Craving a nostalgic treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? Twinkie poke cake is the answer. This delightful dessert takes the classic flavors of a Twinkie and transforms them into a moist and flavorful poke cake. The star of the show? The irresistible marshmallow frosting that adds a sweet and fluffy twist to every bite.
Not only is this cake a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer a generous amount of frosting or just a hint of sweetness, this recipe allows for customization to suit your taste. Plus, the unique presentation of the poked holes gives it that iconic Twinkie look, making it a standout dessert for any occasion.
Ready to indulge in a slice of Twinkie heaven? Let’s dive into how to whip up this delectable treat that’s sure to bring back memories of childhood snacking in the most delicious way possible.
Ingredients
Creating this irresistible Twinkie poke cake requires a few simple ingredients that come together to form a delightful treat. Let’s gather everything you need for the cake base, filling, and topping.
For the Cake Base
- 1 box Twinkies
- 1 yellow cake mix
- 1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple, drained
- 4 large bananas
For the Filling
- 1 5.1-ounce box vanilla instant pudding mix
- Milk (according to box directions)
- 1 12-ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Maraschino cherries and chopped nuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar
Necessary Equipment
For baking the Twinkie Poke Cake, you’ll need some essential equipment to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Baking Tools
- Bundt Pan: To bake the perfect Twinkie Poke Cake, a bundt pan is essential to achieve the signature ring shape of the cake.
- Mixing Bowls: Have a few mixing bowls on hand for preparing the cake batter and frosting for easy ingredient mixing.
- Baking Spray: This handy tool will help prevent your cake from sticking to the baking pan, ensuring easy removal after baking.
- Cooling rack: A cooling rack is necessary to allow the cake to cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess.
- Piping Bag: If you prefer a decorative touch when frosting the cake, a piping bag will come in handy for precise and elegant frosting designs.
- Spatula: A spatula is useful for spreading the frosting evenly over the cake and for any decorative touches you may want to add.
- Powdered Sugar Shaker: This tool will give your Twinkie Poke Cake the final touch of authenticity with that classic powdered sugar dusting.
- Serving Platter: Present your Twinkie Poke Cake in style by having a beautiful serving platter ready for when it’s time to enjoy this delightful dessert.
Directions
Creating a delicious Twinkie poke cake is both fun and rewarding. Follow these simple steps to make a mouthwatering dessert that will impress your friends and family.
Preparing the Cake Mix
To start, prepare the cake mix by following these steps:
- Combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, and vanilla in a mixing bowl.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the cake batter into a prepared bundt pan coated with baking spray.
Baking the Cake
Next, bake the cake to perfection by:
- Preheating your oven to the recommended temperature as per the cake mix instructions.
- Place the filled bundt pan in the oven and bake for the specified time or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before proceeding to the next step.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, gently poke holes all over the surface of the cooled cake.
- Prepare a luscious frosting or filling to drizzle over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and infuse flavor throughout the dessert.
- Ensure the holes are evenly distributed to guarantee a moist and decadent final product.
Assembling the Twinkie Poke Cake
As we move on to assembling the Twinkie Poke Cake, let’s make sure to layer the components with care to achieve that delicious Twinkie-like taste and appearance.
Adding the Filling
To start assembling your Twinkie Poke Cake, lay out the halved Twinkies with the cream side facing up in a 9×13 baking dish. Spread the prepared vanilla instant pudding mix over the Twinkies evenly to create a smooth and creamy layer.
Applying the Topping
After adding the vanilla pudding, top it with drained crushed pineapple followed by banana slices. Cover the whole cake with a generous layer of thawed frozen whipped topping. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
By layering the filling and topping as instructed, you’ll create a delectable Twinkie Poke Cake that is sure to impress both visually and taste-wise.
Storage Tips
For short-term storage, I recommend covering the Twinkie poke cake with plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated to maintain its freshness and flavors for up to 3-4 days.
Short-Term Storage
To store the Twinkie poke cake for short-term use, ensure it is covered well with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Refrigerate the cake to preserve its texture and flavors for an optimal taste experience.
Freezing Instructions
If you intend to freeze the Twinkie poke cake, I suggest cutting it into individual slices and wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag before freezing. The frozen cake can last for up to 2-3 months. Before serving, thaw the desired slice in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation Ideas
When serving your Twinkie poke cake, consider garnishing each slice with a maraschino cherry on top for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts over the whipped topping to add a delightful crunch to each bite. Present the cake on a decorative cake stand or platter to enhance its visual appeal and make it the centerpiece of your dessert table.
Portion Advice
For portioning the Twinkie poke cake, slice it into generous squares to ensure each serving has a good balance of cake, creamy filling, and toppings. If you prefer smaller portions, cut the cake into smaller squares or even bite-sized pieces for easy snacking. Remember to use a sharp knife to maintain clean cuts and showcase the beautiful layers of the cake.
Conclusion
I’ve shared the ins and outs of creating a delectable Twinkie poke cake that’s sure to impress your taste buds. From assembling the layers to garnishing with cherries and nuts, this dessert offers a delightful twist on a classic treat. Remember to slice with precision for a picture-perfect presentation. Whether you opt for generous squares or bite-sized portions, this cake is a versatile crowd-pleaser. With storage tips handy, you can enjoy this sweet delight whenever the craving strikes. Get creative with your toppings and serving style to make each slice a memorable experience. Dive into the world of Twinkie poke cakes and savor every delicious bite!