Easy Gob Cake Recipe (Whoopie Pie-inspired) with Classic Ermine Frosting
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Gob Cake Recipe (Whoopie Pie-Style Chocolate Cake with Ermine Frosting) is a simple, sliceable take on the classic Pennsylvania dessert. If you love traditional Gobs, also known as whoopie pies, but want an easier way to make them, this rich chocolate cake with light, fluffy ermine frosting is the perfect solution.
Gobs are traditionally made as soft chocolate cake rounds sandwiched with a smooth, buttery ermine frosting. While delicious, shaping and assembling individual cakes can be time-consuming. This Gob Cake recipe keeps all the familiar flavor but bakes everything in one pan, making it easy to cut into squares and serve.
Whether you’re a longtime Gob fan or discovering this nostalgic dessert for the first time, this whoopie pie-style cake delivers the same classic taste with far less effort.
Old-Fashioned Gob Cake Recipe with Ermine Frosting
Ingredients
Ermine Frosting
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup crisco
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-process if you want extra richness
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling hot coffee coffee deepens the chocolate flavor but won’t taste like coffee
Instructions
Ermine Frosting
- In a saucepan, add the milk and warm it slightly. Add the flour and whisk together until smooth.
- Switch to a spatula and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom and sides of the pan.
- Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and pulls together into a ball.
- Remove from the heat and scrape the mixture into a bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface, and let cool to room temperature.
- In a separate bowl or mixer, beat the butter, shortening, and salt on medium speed until light, fluffy, and almost white in color.
- Gradually add the cooled flour mixture, beating well and scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until the frosting is smooth.
- Slowly fold in the powdered sugar until combined.
- Spread between the two layers of chocolate cake.
Chocolate Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 13x9-inch cake pans, or line with parchment circles.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined and smooth.
- Carefully stir in the hot coffee (the batter will be thin—this is what makes it moist and fudgy).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
The Secret to the Perfect Filling: Ermine Frosting
Ermine frosting is what gives this Gob Cake its classic flavor and light, fluffy texture. This traditional cooked-flour frosting is less sweet than buttercream but just as rich and creamy, making it the perfect match for chocolate cake.
To make ermine frosting, a flour-and-milk mixture is cooked until thick, then whipped with butter and sugar until smooth and airy. The result is a silky, cloud-like frosting that spreads easily and doesn’t overpower the cake.
If you’ve never tried ermine frosting before, this recipe is a great introduction. It delivers the nostalgic filling found in traditional Gobs and whoopie pies, without being overly sweet.
Why You’ll Love This Gob Cake
✔️ Easier Than Traditional Gobs
No individual cakes to assemble. This recipe bakes in one pan, then slices into neat, shareable squares.
✔️ Classic Flavor, Better Balance
The chocolate cake is rich and soft, while the ermine frosting stays light, creamy, and not overly sweet.
✔️ Perfect for Sharing
Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you need a dessert that serves a crowd without extra fuss.
✔️ Old-Fashioned and Nostalgic
All the familiar flavor of traditional Gobs and whoopie pies in a simpler, old-fashioned cake form.
Try This Old-Fashioned Gob Cake Recipe with Ermine Frosting
Whether you grew up eating Gobs or are discovering them for the first time, this Gob Cake with Ermine Frosting delivers the same nostalgic flavor in an easier, slice-and-serve dessert. It’s simple, comforting, and made to be shared.
are the gobs made with this cake recipe.. or is it different ?
I’d add 1/4 cup of additional flour if you’re making gobs. Enjoy!
This will be the third time making this is is so delicious. It uses the same filling we use for gobs. Yummy.
That is wonderful to hear! I’m so happy you enjoy it and you call them gobs too 😉
When you add the boiling water, do you need to do it slowly as to not cook/scramble the eggs?
No you don’t have to because you are combining the wet and dry ingredients together first and then adding the water.
So not one person commenting has actually MADE the recipe? Just giving shout outs? Okaaaay.
Here’s someone who made the sugar free version if you’d like to take a look: https://flourmewithlove.com/2024/04/gob-cake-with-sugar-free-cake.html thanks!
What size pan
It’s an 11 by 15 inch pan.
5
what a fun idea, I love whoopie pies, but they are time consuming some times.
Oh my! This looks delicious! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Looks good.
We'd love you to share your recipes with us at
Simply Delish Saturday
Oh my heck! Super yum!!! Can't wait to make these!!!
I just had to hop over here and see what a "gob" was! I love your time saving trick too. Thank you for linking to Fat Camp Friday. Enjoy your weekend!
These look so oeey-goeey good. thanks for linking up to the iron chef challenge!!!
Delicious! And I see no reason to cut into squares. Slide that big puppy over my way- yummy! Cares
We love whoopie pies!!!!
PS…I am your newest follower 🙂
Wow! You won me over with that top photo with the creamy filling trying to ooze from the chocolate goodness…YUM!
Hi! Just wanted to let you know that this recipe and your Inside Out Peanut Butter Cup were the top two recipes at my linky party: A Well-Seasoned Life's Sweet Indulgences Sunday. Congrats, all of your recipes look beautiful and delicious! Kim
I definitely feel like I would love anything called a "gob". Thansk for linking up to A Well-Seasoned Life's Sweet Indulgences Sunday at http://www.wellseasonedlife.com/2011/04/sweet-indulgences-sunday-1.html
Yes please!!!
I'd love to have you share this recipe on my weekly link up, Sweet Tooth Friday. I hope to see you there. http://alli-n-son.com/2011/04/07/jelly-bean-cookies/
Yet another reason why I have to work twice as hard during Zumba!! Thank you for sharing your yummy recipie by linking up to my blog bash K.I.S.S. @ The Tattered Tag. Please remember tomorrow is another fun blog bash, so drop by and link up more of your creativity! 🙂
Drop by The Tattered Tag
Sweet… I've never had a "whoopie pie". I'll admit, I was drawn by your photo on the Recipes I Can't Wait to Try linky party. This looks prit-tee-good!
Sara
http://www.TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.blogspot.com
Oh My goodness…this is for me. One giant Gob! I have Spring Breakers coming this week end and this will be perfect for them…and me. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and please come back!
You are more than welcome. I'm always impressed with bakers. I can bake, but I am average at best. I really don't do much any more except breads…just the two of us…expanding waistlines and all, ya' know. I love reading your posts, however. Thanks for coming over to Dining With Debbie:) Hope to see you there often.
Ooo, your whoppie pies look delectable. Yum 🙂
Never had a whoopie pie, but those look fantastic!
Your tutorial is SUPER ! Love all the pictures !
Would love a follow back !
XO
http://lechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com
These look great and an excellent short cut by making a sliced bake first! Great idea!
http://yvettesblogs.com/2011/03/08/pumpkin-and-ginger-soup/
Thanks so much for linking to THIS WEEK'S CRAVINGS, we appreciate you sharing your recipe with us! We invite you to come back next Monday for a St. Patrick's Day Celebration, linking "ANYTHING GREEN"!!!
http://momscrazycooking.blogspot.com/search/label/THIS%20WEEKS%20CRAVINGS
Never heard of "gobs:)" before. This really looks good…can't wait to give it a try. I would love for you to join me for What's On the Menu Wednesday whenever you can. Thanks again for sharing.
This looks yummy. I, easily could eat a few of these.
omg, this is so tasty-looking. i'm making this tomorrow. thank you and happy tuesday! when you have a second follow my blog too… http://homesandbabies.blogspot.com
i'm so hungry now!!!
it looks divine!!
This would be perfect for a summer picnic or outdoor party!!! Whoopie pies are like chips, you can't stop after one. Thanks for this recipe.
Be still my heart! Love me some Whoopie Pies!
GOBS of hunky dunky yum * * thanx for sharing!
Love the name and the shortcuts!
These are like whoopie pie bars! Love it!
When I got married 37 years ago, my sister-in-law gave me arecipe for chocolate creme filled cookies. They are just like the whoopie pies. I found that they are even better when they are put in the refrigerator and chilled. But a large one instead of individual ones sounds even better. Will for sure try.
Who says we can't have a big whoopie cake, now we can have bigger pieces. Nice
Lisa – thanks for stopping by my blog this weekend! I'm glad I could find you to discover this recipe! YUM!
I absolutely love this – one big cake instead of individual ones. Great idea and it looks to die for. Especially that creamy filling.
Mmmmmmmmm Looks delicious!!!
Great cake to make for a party!
I'm a new follower.
Amy's Life @
http://www.amyclairejacob.blogspot.com
One Word… YUM!
That looks yummy! Great idea to make it as one big cake!
What a delicious receipt! Got to try it out soon.
Happy Comment Love Day!
I have seen more posts about Whoppee Pies than you can shake a stick at. I'm lazy and never wanted to futz. Now here is your cool post! Thank you so much for posting this. I think I might actually tackle this. Thank you. I have been so wanting to make them, and now will be able to.
Stopping by via: FLOB
Oh yummy yum. Can I just eat that filling alone?!? Haha, thanks for sharing a great recipe. Stopped over from Comment Love Day. Have a good one!
http://texagermanadian.blogspot.com/
YUM YUM YUM! These look delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe! I love your step by step pictures! Hope you're having a great weekend 🙂
Happy Comment Love Day! I'm visiting from For Love of Blogs! Love your blog name!
http://missblondiexoxo.blogspot.com
I love finding new recipes! This looks delicious! I will be back to copy that recipe! Yummy! I’m a new follower Happy Sunday! I would love for you to stop and take a look at my blog as well! Thanks!
http://heavenlysavings.blogspot.com
OMGosh these look de-darn-licious! New follower from Comment Love Hop. Drop on by and see me if you get the chance, thanks!
Kimberley
I'm not a huge chocolate fan but I can never pass up anything with cream in it.
Stopping by from FTLOB – these look great – can't wait to check out the rest of your blog.
Danielle
I've had whoopie pies from a mix before. Does that count? Probably not. Yours look tastier.
Happy Comment Love Day!
Oh yum! This looks so delicious! And seems like a very quick and easy recipe too! I'd love to bake some today, but I'm home alone… and it would just be too dangerous 😉 xxx mervi
yummy — I'm certainly excited to attempt this tomorrow.. ;)) I can breath it all in ;)) heehee.. LOVE your blog *official new follower* – care to stop by and visit..? TY & look forward to keeping up w/ you ;)) off to read more…
~marilyn from http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/2011/02/sias-fairyland-birthday-wish-tree.html
Whoopie pies are a little inside joke between my husband and me – I buy them for him all the time. Wouldn't it be great if I made them for him? Gonna have to try this one out!
BTW, I am your newest follower from the Weekend Wander. I'd love a follow back at Dropped Stitches. Thanks!!
Delicious! That looks so yummy!
YUM!! Those look easy and delicious–the perfect combination! I came over from Weekend Wander 🙂
gobs are SO the perfect name for something as gooey-delicious as this!
LOVE Whoopie Pies. I made some last summer. Great idea about making one big one and then cutting it. Anyway – I saw your blog on FTLOB and I'm stopping by to say hello. Cute blog!
I am a known chocoholic! This one is ideal for me!