Learn how to make this prized lunch box snack with our easy Twinkie recipe.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
“You’re going to risk our lives for a Twinkie?” asks Columbus, played by Jesse Eisenberg, in the movie Zombieland. Luckily, the zombie apocalypse isn’t yet upon us, so there’s no need to rush out and snag an emergency box of Twinkies.
However, it’s always good to be prepared (in case the zombies ever come knocking), so I created this homemade Hostess Twinkie recipe. (You know…for survival purposes.)
What’s in a Twinkie?
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
What makes a Twinkie special? It begins with an ultra-moist vanilla sponge cake baked in an eclair-shaped pan. It’s springy, tender and loaded with rich vanilla flavor. Some would argue that the Twinkie cake is simply a vessel for the vanilla cream filling.
Twinkie filling is somewhat of a mystery. It’s not exactly a whipped cream, it’s too light to be straight marshmallow fluff and it isn’t quite sweet or dense enough to be buttercream frosting. For a homemade version of the filling, you’ll need a careful blend of these components.
See what the Twinkies packaging used to look like.
How to Make Twinkies at Home
This recipe makes eight homemade Twinkies.
Ingredients
Vanilla Sponge
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 2 teaspoons hot water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- Twinkie Pan: Did you know there is an official Twinkie pan available to purchase? We didn’t either! This one has a nonstick surface, making it a breeze to remove the Twinkies cleanly from the pan after baking.
- Filling Injector: The filling isn’t going to hop into the Twinkies itself. A simple, affordable cupcake injector makes filling Twinkies fast and easy. A simple kit of piping bags and round pastry tips will also do the job.
- Stand Mixer: This KitchenAid stand mixer is a must for baking projects.
Editor’s tip: Baking on a whim and don’t have an injector or pastry bags? You can fill the Twinkies with a Ziploc bag instead.
Directions
Step 1: Mix cake batter
Preheat the oven to 325°F with the rack in the center position.
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
In a large mixing bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the eggs, vanilla and sugar until foamy; about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the oil, mix to combine and then add the dry ingredients.
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Gently stir until moistened. Then, add the milk. Mix until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
Step 2: Bake
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Grease your pan and fill each depression a little more than halfway full with batter. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles from the cake batter. Then, bake for 10-15 minutes until the edges of each Twinkie begin to turn slightly golden.
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Step 3: Remove and cool
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Remove from oven and immediately run a knife around each Twinkie cake. Then, flip the pan over onto a wire cooling rack. Gently lift the pan from the Twinkies and remove. Removing promptly will help the bottom of the Twinkies flatten as they cool.
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Let cool completely.
Step 4: Mix filling
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
While the Twinkies cool, combine the filling ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir until everything is blended evenly together and then transfer to a filling injectoror a pastry bag fitted with a round tip.
Step 5: Fill with cream
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Insert the pastry tip into the Twinkie cake from the bottom, starting at one end and injecting the filling until the cake begins to bulge slightly. Remove the tip and inject the cake two more times from the bottom—once toward the middle and again at the opposite end. When finished, you should have three small holes brimming with filling on the bottom of each Twinkie. Serve and enjoy.
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Editor’s tip: When filling the Twinkies, you want to insert the pastry tip deep into the Twinkie—almost to the point of thinking it might poke through the other side. This will help ensure you’re able to generously fill each cake without skimping on the good stuff.
If you’re a fan of jalapeno poppers, you’re going to have to try these brisket-filled Texas Twinkies.
How to Store Twinkies
Later in Zombieland, Woody Harrelson’s character, Tallahassee, goes on to say, “Believe it or not, Twinkies do have an expiration date.” While store-bought Twinkies won’t expire for several months, homemade Twinkies will stay fresh for up to five days stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Editor’s tip: In testing, we found that the Twinkies actually tasted best 1-2 days after making them. The filling permeates the inside of the cake as they sit and makes the vanilla sponge even more tender and delicious. Pop a day-old Twinkie in your old-school lunch box for maximum nostalgia!
More Junk Food Aisle Copycat Recipes
1 / 40
Puppy ChowThis easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there's less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test KitchenGo to RecipeBonus: Here's how you can make puppy chow without peanut butter.
Homemade Frosted Strawberry Pop-TartsI love this classic treat from childhood! Homemade Pop-Tarts are, of course, awesome for breakfast, but they are also a satisfying desserts since they are really similar to hand pies. These pastries are worth the extra effort. —Andrea Potischman, Menlo Park, California
Go to Recipe
Need breakfast on the go? We tried off-brand Pop-Tarts to find out how well these morning treats stacked up against the original.
LAUREN HABERMEHL FOR TASTE OF HOME
Fried Mozzarella SticksGolden, gooey and perfectly seasoned, you'll fall in love with this fail-proof recipe for homemade mozzarella sticks. —Lauren Habermehl, Milwaukee, WisconsinGo to Recipe
Brianna Griepentrog/Taste of Home
Cosmic BrowniesThese moist and fudgy squares are bursting with such rich chocolate flavor, you'd never know they're low in fat. They're ideal for taking to bake sales and family gatherings. —Deb Anderson, Joplin, MissouriGo to RecipeCheck out these healthy snacks when your cravings hit.
Corn DogsPrepare corn dogs at home just like you'd get at the fair. Both kids and grown-ups will love this hearty corn dog batter. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
APRIL PREISLER FOR TASTE OF HOME
Copycat Lofthouse CookiesIt’s easy to buy a package of cookies at the grocery store, but I think this Lofthouse cookie recipe might be even better than store-bought!Go to Recipe
Homemade Honey GrahamsThe way my boys eat them, I would spend a fortune on honey graham crackers at the grocery store. So I decided to make a homemade version that is less processed—and less expensive. These are wonderful, although they still don't last long. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Almond Bear ClawsThis bear claw pastry recipe is absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious! It's impossible to resist the delicate dough, rich almond filling and pretty fanned tops sprinkled with sugar and almonds. I made yummy treats like this when I worked in a bakery years ago. —Aneta Kish, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
TMB Studio
Easy Oatmeal Cream PiesThese easy cookies use only five ingredients and taste very similar to a store-bought cookie. Of course, everything's better from your own kitchen! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Giant PretzelsMy husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado
Go to Recipe
Jalapeno Popper DipHere's a fantastic way to deliver all that blazing jalapeno popper taste without the work. Whenever I bring this jalapeno popper dip to a party, I'm always asked for the recipe. Serve with corn chips, tortilla chips or butter crackers. —Jennifer Wilke, Collinsville, Illinois
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Chewy Honey Granola BarsThere's sweetness from the honey, chewiness from the raisins, hints of chocolate and cinnamon, and a bit of crunch. To save a few for later, wrap individual bars and place in a resealable freezer container. When you want a satisfying treat on short notice, just grab one and let it thaw for a few minutes. —Tasha Lehman, Williston, Vermont
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Pizza RollsOur family just loves my husband's version of store-bought pizza rolls. They take some time to make, but they freeze well so we get to enjoy the fruits of our labor for a long time! —Julie Gaines, Normal, Illinois
Go to Recipe
Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home
Krispy Kreme Doughnut CopycatLearn how to re-create the magic of your favorite glazed doughnuts in your very own kitchen with this simple copycat Krispy Kreme doughnut recipe. —Lauren Habermehl, Milwaukee, WisconsinGo to Recipe
Teriyaki Beef JerkyJerky is a fun and portable snack. The meat has a savory flavor and just a bit of heat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
With a caramel-like coating and a touch of heat from the hot sauce, these crunchy peanuts make a tasty anytime snack. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
Garlic-Chive Baked FriesYes, you do want fries with that—especially these crispy, golden fries, full of garlic flavor and just a little bit of heat. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
Homemade french fries are so much better than the bags in the frozen section at the grocery store!
Chewy Soft PretzelsThese homemade pretzels never last long around our house. My kids love to make them…and eat them! I serve them to company with a variety of dips, such as pizza sauce, ranch dressing, spinach dip or hot mustard. —Elvira Martens, Aldergrove, British Columbia
Go to Recipe
Matt Robicelli for Taste of Home
Air-Fryer Corn DogsIt’s not hard to find corn dogs at the state fair or on the boardwalk. But making corn dogs at home is easy, too, thanks to air fryers and frozen corn dogs.Go to Recipe
Almost It's-It Ice Cream SandwichesYou'll discover why this treat is so popular in San Francisco. It's snack heaven—ice cream, delicious oatmeal cookies and a touch of chocolate. Swap the vanilla ice cream for your favorite flavor. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Caramelized Onion DipOnce you taste this fabulous caramelized onion dip, you'll never go back to store-bought french onion dip. While it takes a little longer to make, I promise it's worth every minute. —Kelly Gardner, Alton, Illinois
Go to Recipe
TMB Studio
White Chocolate Cereal BarsA friend shared with me this fresh take on traditional crispy treats. My husband loves them, and I feel so efficient with their quick prep time. —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
Go to Recipe
Mini BagelizzasGarlic powder gives these speedy mini pizzas extra pizzazz. Not only are they a snap to put together, but best of all, the ingredient list is easy on your pocketbook. My husband loves them. And my toddler will soon enjoy them as an after-school treat. -Stephanie Klos-Kohr, Moline, Illinois
Go to Recipe
TMB Studio
Homemade Peanut Butter CupsI like using pretty mini muffin liners and topping these homemade peanut butter cups with colored sprinkles to coordinate with the holiday we're celebrating. People can't believe how simple it is to make this irresistible candy with gooey peanut butter centers. This is how to make homemade peanut butter cups. —LaVonne Hegland, St. Michael, Minnesota
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Baked Crab RangoonsWhen I'm dining out, crab rangoons are one of my go-to dishes. I decided to create a better-for-you version at home. —Emily Higgins, Wingdale, New York
Go to Recipe
PoutineThe ultimate in French-Canadian junk food, poutine commonly features warm fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. This side dish is quick to fix with frozen potatoes and packaged gravy but has all the traditional greasy spoon comfort. —Shelisa Terry, Henderson, Nevada
Go to Recipe
Easy Mint ThinsMy friends often try to guess the ingredients, but I never tell them how simple they are to make. They taste just like the Girl Scout cookie, and they're perfect for Christmas and bake sales. —Jennifer Setser, Morgantown, Indiana
Go to Recipe
Courtside Caramel CornMy guests say they can't stop eating my caramel corn! For our basketball party I fix enough to fill a big red tin with our team's logo. The delectable syrup coats the popcorn well but isn't sticky. —Sharon Landeen, Tucson, Arizona
Go to Recipe
Dill Pickle DipMy love for pickles led me to create this dill pickle dip. It's so easy to whip together. But be warned...it's addicting! —April Anderson, Forest Lake, Minnesota
Go to Recipe
Chocolate Sandwich CookiesMy soft, not-too-sweet chocolate cookies are filled with a heavenly cream filling. Kids of all ages devour them! Whenever my family comes to visit, these are the treats they always request. —Salvatore Bertolino, Indiana, Pennsylvania
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Slow Cooker Party MixThis mildly seasoned snack mix is always a party favorite. Served warm from a slow cooker, the munchable mixture is very satisfying. —Dana Hughes, Gresham, Oregon
Go to Recipe
Kettle CornIf you go to a fair looking to satisfy your craving for popcorn, you'll get the same wonderful salty-sweet taste at home with my kettle corn recipe. Now you can indulge whenever the mood strikes you. —Jenn Martin, Sebago, Maine
Go to Recipe
Air-Fryer Mozzarella SticksDeep-fried mozzarella sticks are one of our favorite appetizers. I figured out how to make them at home without having to haul out the deep fryer. Make sure to double-bread each one so these air-fryer mozzarella sticks get nice and crunchy, and to keep the cheese from oozing out as they get warm. —Mary Merchant, Barre, Vermont
Go to Recipe
Nacho DipThis zesty nacho dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. —Sally Hull, Homestead, Florida
Go to Recipe
Chocolate EclairsWith creamy filling and fudgy frosting, this chocolate eclair recipe is extra special. —Jessica Campbell, Viola, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
Confetti Snack MixI've made this party mix for many years, and I usually double the recipe. It makes a delightful gift, and everyone always asks how I make it. —Jane Bray, Temple Terrace, Florida
Go to Recipe
Pecan SandiesWhenever Mother made this pecan sandies recipe, there never seemed to be enough! Even now when I make it, the cookies disappear quickly. These melt-in-your mouth treats are great with a cold glass of milk or a steaming mug of hot chocolate. —Debbie Carlson, San Diego, California
Go to Recipe
TMB Studio
Chocolate-Dipped Phyllo SticksLooking for a little something special to share with friends or family? Try these crunchy treats. They’re wonderful with coffee or a glass of milk. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
LAUREN HABERMEHL FOR TASTE OF HOME
Hostess Cupcake RecipeWe love this copycat Hostess Cupcake recipe because of its short ingredient list and simple method.Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Jalapeno PoppersThese creamy stuffed jalapeno poppers have some bite. They may be the most popular treats I make! My husband is always hinting that I should make a batch. —Lisa Byington, Johnson City, New York
Go to Recipe
