Who doesn’t love a good Twinkie? Those golden, spongy cakes with a creamy center are a nostalgic treat that most of us grew up with. But what if you could take that deliciousness and turn it into an entire cake? Yep, it’s a thing—and it’s going to knock your socks off. This Twinkie Cake is fluffy, moist, and packed with all the creamy, vanilla goodness you crave, with a little extra oomph from the homemade frosting. If you’re a fan of soft, sweet cakes with a rich filling, trust me—you need to try this one. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just a fun treat on a weekend afternoon!
Why You’ll Love Twinkie Cake
This cake is the sweet comfort food we all need in our lives. Here’s why you’ll be totally hooked:
Wholesome Nostalgia
This cake is like biting into a piece of your childhood. It takes everything you love about a Twinkie and transforms it into a big, beautiful cake. Expect ooohs and aaahs when you serve it!
Moist and Fluffy
The cake itself is light, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the creamy filling inside is the perfect touch. It’s like every bite takes you back to your favorite snack time.
Easy to Make
This cake is surprisingly easy to whip up—no complicated techniques, just simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. And that frosting? It’s a total breeze to make!
Crowd-Pleasing
This cake is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Its sweet, nostalgic flavor will have everyone reaching for seconds.
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Ingredients
Let’s break down everything you’ll need to make this delight:
All-Purpose Flour
The foundation of the cake. It gives the cake its soft and fluffy texture.
Baking Powder
This helps the cake rise to that perfect, light fluffiness.
Sugar
For that just-right sweetness that makes every bite delightful.
Eggs
Eggs are key to giving the cake structure and moisture.
Milk
Whole milk adds richness and moisture to the cake, making it soft and tender.
Unsalted Butter
Butter adds flavor and contributes to the soft crumb of the cake. Unsalted is best, so you can control the salt level.
Vanilla Extract
The essence of sweet, comforting flavor. Vanilla makes everything taste a little more homey.
Heavy Cream
For that creamy, dreamy filling that Twinkies are known for. It’s the star of the show!
Powdered Sugar
The base for the filling frosting. Powdered sugar is essential for getting that perfect, smooth consistency.
Marshmallow Fluff
For that sweet, light, and airy texture that adds the perfect twist to your filling. It gives it a delightful “Twinkie-like” touch!
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this cake! Follow these easy steps to recreate the iconic Twinkie flavor:
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake comes out easily once it’s done.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set it aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer. It’ll make the cake extra tender!
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Alternate Adding Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in thirds, alternating with the milk. Start with the dry ingredients and end with them, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
7. Prepare the Filling
While the cake is cooling, beat together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and marshmallow fluff in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. This will create your deliciously creamy filling.
8. Assemble the Cake
Once the cake has completely cooled, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers. Spread a generous amount of the marshmallow cream filling over the bottom layer, then place the top layer back on.
9. Frost the Cake
For the frosting, spread a thin layer of the marshmallow cream on top of the cake, just like you would for a classic Twinkie. You can add a little extra filling in between the layers if you like!
10. Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy that perfect, nostalgic flavor in every bite. It’s a cake you’ll come back to time and time again!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 420
Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 52g - Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 45g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 4%
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Twinkie Cake
This Twinkie Cake is perfect for so many occasions. Here are some fun ways to enjoy it:
Coffee or Tea Time
Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. It’s perfect for chatting with friends or treating yourself to a sweet pick-me-up.
Birthday Parties
If you’re hosting a birthday or a celebration, this cake is a showstopper! It’s both nostalgic and delicious, making it perfect for any special occasion.
Potlucks and Gatherings
Twinkie Cake is a hit at any gathering. Everyone loves a slice of this sweet, fluffy dessert—and you’ll get requests for the recipe!
Simple Dessert
Sometimes, you don’t need an occasion to enjoy a great cake. Make it for a cozy night in when you’re craving something sweet.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to make this cake even more amazing:
Make it Ahead
You can prepare the cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. The flavors only get better the longer it sits!
Customize the Filling
Feel free to experiment with the filling. You can add a little vanilla or almond extract to the cream for extra flavor or swap the marshmallow fluff for a different frosting, like cream cheese frosting, if you prefer.
Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cake in the fridge to keep it fresh. The marshmallow filling may firm up slightly in the fridge, but it will still be delicious!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different frosting for this cake?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer a different frosting, you can use a cream cheese frosting or whipped cream instead. But the marshmallow filling is a signature touch.
Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this cake can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh.
Q3: Can I freeze Twinkie Cake?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the cake without frosting for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.
Q4: How should I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Q5: Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
A5: Yes, you can make this cake in different pan sizes. Just adjust the baking time as needed. For example, in a 9-inch round pan, it may take a bit longer to bake.
Q6: Can I add other flavors to the filling?
A6: Yes! You could add a bit of chocolate or peanut butter to the filling if you want to give it an extra twist.
Q7: How can I make this cake healthier?
A7: You can reduce the sugar or use lighter versions of the ingredients like low-fat milk or a sugar substitute. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
Q8: Can I make this cake without eggs?
A8: Yes! Use an egg substitute, like flax eggs or an egg replacer, to make it egg-free.
Q9: Is this cake suitable for vegans?
A9: With a few substitutions like dairy-free butter and a plant-based filling, you can make this cake vegan.
Q10: How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?
A10: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light, fluffy texture.
Conclusion
There you have it—your very own homemade Twinkie Cake! Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or introducing a new twist to a classic favorite, this cake is bound to be a hit. It’s fluffy, sweet, and packed with nostalgic goodness. Plus, with its simple prep and creamy, dreamy filling, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, indulge in a slice (or two), and let the comfort of this cake bring a little sweetness to your day. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to dessert for every occasion! Enjoy!
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Twinkie Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Twinkie Cake is a fun and nostalgic dessert that combines the classic flavors of Twinkies with the fluffy texture of cake. It’s a moist, vanilla sponge cake topped with a creamy filling that mimics the famous Twinkie cream center, making it an irresistible treat for all ages!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix (or use a homemade recipe for vanilla cake)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow creme)
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
-
For the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until smooth and well combined (about 2 minutes).
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
For the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and marshmallow fluff. Continue to whip until the mixture is smooth and stiff peaks form.
- Once the cake has cooled, cut a rectangular hole in the center of the cake (about 1 inch deep and wide), leaving about 1 inch of cake around the edges.
- Fill the center of the cake with the marshmallow filling, spreading it evenly.
For the Frosting:
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Add the heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Spread the frosting over the entire cake, smoothing it out to cover the filling.
Notes
- You can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the frosting for extra sweetness.
- For a more decadent version, you could drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the cake.
- The marshmallow filling can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before filling the cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of the cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg