Homemade Twinkies

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe makes soft cake shells and a light cream filling. The baking powder and baking soda help the cake rise. The whipped heavy cream makes a simple, fluffy filling that stays cool inside the cake. The batter is thin enough to bake fast so the Twinkies keep their shape.

Homemade Twinkies are small sponge cakes filled with whipped cream. You bake simple cakes, then fill them with sweet cream. This recipe uses common pantry items and takes about an hour from start to finish. If you want a smooth dairy-free spread to try with other sweets, try a recipe like easy homemade vegan cottage cheese as a different filling option.

Why you should try this recipe

You should try this recipe because it uses simple steps and easy ingredients. The cakes bake fast. The filling is fresh and not heavy. Making them at home lets you control sweetness and size. Kids and guests often like the soft cake and creamy center.

How to make Homemade Twinkies

This section shows the idea: mix dry and wet parts, bake in a mold, cool, then fill. Follow the Step-by-Step Instructions for full details. Use the Ingredients list below and the Equipment list to get ready.

Ingredients :

1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)

Equipments Needed

  • Twinkie pan or cupcake pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Piping bag or syringe for filling
  • Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions :

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Twinkie pan or a cupcake pan.
  2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  8. For the filling, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  9. Once cooled, inject or pipe the cream filling into the center of each Twinkie.
  10. Serve and enjoy your homemade Twinkies!

How to serve Homemade Twinkies

Serve them cold or at room temperature. Dust with a little powdered sugar for a simple look. For a fruity touch, try a spoon of homemade blueberry sauce on the side.

How to store Homemade Twinkies

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not leave them at room temperature for more than a few hours because of the cream filling. You can freeze baked, unfilled cakes for up to 1 month; thaw and then fill before serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • Cool the cakes fully before filling to keep the cream from melting.
  • Use a piping bag or food syringe to make neat centers.
  • Whip the cream to stiff peaks so the filling holds shape.
  • If you like sweeter filling, add a little more powdered sugar to taste.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Use light whipped cream or stabilized whipped cream for longer hold.
  • Swap half the milk for buttermilk for a tangy cake.
  • Make a chocolate batter by adding 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
  • For a date and nut twist, you can get ideas from a homemade date snickers recipe and adapt mix-ins.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the filling ahead?
A: Yes. Make the whipped cream and store it covered in the fridge for up to one day. Whip again briefly if it loses volume.

Q: Can I use a cupcake pan instead of a Twinkie pan?
A: Yes. Use a cupcake pan and fill each cavity two-thirds full. The shape will be different but the taste will be the same.

Q: Can I use a different filling?
A: Yes. Use pastry cream, custard, or even a light buttercream if you prefer a richer filling.

Q: How do I fill the cakes without a special tool?
A: Use a small piping bag with a narrow tip or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off. You can also cut a small hole in one end of the cake and spoon the filling inside.

Conclusion

For another detailed method and extra notes, see the full guide at Homemade Twinkies Recipe – ZoëBakes – Zoe Bakes. You can also compare tips and variations with a classic version at Homemade Twinkies – Leite’s Culinaria.

Print

Homemade Twinkies

Delicious homemade Twinkies filled with light whipped cream, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

  • Author: brahimhassouoo
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 Twinkies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Twinkie pan or a cupcake pan.
  2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  8. For the filling, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  9. Once cooled, inject or pipe the cream filling into the center of each Twinkie.
  10. Serve and enjoy your homemade Twinkies!

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Can freeze baked, unfilled cakes for up to 1 month; thaw and then fill before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Twinkie
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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Hi, I’m Lina! I’m a 43-year-old home cook and mom of two, serving up easy, soul-hugging recipes for real-life families. Join me for delicious and reliable baking recipes. Everything from cakes, brownies, cheese cake and cookies to bars, quick breads, and more. Every recipe is tested, perfected, and made to inspire confidence in your kitchen. Happy baking!