If you have ever dreamed about capturing the nostalgic delight of a classic treat with your own hands, then this Homemade Twinkies Vanilla Cakes Recipe is going to knock your socks off. These golden, fluffy cakes with their soft, luscious vanilla meringue filling are a delightful homage to the original, but with a homemade charm that makes each bite feel extra special. Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite or introducing someone to the magic of Twinkies, this recipe combines simple ingredients and thoughtful technique to bring a timeless dessert right into your kitchen.

Homemade Twinkies Vanilla Cakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step in creating these scrumptious vanilla cakes. Each component plays an important role, from the tender crumb to the airy, sweet filling, ensuring your Homemade Twinkies Vanilla Cakes Recipe turns out perfectly every time.

Cake flour 250 grams: Provides a light, tender texture essential for that spongy cake crumb.
Granulated sugar 225 grams: Adds sweetness and helps to achieve a fine crumb structure.
Baking powder 2 teaspoons: Gives a gentle lift, making sure the cakes rise just right without being too dense.
Salt 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Large eggs 6 (room temperature): Eggs contribute structure, moisture, and richness, creating a tender and elastic cake base.
Whole milk 120 millilitres: Adds moisture and richness while helping to create a smooth batter.
Vegetable oil 160 millilitres: Keeps the cakes ultra-moist and soft even after baking.
Vanilla extract 1 tablespoon: Infuses that unmistakable classic vanilla flavor that defines these cakes.
Additional large egg whites 2 (room temperature): For the delicate meringue filling, ensuring it’s light and fluffy.
Granulated sugar 135 grams (for filling): Sweetens the filling and helps create the glossy, stable meringue texture.
Water 40 millilitres (for filling): Used to make the sugar syrup that stabilizes the meringue filling.

How to Make Homemade Twinkies Vanilla Cakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 177°C (350°F)—a perfect moderate heat for these delicate cakes. Generously spray your Twinkie-shaped cake pans with a non-stick baking spray; this little step will guarantee your cakes come out flawlessly without any sticking issues, preserving the shape and the beautiful golden surface.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Sifting the flour is key here—it aerates the flour and helps prevent lumps, contributing to that soft, cloud-like texture you want in the baked cakes.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together until fully combined. The liquid mixture is the heart of moisture and flavor, infusing your cakes with richness and that essential vanilla aroma that will make them irresistible.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk gently but thoroughly until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. This batter might seem thin—it should be! Thin batter means your cakes will bake up light and soft, just like the Twinkies you love.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Spoon the batter into the prepared pans, filling each cavity about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will quickly fill with that sweet, warm vanilla scent that’s pure anticipation.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in their pans before attempting to remove or fill them. Patience here is essential to prevent breaking or tearing the delicate cakes.

Step 7: Make the Meringue Filling

For the signature filling, beat the additional egg whites at high speed until stiff peaks form—this ensures a light and airy base. In a small saucepan, gently stir together the sugar and water, cooking over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. Then crank up the heat and cook the syrup to the perfect temperature of 119°C to 121°C (245°F to 250°F), which is key for the ideal texture.

Step 8: Combine Meringue and Syrup

Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the whipped egg whites while the mixer runs at medium-high speed. Then increase to high speed and whip until the meringue cools to room temperature and becomes thick, glossy, and stable. This luscious filling will bring your Homemade Twinkies Vanilla Cakes Recipe to life with creamy sweetness and that classic cloud-like fluffiness.

Step 9: Fill the Cakes

Transfer the meringue filling to a piping bag fitted with a #10 round tip and gently fill each Twinkie cavity through the holes or by slicing and filling if using molds without filling tubes. This final touch creates the delightful surprise inside that makes Twinkies so irresistible.

How to Serve Homemade Twinkies Vanilla Cakes Recipe

Garnishes

While these cakes are perfect on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate adds an elegant touch. Fresh berries on the side can also complement the vanilla flavor with a pop of tartness, making every bite feel perfectly balanced.

Side Dishes

Pair these dreamy vanilla cakes with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A hot cup of milk or coffee elevates the indulgence and makes for a nostalgic dessert experience that feels both comforting and celebratory.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these cakes on a vintage cake stand for an old-school vibe, or wrap a few up in wax paper tied with twine for a charming, homemade gift. You can also layer several filled cakes with whipped cream and fruit for a playful take on a classic trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Homemade Twinkies Vanilla Cakes Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness. For best texture, consume within this time frame as the cakes are freshest and the filling remains fluffy before the moisture redistributes.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled, unfrosted cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing the filled cakes as the meringue filling may change in texture when thawed.

Reheating

To freshen slightly chilled cakes, warm them gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, which revives that tender softness. Be careful not to overheat or you risk melting the filling or drying out the cake.

FAQs

Can I make these Twinkies without a special pan?

Absolutely! If you don’t have Twinkie-shaped pans, you can bake the batter in mini loaf pans or silicone molds, then slice and fill them after baking. While the shape might differ, the flavor and texture remain delightful.

Is it safe to eat the filling with raw egg whites?

This recipe uses a cooked sugar syrup whipped into the egg whites, which effectively cooks them and makes the meringue filling safe to eat. Just be sure to reach the correct syrup temperature to ensure food safety.

Can I use a different filling for these cakes?

Of course! While the classic vanilla meringue is traditional, these cakes also pair wonderfully with whipped cream, buttercream, or even chocolate ganache fillings for a personalized touch.

How long do Homemade Twinkies Vanilla Cakes keep fresh?

Best consumed within 2 days when stored properly at room temperature. After that, the cakes may begin to lose moisture, and the filling texture might change.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To adapt this Homemade Twinkies Vanilla Cakes Recipe for gluten-free needs, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend designed for cakes. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly to get the right batter consistency.

Final Thoughts

Making these Homemade Twinkies Vanilla Cakes Recipe is not just baking; it’s crafting a little piece of joy and nostalgia that you can share with family and friends. The combination of tender vanilla sponge and airy meringue filling is truly magic. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and bring those soft golden cakes to life—it’s a treat you won’t regret making or sharing.