Name: Twinkie Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 large egg yolk (only use the yolk, discard the egg whites); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1¼ cups unsalted butter (softened); 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow fluff; 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted); 3-4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; 1¼ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 54 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the nostalgic charm of a classic snack in a show-stopping dessert, the Twinkie Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This cake transforms that iconic golden sponge and fluffy filling into a luscious, multi-layer delight that’s perfect for sharing at brunches, birthday parties, or whenever you want to feel a bit of sweet comfort. It’s dreamy, light, and packed with flavor, blending the simplicity of a homemade yellow cake with a marshmallow cream frosting that’s heavenly and fun to make. Trust me, once you try this Twinkie Cake Recipe, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds an arrangement of baking ingredients. At the top left are two sticks of pale yellow butter with red markings. Below them, a white plate holds three white eggs. At the top right, a small wooden container with a spoon filled with salt sits. To its left, a small white jug filled with milk is placed. In the center, an open bag of white flour shows a fine powder inside. Below it is a small jar with a bright blue lid and a colorful label featuring rainbow shapes. To the right of the jar, a white dish contains a separated bright yellow egg yolk. Below that, a white plate is filled with a mound of white powdered sugar. At the bottom left, a small white bowl holds a pale yellow liquid. Above that, a tiny bottle with a cork contains a dark brown vanilla extract. To the left of the jar in the center, a small pale blue cup holds a white granular ingredient. The arrangement is neat, bright, and well lit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is half the magic behind this Twinkie Cake Recipe. Each one plays a vital role, from the moist yellow cake base to the irresistibly fluffy marshmallow filling. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and why every item matters for achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

Yellow cake mix: The foundation of our cake, making it wonderfully tender with that classic golden color.
Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture, ensuring the batter is smooth and luscious.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and helps the crumb stay light.
Large eggs: Provide structure and binding for a perfect crumb.
Large egg yolk: Adds extra richness and a beautiful golden hue to the cake.
Pure vanilla extract: A subtle aroma that elevates all the other flavors without overpowering.
Unsalted butter: Softened to create a creamy base for our dreamy marshmallow frosting.
Marshmallow fluff: The star of the filling, bringing fluffy sweetness and that signature Twinkie feel.
Powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and thickens the frosting to a spreadable texture.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds lightness to the filling and allows you to adjust the consistency.
Sea salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance the overall flavors.

How to Make Twinkie Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pans

Start by lining two 9×13 inch cake pans with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy cake removal later. Lightly spray the paper with nonstick cooking spray to make sure the cakes come out cleanly. This simple step saves you so much hassle when it’s time to assemble your layers.

Step 2: Mix the Yellow Sponge Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix with whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, the extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until the batter is smooth and thick, about 2 to 3 minutes. This mixture will be thinner than traditional cake batter but trust me—it bakes into the perfect thin, tender layers that mimic Twinkies beautifully.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, spreading gently into an even layer. Pop them in the oven at 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn a light golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Then, let them cool completely in their pans for about an hour—patience here makes assembly so much easier.

Step 4: Make the Marshmallow Cream Filling

While your cakes cool, whip together the magical filling. Beat the softened unsalted butter on medium until it’s pale and creamy. Then add marshmallow fluff and continue beating until everything blends into a luscious, fluffy cloud. Slowly mix in sifted powdered sugar on low speed, scraping the bowl often, until smooth. Finish by adding heavy cream, vanilla, and salt, beating until the filling is light and holds its shape just right. If it feels too thick, a little extra heavy cream will give you that perfect spreadability.

Step 5: Assemble the Twinkie Cake

Lift one cooled cake layer out carefully using the parchment overhang or by inverting the pan, then place it on your serving plate or leave it in the pan if you prefer. Spread a generous layer of marshmallow cream evenly across the top, leaving a bit of border on the edges. Then gently place the second cake layer on top and press lightly to keep it in place. You can enjoy it right away, but letting it chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight really helps those layers to meld into one delicious bliss.

How to Serve Twinkie Cake Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with twelve square pieces of yellow cake, arranged in three rows of four. Each piece has a soft, slightly uneven texture on top, with two of the pieces cut to reveal a middle layer of white cream filling between two layers of fluffy yellow cake. Crumbs are scattered around the pieces in the dish. The dish is set on a white marbled surface, with a white spatula nearby and a white plate with silver forks in the top left corner. Part of a white bowl containing brown rings is visible in the upper right corner. A blue cloth is partially seen on the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

There’s something special about adding a little extra flair when serving your Twinkie Cake Recipe. Try topping each slice with freshly whipped cream made from leftover heavy cream and a sprinkle of toasted mini marshmallows for a delightful crunch. Fresh berries also add a lovely pop of color and a hint of tartness that balances the sweet richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pairing is everything! Serve this cake alongside a cup of rich coffee, sweet tea, or even a cold glass of milk to complement its creamy sweetness. If you want a more indulgent spread, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce on the side turns it into a full dessert experience that guests won’t stop talking about.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, turn the Twinkie Cake Recipe into mini individual squares layered in clear dessert cups layered with fresh fruit or crushed cookies for texture contrast. Alternatively, decorate the top with playful sprinkles or edible gold dust for a party-ready cake that dazzles both eyes and taste buds alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Twinkie Cake is a gift you’ll want to treasure. Store the cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the marshmallow filling fresh and the cake moist without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw it overnight in the fridge to preserve its delicate texture and flavor.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer, let cooled slices sit out for about 15 minutes before serving so the marshmallow filling softens slightly. Avoid microwaving, as the delicate texture of the sponge and filling can suffer.

FAQs

Can I make the cake from scratch instead of using box mix?

Absolutely! While the box mix offers ease and consistency, you can use your favorite yellow cake recipe from scratch. Just ensure the batter has a similar thin consistency to replicate that classic light Twinkie texture.

What can I substitute for marshmallow fluff?

If you don’t have marshmallow fluff, you can use homemade marshmallow cream or even a bit of softened marshmallows melted gently with a small amount of cream to keep the fluffiness, but marshmallow fluff is ideal for the authentic taste and texture.

Is this cake very sweet? Can I adjust the sugar?

This Twinkie Cake Recipe is sweet, but balanced with a sprinkle of salt in the filling to prevent cloying. If you prefer less sweetness, try reducing the powdered sugar slightly, but keep in mind that texture might be affected.

Can I use low-fat milk or a milk alternative?

Whole milk is recommended for richness and moisture, but you can experiment with milk alternatives like almond or oat milk. Just remember these might change the flavor and texture slightly, so whole milk gives the best traditional results.

How long does the assembled cake last once refrigerated?

Once put together, the Twinkie Cake Recipe will taste freshest within 2-3 days refrigerated. After that, the cake layers might begin to dry out, though it’s still safe to eat for up to 4 days if covered well.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to make this Twinkie Cake Recipe and add a little sunshine to your dessert table. It’s a nostalgic, fluffy, and utterly delightful cake that’s easier to make than you think and totally worth every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because, this recipe will become a treasured favorite—and you might find yourself dreaming of Twinkies in cake form for years to come!

Twinkie Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need