Remember those golden, fluffy treats filled with creamy sweetness? We’re talking about Twinkies. If you’d like to recreate that nostalgic flavor at home, this Homemade Twinkies guide makes it simple and delicious.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Twinkies
- Easy baking: This recipe uses a boxed cake mix and common pantry items, so it’s approachable for bakers of all levels.
- Fresh flavor: Homemade yields a moist sponge and a rich, creamy filling that far outshines store-bought versions.
- Great for gatherings: Perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or parties — everyone loves these nostalgic treats.
- Customizable: Try dipping them in chocolate, adding sprinkles, or experimenting with different fillings.
- Nostalgia in every bite: Recreate childhood memories and share homemade treats with family and friends.
Ingredients Needed To Make Homemade Twinkies
- XO vanilla cake box mix (or any quality vanilla mix)
- Marshmallow creme
- Coconut oil (solid, not melted)
- Powdered sugar
- Warm water
- Nonstick baking spray
- Twinkie-shaped pan or a 9×13 cake pan
Before You Get Started: Notes for Best Results
- Always: Read the full instructions before you begin.
- Timing matters: Batter that sits too long can affect texture and rise—mix and bake promptly.
- Check your oven: Temperatures vary. An oven thermometer helps ensure accurate baking temperature.
How To Make Homemade Twinkies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your pan with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the cake batter according to the box directions.
- Bake 20–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before filling.
- Make the filling: In a bowl combine marshmallow creme, solid (hard) coconut oil, powdered sugar, and a teaspoon of warm water. Beat at high speed until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble: If you baked in a cake pan, slice the cake to make sandwich pieces. For a Twinkie pan, remove the cakes and fill each cavity.
- Pipe or spread the filling into each cake. Seal and serve.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze individually wrapped for up to 3 months.
Variations & Substitutions
- Chocolate: Use a chocolate cake mix for a cocoa-flavored sponge.
- Fruit: Add a layer of jam or preserves between cake and filling for a fruity surprise.
- Coating: Dip Twinkies in melted chocolate, white chocolate, or candy melts for a sweet finish.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a different brand of cake mix?
Yes. Any quality vanilla cake mix will work. Baking times can vary slightly by brand, so watch for doneness with a toothpick.
Can I make the cake from scratch?
Yes. A homemade yellow cake recipe works well if you prefer scratch baking.
What if I don’t have a Twinkie pan?
No problem. Bake the cake in a 9×13 pan, cool, and cut into small sandwich-sized pieces.
How can I lighten the filling?
Substitute half the marshmallow creme with stabilized whipped cream for a lighter texture; keep it chilled before serving.
How long do Homemade Twinkies stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze up to 3 months.
Convection Oven vs Traditional Oven
Recipe temperatures are listed for conventional ovens. If using convection, lower the temperature by about 25°F (for example, 350°F becomes 325°F) or follow your oven’s guidance. An oven thermometer helps confirm accuracy.
Homemade Twinkies
Danielle Cochran
Pin Recipe
Equipment
-
Twinkie-shaped pan or 9×13 cake pan
-
Nonstick baking spray
-
Mixing bowls
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Electric mixer
-
Cooling rack
Ingredients
For Twinkies
- 1 package XO vanilla cake box mix (or similar)
For Filling
- 7 ounces marshmallow creme
- ⅓ cup coconut oil (solid)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp warm water
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease your Twinkie pan or 9×13 pan with nonstick spray.
Bake Twinkies
- Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to package directions.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake 20–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool completely; remove from pan and transfer to a cooling rack.
Make Filling
- Combine marshmallow creme, solid coconut oil, powdered sugar, and warm water in a mixing bowl.
- Beat on high until smooth and creamy.
Assemble Twinkies
- If you used a 9×13 pan, slice the cake into approximately 3″×4.5″ pieces to make mini sandwiches.
- Spread or pipe the filling into each cake or cavity.
- Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
Calories: 141
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 4 g
These Homemade Twinkies capture the classic feel of the original in a simple, portable package. With a soft sponge and creamy filling, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat that’s easy to customize and share.
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