If you grew up loving Twinkies, you're going to love this homemade cake. This Twinkie Cake Recipe transforms the classic snack into a soft vanilla Bundt cake filled with a fluffy marshmallow cream center. It's perfect for birthdays, potlucks, holidays, or anytime you're craving a nostalgic dessert that's fun to share.
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We have previously made a No-Bake Twinkies Cake for Spring. Both that recipe and this one create a moist, flavorful cake reminiscent of the classic Hostess Twinkies.
Why You'll Love This Twinkie Cake
- Soft vanilla Bundt cake with a fluffy marshmallow cream filling
- Inspired by the classic Hostess Twinkie
- Easy to make for birthdays, potlucks, and family gatherings
- Feeds a crowd better than individual snack cakes
- A fun homemade dessert that's always a conversation starter
What Makes This Cake Taste Like a Twinkie?
If you love the classic snack cake, this homemade version will feel very familiar. It has the same soft vanilla flavor, a fluffy marshmallow cream filling, and a light dusting of powdered sugar that gives it that nostalgic finish.
Instead of making individual snack cakes, this recipe transforms those classic flavors into a beautiful Bundt cake that's perfect for sharing. The cake is tender and moist, while the creamy filling adds a sweet surprise in every slice.
It's inspired by the original Twinkie, but with the fresh taste and texture that you can only get from a homemade dessert. It's a fun twist on a childhood favorite that's sure to bring back memories.
Ingredients For Twinkie Cake Recipe
- Butter: Adds richness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cake structure.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds classic vanilla flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist.
- Eggs and Egg Yolks: Add richness and structure.
- Buttermilk: Creates a tender crumb with a slight tang. Marshmallow Fluff: Makes the signature creamy filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and finishes the cake.
Helpful Equipment
Cupcake corer - Makes evenly sized holes for the marshmallow filling, but a small paring knife works just as well.
9-inch Bundt pan - Creates the cake's classic shape and helps it bake evenly.
Piping bag - Makes filling the cake quick and neat. A zip-top bag with the corner snipped off also works.
How to Make Twinkie Bundt Cake
Start by mixing the batter until it's smooth and creamy. It should be thick enough to hold its shape briefly when lifted with a spatula, but still pour easily into the Bundt pan.
The batter should fill the pan evenly. Gently tap the pan on the counter a couple of times to release any large air bubbles before baking.
The cake is ready when it's golden on top and springs back lightly when touched. Let it cool in the pan before turning it out to help prevent sticking.
The filling should be smooth enough to pipe easily but thick enough that it won't ooze out once the cake is sliced.
Try to distribute the filling evenly so every slice gets a creamy center.
A generous dusting of powdered sugar gives this cake its classic snack cake look and makes every slice extra pretty for serving.
Expert Tips
- Grease the Bundt pan thoroughly. Be sure to coat every groove and crevice with butter or nonstick baking spray. This extra step helps the cake release cleanly and keeps its beautiful shape intact.
- Use room temperature ingredients. Let the butter, eggs, and buttermilk sit out before you begin. They blend together more easily and create a smoother batter with a tender, even crumb.
- Mix just until combined. Once you add the dry ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter. Mixing too much can make the finished cake denser instead of light and soft.
- Cool the cake before filling. Wait until the cake has cooled completely before piping in the marshmallow filling. A cool cake is less likely to tear, and the filling will stay in place much better.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Adding the powdered sugar right before serving gives the cake that classic Twinkie-inspired look and keeps the topping fresh and pretty.
FAQs
The best way to prevent sticking is to grease every nook and cranny of the Bundt pan before adding the batter. Let the cake cool for about 10 to 15 minutes after baking, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack. Waiting too long can make it more difficult to release.
This recipe uses marshmallow fluff as the base for the filling, mixed with a few simple ingredients to create a smooth, creamy texture. Using marshmallow fluff by itself won't give you the same light filling that's found in this cake.
It captures the classic flavors of a Twinkie with a soft vanilla cake, creamy marshmallow filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Since it's homemade, the cake has a richer flavor and a more tender texture than the packaged snack cakes.
To store any leftover cake, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you'd like to keep it for a longer period, freezing is a great option.
To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, followed by aluminum foil for extra protection, then place it in a zip-top bag. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge before serving.
You can make this Twinkie cake recipe a day in advance. You can also prepare the cream filling ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to fill the cake. This way, you'll have a fresh dessert ready to impress your guests!
If you don't have a Bundt pan, you can use a different type of cake pan. While the Bundt pan gives the cake its signature shape and design, a regular round or square cake pan will work just fine. Keep in mind that you'll need to adjust the baking time.
Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
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Cake Recipes
📖 Recipe
Twinkie Cake Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter softened
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 3 egg yolks just the yolk
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Cream Filling:
- 7 oz marshmallow crème fluff
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup Powdered sugar plus some for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F and generously grease a 9-inch Bundt pan.
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together 6 tablespoons of butter and vanilla. Gradually add the granulated sugar and oil, mixing until well combined.
- Beat in the three whole eggs and 3 yolks until smooth.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the Bundt pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely for an additional hour.
- In a mixing bowl, combine marshmallow crème, ½ cup of softened butter, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Use a paring knife or cupcake corer to make holes in the cake.
- Transfer the marshmallow crème to a piping bag or plastic bag and fill the holes in the cake with the cream. Replace the small cake circles back into the cake.
- Carefully place the cake onto a serving platter, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure that the Bundt pan is greased well to prevent sticking. Use softened butter or non-stick spray for best results.
- Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the filling. This helps the cake stay intact.
Nutrition
This homemade Twinkie Cake is always a conversation starter. It has all the nostalgic flavor of the classic snack cake in a dessert that's perfect for sharing. Whether you're making it for a birthday, potluck, or weekend treat, it's one recipe people always ask for.
Imsen says
What a fun and delicious cake ! Def gonna try it next time
Vicky says
Thanks so much! I know you will love it!
Anjali says
Omg what a fun and delicious cake recipe!! I loved Twinkies when I was a kid, and I love how you've elevated that nostalgic dessert in this beautiful cake!
Vicky says
Thanks for the kind words! The twinkies cake certainly brings back memories.
Ned says
I made the Twinkie Cake, and it was a nostalgic and fun treat that everyone loved. Super easy to put together and a big hit with the kids!
Vicky says
Thank You! My kids loved the twinkie cake too!
Gianne says
This Twinkie cake is pure nostalgia in every bite! The creamy filling and fluffy cake layers are a perfect match. It's incredibly easy to make, too, which makes it a fantastic dessert for any occasion.
Vicky says
Thank you! The twinkies cake is always a big hit at parties!
Jason Otis says
Oh gosh that filling is amazing. So tasty! Thanks for the idea!
Vicky says
So glad you enjoyed the twinkies bundt cake!