At bakeries across the country, cakey, frosting-filled whoopie pies and crispy, chewy French macaroons have been challenging the ubiquitous cupcake's top spot in the pastry case. So which one is the Next Big Thing? Is it the high-concept French macaroon or the all-American whoopie pie?
To select a victor, we baked up a sweet smackdown in our Test Kitchen. And our winner is the macaroon.
The decision was tough--lines were drawn--but the outrageously decadent macaroon ultimately edged out the whoopie pie. How did the diminutive French import manage to steal the cupcake's crown? Says Bon Appetit senior food editor and resident macaroon expert Sarah Tenaglia, "They're chewy, crunchy, creamy, and just more sophisticated than cupcakes. There's no contest."
Now it's your turn. Hold your own sweet smackdown with these recipes and vote in our macaroon vs. whoopie pie facebook poll.
Team Macaroon
French Macaroons with Raspberry-Rose Buttercream
French Macaroons with Burnt Caramel Filling
Whoopie Pies with German Chocolate Filling
Whoopie Pies with Mint Filling and Chocolate Ganache