Recipe

This Is How to Make DIY Twinkies

By Emmy Daniels at DePaul University

The cultural staying power of Twinkies is undeniable – they are as much an icon of American convenience store junk-food today as they were in 1934, when they were first introduced. Now you can impress your friends and loved ones by making these little golden snack cakes yourself, at home, with a handful of ingredients and an hour of free time.

Unlike store-bought Twinkies, these ones DO have a short shelf-life, so be sure to eat them within a few days. Not that we think you’ll have any problem doing that.

DIY Twinkies

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 12 servings
  • Advanced
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoon milk
  • 10 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup cake flour
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 eggs
  • 12 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup marshmallow fluff
  • 2 tablespoon heavy cream

Photo by Emmy Daniels

Step 1

Combine milk, 4 tablespoons melted butter, and vanilla. Cover and set aside.

GIF by Emmy Daniels

Step 2

In a separate bowl, whisk together both flours, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside, too.

GIF by Emmy Daniels

Step 3

Separate five eggs.

GIF by Emmy Daniels

Step 4

Beat egg whites on medium-high until foamy. Add 6 tablespoons sugar, and continue to beat until thick and fluffy.

GIF by Emmy Daniels

Step 5

Remove egg whites from mixer, and pour in yolks instead. (No need to clean the bowl.) Add the last 6 tablespoons sugar and beat until pale yellow.

GIF by Emmy Daniels

Step 6

Add egg whites and your flour mixture from before. Beat on low speed until just combined.

GIF by Emmy Daniels

Step 7

Pour in your melted butter mixture. Fold with a spatula until combined.

GIF by Emmy Daniels

Step 8

Form 12 aluminum foil squares, and shape each one into something resembling a Twinkie.

#SpoonTip: Use a small spice container when folding your aluminum foil to get the shape juuuust right. 

GIF by Emmy Daniels

Step 9

Spray molds with non-stick spray and fill 3/4 of the way with batter. Bake at 350°F for 13-15 minutes.

GIF by Emmy Daniels

Step 10

For the cream filling, combine 10 tablespoons butter (room temperature), powdered sugar, marshmallow fluff, and heavy cream in the bowl of a stand mixer.

GIF by Emmy Daniels

Step 11

When Twinkies are cool, poke 3 holes in the bottom of each with a chopstick, and 1 hole going across length-wise.

GIF by Emmy Daniels

Step 12

Pipe cream filling into holes, serve, and enjoy.

GIF by Emmy Daniels

Want more DIY treats? Look no further: