Oh my goodness, who doesn’t have a soft spot for Twinkies? They remind me of childhood snack time, when I’d race home from school, bursting with excitement to sink my teeth into that golden sponge cake filled with creamy goodness. But let me tell you, I’ve taken that nostalgic treat and turned it into a Twinkie cake that’ll blow your mind! Picture this: a moist, fluffy cake inspired by those beloved snacks, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that makes every bite a sweet celebration. Trust me, this cake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful trip down memory lane. I love serving it at parties, and watching everyone’s faces light up as they take that first bite! So, let’s whip up this delicious twist on a classic snack and create some sweet new memories together!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this delightful Twinkie cake! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box yellow cake mix: This is the base of your cake, bringing that classic flavor we all adore.
- 3 large eggs: These will help bind everything together, giving the cake its structure.
- 1 cup water: Keep it simple! This adds moisture and helps the cake mix come together.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: This is key for a moist cake—don’t skip it!
- 1 cup whipped cream cheese: This is the star of the show for the frosting, adding that creamy richness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetness overload! This will balance the cream cheese perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor.
Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. Let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Twinkie Cake
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making this dreamy Twinkie cake! It’s super easy, and the steps are straightforward, so you’ll be enjoying this deliciousness in no time. Let’s do this!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for getting that perfect rise on your cake! While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well with butter or non-stick spray, then dust it with a little flour. This will ensure your cake comes out beautifully without sticking, which is a total game-changer!
Mix the Batter
Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. I like to use a hand mixer for this; it makes everything so much easier! Mix it on medium speed for about 2 minutes until you get a smooth batter—no lumps allowed! You want that perfect consistency that’s going to bake up fluffy and moist. Just imagine the smell already—yum!
Bake the Cake
Once your batter is mixed, pour it into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into that preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. I always set a timer to check at the 30-minute mark. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it’s not quite there, give it a few more minutes—no one wants a gooey center!
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is baking, let’s whip up that irresistible cream cheese frosting! In a separate bowl, blend together the whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s creamy and smooth. You want it to be spreadable, but not too runny. Take a taste—oh my gosh, so good! Set it aside and wait for that cake to cool.
Assemble and Serve
Once your cake has completely cooled (trust me, patience is key here!), it’s time to frost! Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the cake, making sure to get every corner. Then, cut the cake into squares—perfect for serving! I love to add a little drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top for that extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy every bite, and watch your friends and family devour it!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The information provided here is an estimate and not precisely calculated. Enjoy this Twinkie cake as a delightful treat, but feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You’ll have this Twinkie cake ready in no time!
- Easy to follow: The steps are straightforward, perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Flavorful and nostalgic: It captures that beloved Twinkie flavor we all adore.
- Vegetarian-friendly: A delicious dessert that everyone can enjoy!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Twinkie cake turns out absolutely perfect, here are my top tips! First, let the cake cool completely before spreading on that creamy frosting—this prevents it from melting and sliding off. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the frosting for a zesty twist, or even a splash of almond extract for a unique flavor. Also, don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings! Chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even fresh fruit can take your cake to the next level. Trust me, these little touches make a big difference!
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with your Twinkie cake, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! For a fruity twist, try adding lemon zest or even a splash of orange extract to the cream cheese frosting—it adds a lovely brightness! You could also experiment with different toppings; crushed graham crackers or toasted coconut will give it a delightful crunch. Feeling a bit indulgent? Drizzle some chocolate ganache or caramel sauce on top for a rich treat! You can even layer the cake with fresh berries or a berry compote for a pop of color and flavor. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Twinkie cake properly is super simple! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh. It’ll stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—if it lasts that long! If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze individual pieces. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw the slices in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat; this cake is just as delightful when served cold, but feel free to warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer it that way!
For more delicious dessert recipes, check out our dessert recipes!
Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about the history of Twinkies, you can read about it here.
Print
Twinkie Cake: 5 Ways to Enjoy This Delicious Retro Treat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious cake inspired by the classic Twinkie snack.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup whipped cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, water, and oil until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- In another bowl, blend the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled cake.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can be topped with chocolate or caramel sauce.
- For a more intense flavor, add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: twinkie cake, dessert, yellow cake, cream cheese frosting