Homemade Twinkies are soft, fluffy golden sponge cakes filled with a light, sweet marshmallow cream. This classic snack cake is easy to recreate at home with simple ingredients and delivers the same nostalgic flavor everyone loves. Making Homemade Twinkies from scratch lets you enjoy a fresher, softer version without preservatives while keeping the iconic creamy center.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Homemade Twinkies are incredibly soft and tender, with a delicate sponge texture that pairs perfectly with the fluffy marshmallow filling. They’re simple enough for beginner bakers and fun to make for family treats, lunchbox desserts, or weekend baking projects. Because they’re made from scratch, you can control the sweetness and ingredients while still achieving that classic snack cake taste everyone recognizes.
Ingredients
For the Cakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup marshmallow creme
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Twinkie pan or mini loaf pan and set aside.
- In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and fluffy, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and gently mix to combine.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in small batches, mixing gently to keep the batter light and airy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and melted butter. Fold this mixture carefully into the batter until just incorporated.
- Fill each mold about three-quarters full with batter.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cakes are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before removing them from the pan.
Prepare the filling
- Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the marshmallow creme, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream.
- Beat until the filling is smooth and creamy.
Fill the cakes
- Using a piping bag with a small round tip, poke three small holes into the bottom of each cake.
- Pipe the filling into the holes until the cake feels slightly heavy and filled.
Your Homemade Twinkies are ready to serve.
Tips & Tricks
For the fluffiest sponge cakes, beat the eggs and sugar long enough until they become pale and thick. This step creates the light texture that makes Homemade Twinkies so soft. Fold the flour gently to avoid deflating the batter. If you don’t have a Twinkie pan, a mini loaf pan works just as well. For an extra creamy filling, chill the frosting for 10 minutes before piping.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 10–12 snack cakes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
You can lightly dust the finished cakes with powdered sugar for a bakery-style look. These snack cakes also pair well with chocolate drizzle if you want a slightly richer dessert. For a lighter filling, replace part of the butter with whipped topping.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 240
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 12g
FAQ
Can I make Homemade Twinkies without a Twinkie pan?
Yes. A mini loaf pan or even a muffin pan works well and still produces soft cream-filled cakes.
How do I keep the sponge cakes fluffy?
Be sure to beat the eggs and sugar until thick and airy. This step is key to the light texture.
Can I use a different filling?
Yes. Whipped cream frosting, vanilla buttercream, or stabilized whipped cream can replace the marshmallow filling.
Are Homemade Twinkies better than store-bought?
Many people prefer homemade versions because they taste fresher and contain simple ingredients without preservatives.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. They can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Storage
Store Homemade Twinkies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cakes (without filling) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and fill before serving. To refresh refrigerated cakes, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating.
Similar Recipes
Homemade Twinkies
Ingredients
For the Cakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup marshmallow creme
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Twinkie pan or mini loaf pan and set aside.
- In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and fluffy, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and gently mix to combine.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in small batches, mixing gently to keep the batter light and airy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk and melted butter. Fold this mixture carefully into the batter until just incorporated.
- Fill each mold about three-quarters full with batter.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cakes are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before removing them from the pan.
Prepare the filling
- Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the marshmallow creme, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream.
- Beat until the filling is smooth and creamy.
Fill the cakes
- Using a piping bag with a small round tip, poke three small holes into the bottom of each cake.
- Pipe the filling into the holes until the cake feels slightly heavy and filled.
Your Homemade Twinkies are ready to serve.
Notes
Conclusion
Homemade Twinkies are a fun and rewarding baking project that delivers soft golden cakes with a fluffy cream center. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this classic snack cake at home and enjoy a fresher, more delicious version anytime. Once you try making Homemade Twinkies yourself, they may become a favorite homemade treat for family gatherings, desserts, or afternoon snacks.