What are homemade Twinkies made of?

Homemade Twinkies are made from real, simple ingredients think eggs, flour, sugar, vanilla, and milk for the sponge cake. The filling is typically a blend of butter, powdered sugar, marshmallow crème, or cream cheese, whipped until fluffy. No preservatives, just old-fashioned goodness.

Can I make Twinkies without a special pan?

Absolutely. If you don’t have a Twinkie pan, use mini loaf pans, a hot dog bun pan, or even fashion molds out of foil. You can also bake them in muffin tins for a “Twinkie bite” twist. It’s all about the flavor and texture not the perfect shape.

How do you get the cream filling inside homemade Twinkies?

After baking and cooling the sponge cakes, flip them over and pipe the filling into three evenly spaced holes using a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped. Insert the tip into the bottom of the cake and squeeze gently until filled. It’s easy and kind of fun, too.

How long do homemade Twinkies last?

At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for 1–2 days. Refrigerated, they’ll last up to 5 days, especially if the filling contains dairy. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.

Homemade Twinkies That Taste Better Than the Original

Name: Homemade Twinkies That Taste Better Than the Original
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 10 Twinkies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp (110g) all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, divided; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 3 eggs, separated, at room temperature; 1/4 cup (60ml) mild flavored oil; 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh squeezed orange juice; 1 tsp orange zest; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 additional egg whites, at room temperature; 1/2 tsp cream of tartar; 1 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar; 6 tbsp (83g) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp almond extract; Pinch kosher salt; 1–2 tbsp (15–30ml) heavy whipping cream

Description

These homemade Twinkies are light and citrusy with a delicate orange sponge and filled with smooth American buttercream. They’re easy to make at home and far more delicious than the packaged version.

Ingredients

3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp (110g) all-purpose flour

3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, divided

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp kosher salt

3 eggs, separated, at room temperature

1/4 cup (60ml) mild flavored oil (vegetable or olive oil)

1/4 cup (60ml) fresh squeezed orange juice

1 tsp orange zest

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 additional egg whites, at room temperature

1/2 tsp cream of tartar

American Buttercream:

1 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar

6 tbsp (83g) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/2 tbsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp almond extract

Pinch kosher salt

1–2 tbsp (15–30ml) heavy whipping cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C. Lightly grease a nonstick hot dog-bun pan.

2. Whisk together flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In another bowl, stir together egg yolks, oil, orange juice, zest, and vanilla.

4. Whisk dry ingredients into yolk mixture until smooth.

5. In a stand mixer, beat egg whites and cream of tartar to medium peaks. Slowly add remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Beat to stiff, glossy peaks.

6. Fold 1/3 of meringue into batter to loosen. Gently fold in remaining meringue.

7. Pipe batter into pan molds, filling each 2/3 full.

8. Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and tester comes out clean. Cool on parchment.

9. To make frosting, beat sugar and butter until combined. Beat to a thick paste.

10. Add vanilla, almond extract, salt. Mix well. Add cream slowly until spreadable.

11. Fill pastry bag with frosting. Pipe into cakes from the bottom, spacing every 1/2 inch.

12. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bring to room temp before serving.

Notes

Use a hot dog bun pan for authentic Twinkie shape.

Do not overfill batter in molds or they may overflow.

If you refrigerate, cover tightly to prevent drying.

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Category: Classic Cakes & Pies
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American