If you have a sweet tooth and a love for nostalgic treats, this Twinkie Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Twinkie, but on a whole cake scale. Light, fluffy vanilla cake layered with a luscious, marshmallow cream filling and topped with smooth, buttery frosting creates a dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable. This cake is the perfect balance of soft textures and sweet, airy flavors that bring joy to any gathering or simple afternoon treat. Once you make this Twinkie Cake Recipe, you’ll see why it’s become such a treasured recipe to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need an overwhelming list of fancy ingredients to pull off this cake, which makes it all the more delightful. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s creating the tender crumb of the cake, the fluffy marshmallow center, or the silky frosting that finishes it off perfectly.
- Vanilla cake mix: Whether boxed or homemade, this forms the soft, buttery base of your cake.
- Water: Essential for moistening the cake batter and helping it rise evenly.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and prevents it from drying out.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.
- Vanilla extract: Adds that warm, classic flavor that ties the cake and frosting together.
- Heavy cream: Whipped into clouds for the marshmallow filling and helps create a luscious frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens both the frosting and the filling.
- Marshmallow fluff (or creme): The secret to that iconic, gooey Twinkie center that everyone loves.
- Unsalted butter: The base of the frosting, making it rich, creamy, and spreadable.
How to Make Twinkie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch pan to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix with water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until you get a smooth, consistent batter that promises a soft crumb after baking. Pour it evenly into your prepared pan so the cake bakes uniformly.
Step 2: Bake and Cool the Cake
Bake the batter for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. This step is crucial for a perfect texture—no gooey spots allowed here! Once baked, let the cake cool completely right in the pan so it’s ready for the next step without breaking apart.
Step 3: Whip Up the Marshmallow Filling
While your cake cools, grab a medium bowl and whip heavy cream until soft peaks appear. Then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the marshmallow fluff. Continue whipping until the mixture smooths out and stiff peaks form. This filling will bring that signature Twinkie creaminess that’s so irresistible.
Step 4: Hollow Out and Fill the Cake
Once cooled, carefully cut a rectangular hole about 1 inch deep and wide right in the center, leaving a border of cake around the edges. This space is where your marshmallow filling goes. Spread the whipped filling evenly in this hollow, making sure to cover the entire area for a satisfying bite every time.
Step 5: Make the Buttercream Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Slowly add heavy cream a tablespoon at a time, whipping until your frosting is perfectly smooth and spreadable to cover the cake.
Step 6: Frost the Cake
Now comes the beautiful final touch: spread the creamy buttercream evenly over the entire cake, carefully covering the filling inside. Smooth it out with a spatula or back of a spoon to create an inviting, polished finish that’s ready to impress.
How to Serve Twinkie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While the cake is stunning as is, adding a few garnishes can elevate it even more. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of toasted coconut add natural sweetness and texture contrast. For a fun twist, try a delicate drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for that classic bakery look.
Side Dishes
This Twinkie Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh fruit salad or a cup of coffee can balance its sweetness and round out the dessert experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable presentation, serve this cake on a rustic wooden board or a colorful cake stand. Individual slices can be plated with a small sprig of mint or a few edible flowers for a charming touch. Turning this cake into cupcakes by filling and frosting smaller portions adds fun and ease for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Twinkie Cake will stay fresh covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the frosting and filling nice and moist without drying out the cake layers.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve the texture and flavor of both the cake and marshmallow filling.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you want a slightly softer texture, let slices sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I make this Twinkie Cake Recipe from scratch?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses a box cake mix for convenience, you can replace it with your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe. Just be sure to maintain the moisture balance so it stays soft and fluffy.
Is marshmallow fluff necessary for the filling?
Marshmallow fluff gives this cake its signature creamy and fluffy filling that mimics a Twinkie’s center. You can use marshmallow creme as a substitute, but regular marshmallow fluff is best for the right texture and taste.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix or a homemade gluten-free recipe to accommodate dietary needs. Just verify that your other ingredients, like marshmallow fluff, are also gluten-free.
How long does this cake keep its freshness?
If refrigerated properly, the Twinkie Cake Recipe remains fresh for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the cake may start to dry out or the filling may lose its fluffiness.
Can I decorate the cake differently?
Definitely! This cake is a fantastic canvas for creativity. Try piping borders or adding themed decorations to make it perfect for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
Final Thoughts
This Twinkie Cake Recipe is a delightful way to bring a classic treat into a celebratory dessert form that everyone can enjoy. It’s fun to make, simple to share, and utterly delicious. Once you try it, expect plenty of compliments and requests for seconds—this cake has a way of winning hearts. So grab your mixing bowls and give this nostalgic recipe a try; it might just become your next signature dessert.
Print
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
Twinkie Cake is a delightful dessert inspired by the classic Twinkie snack. This easy-to-make vanilla cake is baked from a box mix, filled with a luscious marshmallow cream center, and topped with a smooth homemade buttercream frosting. Perfect for gatherings and celebrations, it combines airy cake and fluffy filling for a nostalgic treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 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
Marshmallow Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow creme)
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. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, 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 baking pan, smoothing the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Marshmallow Filling: In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and marshmallow fluff. Continue whipping until the mixture becomes smooth and stiff peaks form, indicating it is thick and fluffy enough for piping.
- Core the Cake: Once the cake has fully cooled, carefully cut a rectangular hole in the center measuring about 1 inch wide and 1 inch deep, leaving roughly 1 inch of cake around the edges intact. This hollow will hold the marshmallow filling.
- Fill with Marshmallow Cream: Spoon the prepared marshmallow filling into the hollowed center of the cake, spreading it evenly to fill the space completely without overflowing.
- Prepare the Buttercream Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Add the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until the frosting reaches your desired consistency—smooth, spreadable, and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the buttercream frosting evenly over the entire surface of the cake, covering the marshmallow filling and edges. Smooth out the frosting with a spatula for a clean finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once frosted, slice the cake into 12 portions and serve this nostalgic Twinkie Cake to your guests. Store leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm and the cake fresh.
Notes
- You can substitute the box cake mix with your favorite homemade vanilla cake recipe for a more personalized taste.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting and filling to avoid melting the marshmallow cream.
- To make cutting easier, chill the cake slightly before filling and frosting.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar amount slightly.
- For a decorative touch, garnish the frosted cake with toasted coconut or sprinkles.
