If you grew up loving the classic Twinkie snack cakes, prepare to have your nostalgia hit a whole new level with this irresistibly fun Twinkie Cake Recipe. This dessert takes the iconic cream-filled golden cake and transforms it into a moist, fluffy homemade cake with a luscious marshmallow filling tucked right inside, all topped with a dreamy buttercream frosting. Every bite bursts with that perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and cakey that will have you grinning from ear to ear. It’s truly the ultimate way to bring a childhood favorite into a grown-up celebration or weekend treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is all it takes to make this delightfully indulgent Twinkie Cake Recipe come to life. Each component plays a key role, from the tender vanilla cake base to the fluffy marshmallow filling and smooth buttercream frosting.
- Vanilla cake mix: Using a box mix speeds things up, but homemade vanilla cake works beautifully for extra freshness and control over sweetness.
- Water: Helps hydrate the batter for a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s flavor with a warm, fragrant touch.
- Heavy cream: Whipped into the marshmallow filling for fluffy texture and also added in the frosting for creaminess.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes both the filling and the frosting.
- Marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow creme): The heart of the filling, bringing that signature sweet and pillowy appeal.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The base for silky-smooth buttercream frosting, ensuring it spreads perfectly.
How to Make Twinkie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Vanilla Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix together the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and beautifully blended, which should take about 2 minutes at medium speed. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before moving on to the filling. Patience here pays off with a flawless texture!
Step 2: Whip Up the Marshmallow Filling
While the cake cools, get your filling ready by whipping heavy cream in a medium bowl until soft peaks begin to form. Then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and marshmallow fluff, continuing to whip until the mixture is smooth, thick, and holds stiff peaks. This luscious filling is the magic that makes the Twinkie Cake Recipe so special, mimicking that classic cream center we all adore.
Step 3: Fill the Cake
Once your cake is completely cooled, carefully cut out a rectangular hole in the center—about one inch deep and wide—leaving approximately one inch of cake along the edges for support. Fill this hollow with the marshmallow cream you just whipped, spreading it out evenly to distribute that sweet, fluffy goodness right in the middle where every bite can reach it.
Step 4: Make the Buttercream Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy and smooth using an electric mixer. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Pour in the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time, beating until you achieve a luscious, spreadable frosting. This buttercream adds a perfect finishing touch, balancing the marshmallow filling with its richness and subtle vanilla notes.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Finally, spread the buttercream frosting evenly over the entire cake, making sure to smooth it out and cover the filling inside. This luscious layer not only seals in the cream filling but also creates an inviting, beautiful surface for slicing and serving. Your Twinkie Cake Recipe masterpiece is now ready to impress!
How to Serve Twinkie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Twinkie Cake even more festive, consider sprinkling some toasted coconut flakes or mini rainbow sprinkles on top for a delightful crunch and pop of color. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries give a lovely tart contrast to the cake’s sweetness and can brighten the presentation wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs perfectly with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to amplify its creamy textures. If you’re looking for a beverage pairing, a hot cup of coffee or milk is comfort food gold that complements the Twinkie Cake Recipe beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the cake into neat squares and serving on fun dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. You might stack smaller layers for mini cake slices or create individual trifles with layers of Twinkie cake, marshmallow filling, and buttercream in clear glasses for a stunning showcase of all the delicious layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Twinkie Cake, keep any leftovers tightly covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and moisture. It should stay delicious for about 3 to 4 days without losing its signature texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
Because this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, it’s not recommended to heat it. Simply allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to unlock the full flavor and softness.
FAQs
Can I use scratch-made cake instead of box mix for this Twinkie Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade vanilla cake will work beautifully and often yields a more tender crumb and natural flavor. Just make sure your batter isn’t too dense so you keep that light, airy Twinkie feel.
What if I don’t have marshmallow fluff? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute marshmallow creme or even try using homemade marshmallow cream if you’re up for a project. Avoid regular marshmallows as they won’t whip into the filling the same way.
Is this cake very sweet? Can I reduce the sugar?
This cake is definitely a sweet treat, but the balance of cake, marshmallow, and frosting keeps it from being overwhelming. If you prefer, you can reduce powdered sugar slightly in the filling or frosting to suit your taste.
Can I make this Twinkie Cake Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and ensuring your other ingredients are gluten-free will allow you to adapt this recipe for gluten sensitivities without sacrificing deliciousness.
How long does it take to make Twinkie Cake Recipe from start to finish?
The entire process takes about 50 minutes, including baking and preparation time. It’s an easy and relatively quick way to bring the joy of Twinkies to a homemade cake version!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s both charmingly nostalgic and surprisingly elegant, you’ve got to try this Twinkie Cake Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to elevate a beloved classic into something you can share and enjoy fresh from your own kitchen with friends and family. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be grinning just like I do every time I make it. So, get baking and bring some extra joy to your next gathering!
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Twinkie Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Twinkie Cake is a delightful homemade dessert inspired by the classic Twinkie snack. It features a moist vanilla cake base filled with a fluffy marshmallow cream center and topped with a smooth vanilla buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations or an indulgent treat, this cake combines the nostalgic flavors of vanilla, marshmallow, and cream in a visually striking and delicious dessert that serves 12.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (or homemade vanilla cake recipe)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Marshmallow Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow creme)
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Marshmallow Filling: In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and marshmallow fluff. Continue whipping until the mixture is smooth and stiff peaks form.
- Create the Cake Cavity: Once the cake has cooled, carefully cut a rectangular hole in the center of the cake approximately 1 inch deep and wide, leaving about 1 inch of cake around the edges.
- Fill the Cake: Spoon and spread the marshmallow filling evenly into the cut-out cavity in the center of the cake.
- Make the Buttercream Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the buttercream frosting over the entire cake, smoothing it out to cover the marshmallow filling and the rest of the cake.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before cutting and filling to prevent crumbling.
- You can substitute homemade vanilla cake batter if preferred instead of the boxed mix.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to achieve desired sweetness and consistency.
- For easier slicing, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes after frosting before serving.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days due to the dairy in the filling and frosting.
