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There’s nothing quite like the moment when you pull a tray of freshly baked goods from the oven, and the sweet aroma of vanilla and sugar fills your kitchen. I fell back in love with baking when I decided to make my own Homemade Twinkies, a twist on the nostalgic childhood treat I cherished. What makes this recipe special is not just the fluffy sponge cake and rich marshmallow crème filling, but the knowledge that every ingredient is real and free from preservatives.

After a whirlwind of fast food nights, I craved something homemade and comforting. These Twinkies bring back memories and offer a delightful way to impress family and friends at gatherings. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll feel the joy of creating something timeless while indulging in flavors that are undeniably better than store-bought. Trust me, you won’t want to stop at just one! So, let’s dive into this delicious journey of baking homemade joy.

Why are Homemade Twinkies so irresistible?

Nostalgic Comfort: Each bite of these Homemade Twinkies brings childhood memories flooding back, offering a comforting escape from the everyday hustle.
Real Ingredients: Made with wholesome, recognizable components, these treats are free from preservatives, ensuring you know exactly what goes into your dessert.
Simple Process: With straightforward steps, anyone can create these delightful snacks, making it perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned chefs alike.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether for a party or just a fun afternoon snack, these Twinkies are sure to delight guests of all ages.
Versatile Flavors: Mix it up by creating unique fillings or toppings, allowing for endless customization that suits any occasion.
Don’t forget to check out our tips on making the process even easier in your kitchen!

Homemade Twinkies Ingredients

For the Cake
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for the cake; can be substituted with gluten-free flour if needed.
Baking Powder – Helps the cakes rise; always check for freshness to get that perfect lift.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Eggs (4 large) – Creates a fluffy texture; use room temperature eggs for the best volume.
Granulated Sugar (2/3 cup) – Adds sweetness and aids in achieving a soft texture.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon) – Imparts delightful flavor to the cake; opting for pure vanilla elevates the taste.
Milk (2 tablespoons) – Retains moisture in the cake; can switch to almond milk or another non-dairy alternative.
Unsalted Butter (1 tablespoon, melted) – Adds richness and depth to the batter.
For the Marshmallow Filling
Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened) – Serves as the creamy base for the filling.
Marshmallow Creme (1/2 cup) – Gives the signature texture that defines a classic Twinkie; no substitutes provide the same flavor.
Powdered Sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens and stabilizes the filling; feel free to adjust the amount for your sweetness preference.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon for filling) – Enhances the flavor profile; a must for rich taste.
Heavy Cream (1 tablespoon) – Adds smoothness and creaminess to the filling.

With these Homemade Twinkies ingredients in hand, you’re ready to embark on a delightful baking adventure that captures the essence of childhood treats with real, wholesome ingredients!

How to Make Homemade Twinkies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a Twinkie pan or use a mini loaf pan. This ensures that your cakes don’t stick and are easy to remove after baking.
Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. This step helps to aerate the flour and ensures that there are no lumps, creating a lighter cake texture.
Beat the eggs and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer for about 6-8 minutes. You want the mixture to be thick and pale, indicating it’s well-aerated and ready for the next step.
Fold in the vanilla extract, then gradually incorporate the sifted flour mixture in batches. Be gentle to keep the batter light and airy by not over-mixing.
Combine the warm milk and melted butter in a separate bowl, then gently fold this mixture into the batter until just combined. This adds moisture and richness to your cakes.
Fill each mold about 3/4 full with the batter, ensuring even distribution. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool the cakes completely in the pan before removing them. This prevents them from breaking apart and allows flavors to set.
Beat the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy, then add the marshmallow crème, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth to create the luscious filling.
Poke three small holes in the bottom of each cooled cake using a toothpick and fill them with the prepared marshmallow cream using a piping bag.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy your delightful homemade Twinkies!

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra sweet touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Homemade Twinkies

Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to achieve maximum volume when whipped. Cold eggs won’t aerate as well, making your cakes less fluffy.
Gentle Folding: Be gentle when folding in the flour mixture. Over-mixing can result in dense cakes; light hands keep your Homemade Twinkies airy and tender.
Cool Completely: Make sure to cool the cakes completely before filling them. Filling warm cakes can melt the marshmallow crème, leading to a messy outcome.
Piping Precision: Use a piping bag for filling the Twinkies. This allows for even distribution and helps avoid overfilling, which can cause a sweet overflow.
Twinkie Pan Alternatives: A Twinkie pan is ideal, but if you don’t have one, mini loaf pans or muffin tins can work just fine – just adjust the baking time accordingly.

How to Store and Freeze Homemade Twinkies

Fridge: Keep your Homemade Twinkies refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. This helps maintain their moisture and freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the filled Twinkies individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating: If you prefer warm Twinkies, simply place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 10-15 seconds until slightly warmed. Enjoy the delightful softness!

Serving Tips: For the best experience, serve your Twinkies chilled or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra sweet finish!

What to Serve with Homemade Twinkies?

Serving up a delightful platter of homemade pastries? Pairing them just right can elevate your dessert experience and make your gatherings unforgettable.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing offers a cool contrast to the fluffy cake, making every bite even more indulgent. Picture biting into your Twinkie, then savoring a scoop of luscious vanilla ice cream alongside—it’s pure bliss!
Fresh Berries: Sweet strawberries or tart raspberries provide a refreshing burst of flavor that balances the rich marshmallow filling. Their juiciness cuts through the sweetness, adding a refreshing element to the treat.
Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling warm, rich chocolate ganache on top of your Twinkies takes them to another level. This decadent addition introduces a luxurious depth that chocolate lovers will adore.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this dessert topping adds a tropical twist. The coconut’s subtle flavor complements the sweetness of the Twinkies while enhancing their creamy filling.
Iced Coffee or Tea: Pairing your Twinkies with a chilled glass of iced coffee or sweet iced tea creates a delightful contrast. The coffee’s bitterness beautifully balances the sweetness, making it an ideal afternoon treat.
Classic Milkshake: For extra indulgence, serve your Twinkies with a milkshake. Whether you choose chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry, the thick and creamy shake complements the light sponge cake perfectly.

Each pairing adds a unique twist to your homemade Twinkies, inviting everyone to indulge in a little more joy with every bite!

Homemade Twinkies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your Homemade Twinkies; these suggestions will add delicious twists to your classic recipe!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version that’s just as delightful.
Dairy-Free: Swap whole milk for almond milk or coconut milk, and use vegan butter in both the cake and filling for a dairy-free treat.
Chocolate Lovers: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder to create a rich chocolate sponge cake that pairs perfectly with the marshmallow filling.
Citrus Zest: Add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a refreshing flavor that brightens your Homemade Twinkies. It’s a simple way to twist nostalgia into a new sensation.
Nutty Addition: Stir in 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter for an added crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft sponge.
Flavored Filling: Enhance the marshmallow filling with different extracts. Try replacing vanilla extract with almond or mint extract for a unique flavor profile.
Spiced Version: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, aromatic twist that’s perfect for cozy gatherings.
Fruit-Filled: Incorporate a layer of fruit compote, such as raspberry or strawberry, into the marshmallow filling for a fruity burst in every bite, adding a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

By exploring these variations, you can make each batch of Homemade Twinkies a delightful experience tailored to your taste!

Make Ahead Options

These Homemade Twinkies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to indulge in delightful treats any time! You can prepare the sponge cake up to 24 hours in advance; just bake, cool, and tightly wrap the cakes in plastic wrap to keep them soft and moist. The marshmallow crème filling can also be made 1-2 days ahead; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply poke holes in the cooled cakes and fill them with the filling. This prep method not only saves time but ensures your homemade desserts are just as delicious, with the added bonus of easy assembly on busy days!

Homemade Twinkies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best ingredients for my Homemade Twinkies?
Absolutely! For the best results, select fresh ingredients. Ensure your eggs are large and at room temperature for better aeration. When choosing flour, opt for all-purpose flour that is unbleached for the best texture. Look for pure vanilla extract, as it enhances the flavors without any artificial additives.

What’s the best way to store Homemade Twinkies?
To keep your Homemade Twinkies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. This helps retain their moisture and prevents them from drying out.

Can I freeze my Homemade Twinkies?
Very! You can freeze your Homemade Twinkies for up to 3 months. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, microwave them for 10-15 seconds.

What should I do if my Twinkies come out dense?
If your Twinkies turn out dense, it may be due to over-mixing the batter or using cold eggs. To achieve that light and fluffy texture, ensure you gently fold the ingredients together and use room temperature eggs. If you find yourself with dense cakes, try whipping the eggs and sugar longer to incorporate more air.

Are Homemade Twinkies safe for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you’re concerned about gluten, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. As for dairy, you can replace milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter in both the cake and filling. Always check for allergies with ingredients like marshmallow crème, as some brands may contain allergens.

Can I change the filling for my Homemade Twinkies?
Yes! The more the merrier! Get creative with fillings, such as chocolate ganache, fruit compotes, or flavored creams. Just remember to use ingredients that won’t alter the texture too much. Enjoy experimenting and make these Twinkies uniquely yours!