Homemade Twinkie Recipe

July 15th, 2013. I remember the day like it was yesterday. A beautiful summer day in Chicago & the day Twinkies went back on the market. (Ok, it's also my best friends birthday so that may have helped why I remember this day so clearly...) However, I've always been a fan of the sweet treat. I mean they're the ultimate dessert so clearly I have to like them. Fast forward a year and a half & something even more magical happened. I received a "make your own Twinkie" set as part of a holiday gift exchange. SCORE!

The set comes with a recipe book to make all different type of Twinkies. From regular to chocolate & various types of frosting, you can really make any type in this wondrous machine. If you've ever seen this mesmerizing video, then you'll realize just how similar this scaled down version of the Twinkie maker is to the original machines. 

Ingredients:

for Twinkies:

• 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 /2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick/8 tbsp)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, plus 1 egg yolk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup milk

for filling:

• 3 tbsp vegetable shortening
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup light corn syrup

Supplies:

• large mixing bowl
• hand mixer
• baking spray
• Hostess Twinkie Maker

For best results, have all ingredients at room temperature.

for Twinkies
Step 1:
In a large bowl cream butter & sugar with a hand mixer & beat until light & fluffy.

Step 2:
Add eggs, egg yolk, & vanilla extract to butter/sugar mixture & beat until incorporated.

Step 3:
Scrape the sides of the bowl & continue mixing.

Step 4:
Add flour, baking powder, salt, & milk. Mix on low speed until well incorporated.

Step 5:
Plug in unit, spray with baking spray & fill each cavity until 3/4 full. 

Step 6:
Bake between 4-7 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Step 7:
Remove Twinkies & allow to cool.

Step 8:
Once the Twinkies are cooled, fill with frosting & enjoy!

for filling:
Step 1:
With an electric mixer beat together vegetable shortening & butter until blended.

Step 2:
Turn the mixer down to its lowest setting & gradually add powdered sugar until incorporated.

Step 3:
Once incorporated, turn mixer on high speed & beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Step 4:
Gradually beat in vanilla extract and corn syrup until the filling is the consistency of mayonnaise, about 2 minutes more.

Step 5:
Fill pastry bag. Inject about one tablespoon in three locations on the underside of each cooled Twinkie & enjoy!

Yield: 8 cakes

recipe is a product of Hostess Twinkies