Homemade Twinkies
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Remember those golden, fluffy treats filled with creamy sweetness? We’re talking about Twinkies, of course! But what if you could recreate that classic flavor explosion right at home? Introducing the magic of Homemade Twinkies – a surprisingly easy recipe that yields delicious results.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Twinkies
- Easy Breezy Baking: No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients here. This recipe uses a boxed cake mix and pantry staples for a stress-free baking experience.
- Taste the Difference: Homemade always trumps store-bought! These Twinkies boast a fresh, moist cake and a creamy, decadent filling that puts the originals to shame.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whip up a batch for bake sales, potlucks, or birthday parties. Homemade Twinkies are guaranteed crowd-pleasers for all ages.
- Endless Customization Options: Feeling adventurous? Dip your Twinkies in melted chocolate, sprinkle them with colorful candy pieces, or get creative with your filling flavors.
- Bake a Blast from the Past: Recreate those childhood memories and share the joy of homemade treats with the next generation.
Ingredients Needed To Make Homemade Twinkies
- XO Vanilla Cake Box Mix
- Marshmallow Creme
- Coconut Oil
- Powdered Sugar
- Warm Water
- Nonstick Baking Spray
- Twinkie-shaped pan (or 9×13 cake pan)
Before You Get Started: A couple notes to help you get the best results
How To Make Homemade Twinkies
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your pan.
- Mix up the cake batter following the box instructions.
- Bake the cake batter for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before frosting.
- Whip up the filling: Combine marshmallow creme, hard coconut oil, powdered sugar, and a splash of warm water in a bowl. Beat with a mixer until smooth and creamy – this is your yummy filling!
- Assemble your Twinkies. If you used a cake pan, cut the cake in half and then into squares to make sandwiches.
- Spread the filling between the cake slices. Or use a piping bag to fill the twinkie cavities if you have a special pan.
- Enjoy your homemade Twinkies! You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations & Substitutions
- Chocolate Cake: For a chocolate twist, use a chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla.
- Fruity Fun: Add a layer of your favorite fruit jam or preserves between the cake and the filling.
- Dip It Good: Dunk your Twinkies in melted chocolate, white chocolate, or even colored candy melts for an extra decadent treat.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a different brand of cake mix?
Absolutely! Any vanilla cake mix will work in this recipe. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the brand, so keep an eye on your Twinkies during baking.
Can I make a cake from scratch?
Absolutely! Here’s my go-to Yellow Cake recipe . It’s super easy and always turns out delicious!
What if I don’t have a Twinkie pan?
No worries! A regular 9×13 inch cake pan works just fine. Once the cake cools, simply cut it into squares or rectangles to create your mini Twinkies.
How can I make the filling lighter?
For a slightly less rich filling, you can substitute half of the marshmallow creme with whipped cream. Just be sure to use stabilized whipped cream to prevent it from melting too quickly.
How long will these Homemade Twinkies stay fresh?
Store your leftover Twinkies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, wrap the Twinkies individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Convection Oven vs Traditional Oven
All baking recipe temperatures are listed at regular baking-not convection baking mode. Convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air, ensuring even cooking, while regular ovens rely on radiant heat, which in some ovens can lead to uneven temperatures. I recommend baking on convection whenever possible. Each oven make & model is different on how it adjusts for convection baking. Typically for convection baking you will need to adjust your temperature 25°F less than what the recipe calls for. Example: 350 degree traditional baking, convection would be 325 degrees. Some modern ovens will adjust temperatures automatically. If you are unsure if your oven adjusts automatically, I recommend using an oven thermometer to check the temperature of your stove. The baking temperature is crucial for proper baking.
Homemade Twinkies
Equipment
- Twinkie-shaped pan or 9×13 cake baking pan
- nonstick baking spray
Ingredients
For Twinkies
For Filling
- 7 oz marshmallow crème
- ⅓ cup coconut oil hard, do not melt
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp warm water
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the twinkie-shaped pan or 9×13 cake baking pan with nonstick baking spray.
Bake Twinkies
- Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the box’s directions.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely. If using a twinkie pan, flip onto a cooling rack. If using a cake pan, gently flip onto a wire rack.
Make Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine marshmallow creme, hard coconut oil, powdered sugar, and warm water.
- Mix on high speed until smooth.
Assemble Twinkies
- If using a cake pan, slice the cake down the center and then into 3″x4.5″ pieces to make mini cake sandwiches.
- Spread the filling between the cake slices or fill a piping bag and pipe the filling into the twinkies.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
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These Homemade Twinkies are basically childhood in a delicious, portable package. They’re so good, you might just forget about the store-bought versions forever (don’t worry, I won’t tell).
