Twinkie Cake

Twinkie Cake is a fun, nostalgic dessert made with layers of soft Twinkies, creamy vanilla pudding, sweet whipped topping, and your favorite fruit. It’s a no-bake, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as easy to assemble as it is to love. With its soft, sponge-like texture and rich, creamy layers, Twinkie Cake is perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or anytime you want a playful and indulgent dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Twinkie Cake brings all the flavor of childhood snack cakes into a creamy, layered dessert. It’s incredibly simple to make—no oven required—and it’s easy to customize with different fruits or flavored puddings. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd and comes together quickly with store-bought ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or need a last-minute sweet dish, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Twinkies (sliced in half lengthwise)
• Instant vanilla pudding mix
• Milk (cold)
• Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• Bananas, sliced (optional)
• Crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
• Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
• Crushed nuts or chocolate chips (optional for topping)

directions

this recipe

1. Prepare pudding by whisking the mix with cold milk according to package instructions. Let it set for 5 minutes.
2. Slice Twinkies in half lengthwise and line the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish with them, cream-side up.
3. Add a layer of sliced bananas or drained crushed pineapple, if using.
4. Pour prepared pudding over the Twinkies and spread evenly.
5. Top with a layer of whipped topping, smoothing it out with a spatula.
6. Garnish with maraschino cherries, crushed nuts, or chocolate chips if desired.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before serving to allow flavors to meld and cake to set.

Servings and timing

Serves 12
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Twinkie Cake: Use chocolate pudding and drizzle with chocolate syrup.
• Strawberry Delight: Layer with sliced strawberries and strawberry glaze.
• Peanut Butter Twist: Add a drizzle of melted peanut butter or peanut butter chips between layers.
• Tropical Style: Use pineapple, coconut flakes, and mango chunks.
• Twinkie Tiramisu: Use coffee pudding or espresso-soaked Twinkies with cocoa powder on top.

storage/reheating

Store Twinkie Cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
This cake is not suitable for freezing, as the whipped topping and fruit may not thaw well.
Serve chilled for best texture and flavor. No reheating is needed.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, just be sure it’s stabilized whipped cream if you want it to hold up over a few days.

Do Twinkies get soggy?

They soften slightly, but retain enough texture to give a pleasant, cake-like consistency.

Can I make this the night before?

Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld together.

Is this cake served warm or cold?

Cold. It’s a chilled, creamy dessert perfect for hot days.

Can I use different snack cakes?

Yes, try chocolate snack cakes, Little Debbies, or Swiss Rolls for a twist.

How do I keep the bananas from browning?

Toss banana slices in a bit of lemon juice before layering them in the cake.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Absolutely. Halve the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch dish instead.

Is this cake kid-friendly?

Yes! It’s sweet, soft, and familiar—kids love it.

Can I use sugar-free pudding?

Yes, sugar-free pudding and light whipped topping both work for a lighter version.

What fruit goes best with Twinkie Cake?

Bananas and pineapple are classic, but strawberries, blueberries, or peaches also work well.

Conclusion

Twinkie Cake is a nostalgic, no-fuss dessert that transforms a favorite snack into a creamy, layered delight. Whether you’re entertaining or just indulging a sweet craving, this chilled treat is guaranteed to bring smiles to every table. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and downright delicious—Twinkie Cake is a fun and memorable addition to your dessert lineup.

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