If you have a sweet tooth and love nostalgic treats, you are going to adore this Twinkie Cupcakes Recipe. These cupcakes capture everything that makes classic Twinkies so irresistible—the soft, moist yellow cake paired with a fluffy, dreamy cream filling—only in a perfectly portable cupcake form. Whether for a party, a special occasion, or just a fun family dessert, this recipe delivers that iconic flavor with a fresh twist that will have everyone begging for seconds. You’ll find this Twinkie Cupcakes Recipe is both shockingly simple to whip up and absolutely delightful to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with familiar ingredients that come together beautifully to create the iconic Twinkie cupcake flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays its part: from the yellow cake mix providing a tender crumb, to the marshmallow creme making the filling irresistibly light and sweet.
- Yellow Cake Mix: This forms the soft, moist cake base and saves you lots of time.
- Large Eggs: They bind the ingredients and add richness to the cupcake batter.
- Oil: Keeps the cupcakes tender and gives them a moist crumb.
- Vanilla Instant Pudding: Adds extra flavor and moisture to the cake for that authentic Twinkie taste.
- Water: Helps hydrate the pudding mix and batter for the perfect texture.
- Shortening: Creates a creamy, stable base for the filling with a nice smooth texture.
- Marshmallow Creme: The secret to that iconic fluffy Twinkie filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly while helping it to thicken.
- Milk: Balances the sweetness and helps achieve the perfect filling consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances all the other flavors in both cake and filling.
How to Make Twinkie Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your cupcake pans with cupcake liners—this helps the cupcakes bake evenly and makes cleanup easier. Having everything ready before you start mixing will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, oil, vanilla instant pudding, and water. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and lump-free. This batter is the base that will become that soft, moist cupcake with just the right amount of vanilla flavor.
Step 3: Fill Your Cupcake Liners
Fill each cupcake liner about three-quarters full with the batter. This gives the cupcakes enough room to rise without spilling over, and ensures a nice domed top to hold the filling.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake the cupcakes for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is essential before adding the filling to avoid melting it.
Step 5: Make the Filling
While your cupcakes are cooling, mix together the shortening, marshmallow creme, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a clean bowl. Blend everything well until the filling is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable. This creamy filling is what transforms the cupcakes into that classic Twinkie experience.
Step 6: Prepare Cupcakes for Filling
Carefully cut a small slit or create a hole in the center of each cooled cupcake. This creates space for the luscious filling that makes these cupcakes so special.
Step 7: Fill the Cupcakes
Using a medicine syringe, piping bag, or even a small spoon, fill each cupcake’s center with the marshmallow creme filling. Make sure to fill generously for that perfect creamy bite every time.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your Twinkie Cupcakes are now ready to be admired and devoured! Serve them at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Twinkie Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Though these cupcakes shine on their own, you can dress them up with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few rainbow sprinkles to add a bit of whimsy and extra color. Fresh berries on the side provide a lovely tart contrast to the sweet, creamy flavors.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes pair beautifully with a simple glass of cold milk or a rich cup of coffee. For a fun party spread, serve them alongside other nostalgic treats like peanut butter cookies or chocolate-covered pretzels to keep the comfort-food vibe going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider placing each cupcake inside a mini cupcake wrapper decorated with Twinkie-themed prints or bright yellow accents. You could also arrange them on a tiered dessert stand, alternating with fresh fruit and edible flowers for a charming display that invites guests to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the Twinkie cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their moistness and fluffy filling. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them but allow to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these cupcakes by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw several hours in the fridge or overnight before serving.
Reheating
Since these cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. If you prefer a slightly warm cupcake, gently warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating as it may melt the filling.
FAQs
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be made a day in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using to restore the fluffy texture.
Is there a substitute for shortening in the filling?
You can use unsalted butter as a substitute for shortening, but keep in mind that it might change the consistency slightly and make the filling softer unless chilled.
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of cake mix?
Yes! You can use your favorite homemade yellow cake batter, but adding instant vanilla pudding to the mix helps keep the cupcakes extra moist and gives them that classic Twinkie flavor.
How long do Twinkie Cupcakes last?
Stored properly, these cupcakes last 2 days at room temperature or up to 4 days refrigerated. Beyond that, the texture and freshness may begin to decline.
What’s the best tool for filling the cupcakes?
A medicine syringe works wonderfully because it allows precise control when injecting the filling. Alternatively, a piping bag with a small round tip works well too.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Twinkie Cupcakes Recipe, it’s going to become a beloved staple in your dessert lineup. It’s nostalgic, fun, and surprisingly easy to make, offering a delicious homage to a classic treat with your own homemade flair. So go ahead, whip up a batch, share with friends, and watch these cupcakes disappear in no time!
Print
Twinkie Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Twinkie Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of a Twinkie in a moist cupcake form. These cupcakes feature a tender yellow cake base filled with a creamy marshmallow filling, creating a nostalgic and indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
- 4 large Eggs
- 3/4 cup Oil
- 1 box Vanilla Instant Pudding
- 3/4 cup Water
Filling
- 1/2 cup Shortening
- 1 cup Marshmallow Creme
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 4 teaspoons Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, oil, vanilla instant pudding, and water. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Fill cupcake liners: Pour the cake batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake cupcakes: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
- Prepare filling: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the shortening, marshmallow creme, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Hollow cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled, cut a small slit or hole in the center of each cupcake to create space for the filling.
- Fill cupcakes: Using a medicine syringe or piping bag, fill the center cavity of each cupcake with the marshmallow filling, ensuring each cupcake has a generous amount inside.
- Serve: Your Twinkie Cupcakes are now ready to serve. Enjoy this nostalgic treat with friends and family!
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before filling to prevent the filling from melting or becoming too runny.
- You can substitute shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor if preferred.
- If a medicine syringe is unavailable, use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill the cupcakes.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
