Fluffy Strawberry Twinkie Cake Recipe for Sweet Dreamers

Sweet summer memories flood back when I whip up this delightful strawberry twinkie cake that combines childhood nostalgia with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Soft cream-filled sponge cakes become the perfect canvas for luscious red berries.

Layers of creamy filling and juicy strawberries create a dessert that feels like pure joy.

Each slice promises a playful twist on classic treats, blending familiar comfort with unexpected delight.

Homemade magic happens when simple ingredients come together with love and creativity.

Rich, moist, and bursting with fruity goodness, this cake invites you to savor every single bite.

Dive in and let the first forkful transport you to dessert paradise.

Strawberry Twinkie Cake That’s Light and Fun

• Effortless Assembly: Whip up this delightful dessert with minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or those who want a quick sweet treat.
• No-Bake Bliss: Skip the oven and create a refreshing dessert that requires no baking, saving time and keeping your kitchen cool.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combine beloved ingredients like Twinkies, strawberries, and whipped topping to create a dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
• Versatile Presentation: Easily customize the cake with extra toppings or garnishes, allowing you to make it uniquely yours for any occasion from casual get-togethers to special celebrations.

Strawberry Twinkie Cake Ingredient Checklist

• Twinkies: Soft, cream-filled sponge cakes that form the foundation of the dessert.

• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Creamy mix that helps create a smooth, sweet base.
• Whole Milk: Rich dairy that helps set the pudding's consistency.

• Fresh Strawberries, Frozen Strawberries: Sweet berries that add vibrant flavor and color.
• Whipped Topping: Light, airy cream that provides a cool, smooth finish.

Strawberry Twinkie Cake Building Method

Step 1: Prepare Dish Base

Grab a rectangular serving dish that will perfectly cradle your delicious dessert. Make sure the dish is clean and ready for your sweet creation.

Step 2: Arrange Twinkie Foundation

Carefully place Twinkies side by side in the dish, trimming the edges if needed to create a smooth, even layer that covers the entire bottom of the dish.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Pudding

• Instant vanilla pudding mix
• Whole milk

Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture becomes completely smooth and lump-free. Let the pudding sit for about 5 minutes to thicken and develop its rich, creamy texture.

Step 4: Enhance Pudding With Strawberries

Gently fold freshly chopped strawberries into the pudding mixture. This will create delightful bursts of fruity flavor throughout the creamy base.

Step 5: Create Luscious Pudding Layer

Spread the strawberry-infused pudding evenly over the Twinkie base, ensuring every inch is covered with the delectable mixture.

Step 6: Crown With Whipped Topping

Carefully spread thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer, creating a light and fluffy final touch. Artfully arrange remaining sliced strawberries on top for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Step 7: Chill And Set

Place the dessert in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to mingle and the Twinkies to absorb the creamy pudding, creating a mouthwatering dessert experience.

What Helps Most with Twinkie Strawberry Cake

• Prevent Soggy Twinkies: Drain chopped strawberries thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring your cake layers remain perfectly textured.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of orange zest to the pudding mixture for a subtle, sophisticated taste upgrade.
• Quick Stabilizing Hack: Briefly freeze the Twinkies before assembling to help them maintain structure and prevent excessive soaking.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use non-dairy whipped topping to create a lactose-free version of this dessert.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator to develop richer, more integrated flavors.

Strawberry Twinkie Cake: How To Keep It Fresh

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Remove from freezer and let sit in the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• For best texture, enjoy cold directly from the refrigerator. If desired, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Strawberry Twinkie Cake Flavor Pairings

• Elevate Strawberry Twinkie Cake Pairings
• Brew Sweet Iced Chai Latte: Creamy chai tea complements the dessert's rich vanilla and fruity strawberry notes, creating a refreshing contrast with its spicy warmth.
• Match with Crisp Moscato Wine: Light, sweet Moscato perfectly balances the cake's creamy texture, enhancing the strawberry flavors with its delicate bubbles and fruity undertones.
• Serve Alongside Vanilla Bean Gelato: Smooth, pure vanilla gelato amplifies the cake's vanilla base while providing a cool, silky counterpoint to the soft Twinkie layers.
• Accompany with Fresh Mint Tea: Bright, herbal mint tea cuts through the dessert's sweetness, offering a clean palate refresher that highlights the strawberry's natural brightness.

Summer Cake Sweet Combos

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute Twinkies with gluten-free sponge cake or ladyfingers to create a celiac-friendly dessert that maintains the original texture and taste.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace Twinkies with dairy-free sponge cake, use coconut milk pudding mix, and swap whipped topping with coconut cream for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free instant pudding mix, no-sugar-added whipped topping, and fresh strawberries to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the dessert sweet.
• Chocolate Lovers' Remix: Incorporate chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla, add cocoa powder to the strawberry layer, and garnish with chocolate shavings for a rich, decadent version.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of thawed whipped topping?

Yes, you can substitute homemade whipped cream. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form for a fresh alternative.

• Do I need to remove the Twinkies from their individual wrappers?

No, you can leave the Twinkies in their original packaging when placing them in the dish. They’ll easily separate and fit nicely in the serving dish.

• What type of strawberries work best for this recipe?

Fresh, ripe strawberries are ideal. Choose bright red, firm berries without soft spots or bruising. Seasonal strawberries will provide the most flavor and sweetness.

• Can I make this dessert in advance?

Absolutely. You can prepare the entire cake up to 24 hours before serving. Keep it covered and refrigerated, and the flavors will continue to develop and blend together nicely.

Strawberry Twinkie Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes (excluding chilling time)
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet strawberry twinkie cake delivers a delightful twist on classic dessert nostalgia. Layers of moist sponge, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries create an irresistible treat you’ll want to savor bite by bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 9 Twinkies
• 16 ounces (454 grams) fresh strawberries
• 8 ounces (227 grams) whipped topping

Pudding and Milk:

• 1 box instant vanilla pudding (3.4 ounces or 96 grams)
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) whole milk

Preparation Components:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) finely chopped strawberries

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Arrange Twinkies in a single layer within a rectangular serving dish, carefully trimming edges to ensure a precise fit, creating a seamless cake foundation.
2. Vigorously whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with whole milk until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency, then allow the mixture to rest and thicken for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Delicately incorporate finely diced strawberries into the pudding, gently folding to distribute fruity morsels throughout the creamy base.
4. Meticulously spread the strawberry-infused pudding across the Twinkie layer, ensuring an even and complete coverage.
5. Crown the dessert with a generous, smooth layer of thawed whipped topping, creating a pristine canvas for decorative strawberry slices.
6. Artfully garnish the surface with remaining strawberry slices, arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing pattern.
7. Transfer the assembled dessert to the refrigerator, allowing it to chill and set for a minimum of one hour, which enables the Twinkies to absorb the luscious pudding and flavors to harmonize.

Notes

• Swap Twinkies for gluten-free sponge cake to accommodate gluten sensitivities and create a celiac-friendly dessert.
• Use sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat milk for a lighter version that reduces overall calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
• Enhance texture by briefly freezing the Twinkies before layering to prevent them from becoming too soggy during assembly.
• Add a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds or crushed graham crackers on top for extra crunch and a delightful textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 20mg