnog and red velvet.
But, of course, they also have the traditional whoopie pies in sandwich form, so I say go ahead and try both 😉
While the Kennebunkport location is their original, they’re planning to open a Portland location in early 2023, so keep an eye out for that!
Pro Tip: They also make some really awesome hot chocolate bombs here, so I highly suggest picking up one if you visit in the colder seasons!
3. Wicked Whoopies – Freeport
Since Wicked Whoopies makes 10,000 pies a day, you know they must be good! Located in Freeport, this little bakery started as a home hobby baking for friends, and everyone called them wicked good. And, well, the name stuck.
Now, Wicked Whoopies sells these little treats out of their storefront, as well as online, and they’ve even been featured on the Oprah Show, Food Network, and Good Morning America. Making all kinds of flavors from classic to chocolate chip cookie, lemon, gingerbread and mint, you’ll be hard-pressed to make a decision once you get there.
They also have two sizes: full size and mini, so maybe grab a bunch of minis to sample a few flavors!
Pro Tip: Wicked Whoopies is right by the L.L. Bean flagship store, so it’s super convenient to have the perfect, Maine excursion.
4. Reilly’s Bakery – Biddeford
Come for the whoopie pie, but also leave with way too many treats. Reilly’s Bakery in Biddeford is known for their doughnuts and butter cookies, but they also make a pretty great whoopie pie.
They usually serve up the classic chocolate and vanilla whoopie pie (which is always a good sign!), and it perfectly strikes a balance between being moist, dense and light.
But seriously, while you’re there, do yourself a favor and add a few other things to your pastry to-go box – you won’t regret it!
5. Congdon’s Doughnuts – Wells
It’s actually easier to list what Congdon’s Doughnut’s doesn’t do because they kind of do it all, including whipping up a pretty awesome whoopie pie!
Not only are they famous for amazing doughnuts, breakfast food, and also having food trucks, they’re also known for their Big Whoopie, which is basically a cake-sized whoopie pie. You’ll have to pre-order this one with 24-hours advanced notice, but goodness, you’ll have whoopie pies for days with this one!
And, of course, they also have regular sized and mini whoopie pies available. Come for breakfast and a mimosa, leave with a whoopie – it’s a win-win.
6. Moody’s Diner – Waldoboro
Come hungry to Moody’s Diner in Waldoboro because you’ll want to eat an entire meal here, and save room for your whoopie pie dessert. But a lot of people have to get their whoopie pies to go because the food here is that good.
The whoopie pies here are delicious, and they’re also pretty big, which is why you’re either coming just for the whoopie, or you’re taking it to go 🤣 I highly suggest you come for breakfast or lunch and have a plan of attack for the whoopie because it’s absolutely worth it.
Their whoopies have actually gotten so popular, they’re now sold online. So, if you can’t make it in person, have them shipped to your house!
7. The Baker’s Bench – Westbrook
You may come here for their awesome croissants and breakfast sandwiches, but you’ll definitely want to try their whoopie pies, too! Only about 15-20 minutes outside of Portland in Westbrook, The Baker’s Bench has made a name for themselves as baking some of the most authentic croissants in the area, and, of course, a mean whoopie!
You’ll usually find the classic chocolate and vanilla flavor here, and every now and then, they’ll throw in a seasonal selection like pumpkin. For the perfect way to start your day, grab a croissant breakfast sandwich and a whoopie pie, and you’ll be ready to conquer the day.
Best Whoopie Pies In Portland
8. Two Fat Cats Bakery
Probably the most famous whoopie pie in Portland can be found at Two Fat Cats Bakery, and it’s most definitely worth it!
You can also order their whoopies online for shipping to your home, but you can, of course, pop into one of their two Portland locations (one in downtown, and the other in South Portland) to try one of their whoopies, which they’ve been serving since 2005.
You’ll find the classic here, as well as really awesome seasonal flavors. If you’re lucky enough to visit when they’re offering their lemon zucchini with Maine blueberry filling, you’ll want to snatch that up.
Since Two Fat Cats uses the highest quality of fresh ingredients available, their whoopies are all completely delectable.
9. Becky’s Diner
Not only is Becky’s one of the best diner’s in Maine, it also makes an incredible whoopie pie. Located on Commercial Street by the waterfront, and a short walk from the heart of Old Port, you’ll want to work a trip here into your Portland itinerary.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Becky’s has been featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ons and Dives, and is known for their traditional New England comfort food menu. But, the whoopie pies? Now, these are going to be absolutely perfect at Becky’s. Baked right in their own kitchen, the classic flavored treats are a very generous size, so you’ll need to plan ahead to leave some room after your meal (or get one to go!).
10. The Cookie Jar
The Cookie Jar has been a bakery staple in South Portland and Cape Elizabeth since the 1950s, and they continue to make the same recipes today. This is another place where you’ll definitely want to fill an entire box with goodies to bring home because they’re known for their breads, donuts, and of course, cookies. In fact, The Cookie Jar actually makes my personal favorite donuts in all of Maine.
But their whoopie pies are also some of the best in Maine! Offering the classic chocolate and vanilla flavor, they have a regular and mini size available. The cake is so light and rich at the same time, with the cream filling being having a more buttercream consistency and flavor, which is perfection.
11. Cape Whoopies
Cape Whoopies is another home-based hobby that turned into a thriving business that’s now one of the most popular places in Maine for whoopie pies! You can even find them in some Wegman’s grocery stores.
Located in South Portland, this little bakery doesn’t have much in the way of curb appeal or a cute little shop – in fact, it’s just a take-out window inside a building. But, the whoopies are absolutely worth a stop here!
Not only are they delicious, they have tons of flavors to choose from, and rotate their selections seasonally. I especially loved the Dark Strawberry, but their classic is also great.
Cape Whoopies have the most marshmallow-y cream center than any other whoopie pie I’ve tried, so keep that in mind. I personally enjoy it, but my husband isn’t a fan and prefers the more buttercream fillings. But the cakes are perfectly moist and balanced in sweetness and flavor.
Best Whoopie Pies In Bar Harbor
12. The Flowered Apron
Probably the cutest little bakery on this list is The Flowered Apron, which is both a lovely gift shop and bakery in one. And their whoopie pies? Well, they have some of the best in Maine!
They offer two flavors, traditional chocolate and vanilla, and a special seasonal pumpkin.
But while you’re there, be sure to grab a few other goodies to-go in addition to your whoopie pie. Their lemon bars and cookies are enough to make you smile!
13. The Pink Pastry
Offering a variety of whoopie pie flavors, this is one of the best places to go in Maine, and especially in Bar Harbor! They’ve offered seasonal flavors like blueberry lemon, red velvet, and of course, the traditional chocolate and vanilla. And man, are they are awesome.
I highly recommend grabbing one to bring with you on the trails while exploring Acadia National Park (or grab one at the end of your day as a reward!).
More Of My Maine Travel Guides:
- Maine In November: Is It Worth Visiting?
- Maine In The Spring: Where To Go & What To Do
- Bar Harbor, Maine In The Winter
- Maine In October: Best Fall Foliage Spots & Things To Do
- The Best Acadia National Park Itinerary
- Maine In The Winter
- Portland, Maine In The Winter
- Best Stops To Make On A Portland, Maine To Acadia National Park Road Trip
- Best Breweries In Portland, Maine
- Best Day Trips From Portland, Maine
- The Best Maine Lighthouse Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Breweries In Portland, Maine
- Blueberry Picking In Maine
- Best Things To Do In Boothbay Harbor
- My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary
- Maine In The Summer: Best Vacation Spots & Things To Do
That’s A Wrap On The Best Whoopie Pies In Maine
Okay, now that we’re all salivating, now’s the time to decide – which one on this list of best whoopie pies in Maine are you trying first? Or, maybe you’re a seasoned pro and you’re ready to sample one you haven’t yet tried? Either way, once you’ve had a whoopie pie, you’ve officially had one of the best experiences in Maine!