Fluffy No-Bake Twinkie Cake Recipe: Nostalgic Sweetness Awaits

Whipping up a delightful twinkie cake without turning on the oven sounds like a sweet dream come true.

Creamy layers of nostalgic flavor await you in this decadent dessert.

Childhood memories blend perfectly with modern convenience in this simple treat.

Minimal ingredients and zero baking time make this recipe a total game-changer.

Soft, luscious, and packed with classic twinkie essence, this dessert will become your new go-to indulgence.

Rich cream filling sandwiched between tender cake layers promises pure bliss.

No-Bake Twinkie Cake That’s Fun and Fuss-Free

• Quick and Easy Dessert: No-bake technique saves time and eliminates complex cooking steps.
• Minimal Ingredient Preparation: Requires only basic pantry items like Twinkies, pudding mix, strawberries, and whipped topping.
• Kid-Friendly Creation: Simple layering process allows children to help assemble the dessert without complicated techniques.
• Summer Party Pleaser: Refreshing strawberry-based dessert perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and outdoor celebrations.

Twinkie Cake That’s No-Bake Ingredients

• Twinkies: Soft, sweet sponge cakes that form the foundation of the dessert.
• Whole Milk: Creamy liquid for creating smooth, rich pudding.

• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Provides sweet, creamy layer with quick preparation.
• Whipped Topping: Light, fluffy covering that adds soft texture and sweetness.

• Strawberries, Fresh: Bright, juicy fruit for adding color, freshness, and natural sweetness. Choose ripe, firm berries with vibrant red color and no blemishes.

Build a Twinkie Cake (No Bake)

Step 1: Craft the Twinkie Base

Unwrap the Twinkies and gently place them side by side to completely cover the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish.

Press them lightly to create a smooth foundation for your dessert.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Pudding

Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine instant vanilla pudding mix with whole milk.

Whisk vigorously for about 3 minutes until the mixture transforms into a thick, luscious cream.

Step 3: Create Pudding Layer

Pour the silky vanilla pudding directly over the Twinkie base.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every Twinkie gets a perfect pudding coating.

Step 4: Prepare Strawberry Mixture

• Grab 3-4 strawberries
• Dice them into tiny, bite-sized pieces
• Set the diced berries aside for the final topping

Step 5: Design Strawberry Layer

Take the remaining strawberries and slice them into delicate ¼-inch thick rounds.

Arrange these beautiful slices in a single, elegant layer completely covering the pudding surface.

Step 6: Add Fluffy Topping

Retrieve the thawed whipped topping and generously spread it over the strawberry layer.

Use an offset spatula to create a smooth, cloud-like surface that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 7: Sprinkle Final Touch

Scatter the previously diced strawberries across the whipped topping.

These tiny bursts of red will add a playful and delicious accent to your dessert.

Step 8: Chill and Set

Slide the baking dish into the refrigerator.

Let the Twinkie cake rest and firm up for 1-2 hours.

This cooling time allows all the flavors to mingle and create a spectacular dessert experience.

No-Bake Twinkie Cake Tricks for a Fast Sweet Fix

• Line up Twinkies snugly to create a solid, even base that prevents gaps and ensures every bite has cake.
• Whisk pudding mix thoroughly for full 3 minutes to achieve maximum thickness and smooth, creamy texture.
• Use a sharp knife when dicing and slicing strawberries to get clean, precise cuts without crushing the fruit.
• Allow sufficient refrigeration time to let layers set properly, helping the dessert hold its shape when slicing.
• Use an offset spatula to spread whipped cream evenly, creating a smooth, professional-looking surface without air pockets.

Chill No-Bake Twinkie Cake

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cake chilled to maintain its fresh texture and prevent strawberries from spoiling.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the whipped topping's consistency.
• Cut individual portions before refrigerating to make grab-and-go servings easier. Place wax paper between slices to prevent sticking.
• Never leave the Twinkie cake out for more than 2 hours. The dairy and whipped topping can spoil quickly at warm temperatures.

Twinkie Cake (No-Bake!) Complements

• Elevate Flavor Companions: Strawberry Twinkie Cake Pairings
• Brew the Perfect Coffee Match: Select a light roast Colombian coffee with bright, fruity notes that complement the sweet strawberry and creamy Twinkie layers. The coffee's subtle acidity will cut through the dessert's richness.
• Craft a Complementary Sparkling Drink: Prepare a chilled rosé prosecco with delicate berry undertones. Its effervescence and crisp profile will enhance the strawberry's freshness and balance the dessert's sweetness.
• Design a Textural Accompaniment: Serve alongside toasted almond biscotti for a delightful crunch. The nutty, crisp texture provides a delicious contrast to the soft, creamy Twinkie cake layers, creating a more complex flavor experience.
• Create a Palate-Cleansing Side: Offer a small scoop of lemon sorbet between bites. Its tangy, refreshing character will help reset the taste buds and prevent the dessert from feeling overly rich.

Twinkie Cake No-Bake Style Variants

• Chocolate Berry Delight: Replace vanilla pudding with chocolate pudding and use raspberries or blackberries instead of strawberries for a rich, dark flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute Twinkies with gluten-free sponge cake or gluten-free vanilla cake slices to make the dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use almond milk or coconut milk for pudding, coconut whipped cream instead of traditional whipped topping, and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free certified.
• Low-Sugar Version: Replace regular Twinkies with sugar-free versions, use sugar-free instant pudding mix, and opt for fresh berries with stevia-based whipped topping to reduce overall sugar content.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

No, instant pudding mix sets quickly and provides the right consistency. Homemade pudding might be too runny and won’t firm up properly in this no-bake dessert.

• Do I need to remove the cream filling from Twinkies before using?

No, keep the Twinkies whole with their original cream filling. The cream adds moisture and helps the cake’s texture.

• What if I don't have whipped topping?

You can make fresh whipped cream as a substitute. Whip heavy cream with a little sugar until stiff peaks form, which will work perfectly in this recipe.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Twinkie cake up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Twinkie Cake (No-Bake!) Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Twinkie Cake brings nostalgic dessert magic to no-bake bliss. Luscious layers of vanilla cream and golden sponge cake promise sweet comfort without turning on the oven.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 9 Twinkies, unwrapped
• 16 ounces (454 grams) fresh strawberries, divided
• 8 ounces (227 grams) whipped topping, thawed

Dairy and Pudding:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) whole milk
• 3.4 ounces (96 grams) box of instant vanilla pudding

No additional categories needed

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a foundational layer by positioning unwrapped Twinkies side by side across the base of an 8×8 baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Combine instant vanilla pudding mix with whole milk in a medium mixing bowl, vigorously whisking for approximately 3 minutes until the mixture achieves a thick, creamy consistency.
3. Gently distribute the prepared pudding across the Twinkie base, using a spatula to create an even, smooth layer that completely covers the cake.
4. Carefully dice 3-4 strawberries into small, uniform pieces, setting aside the chopped fruit for final garnishing.
5. Systematically slice the remaining strawberries into thin, approximately ¼-inch thick rounds, arranging them in a precise, overlapping pattern to completely blanket the pudding surface.
6. Apply thawed whipped topping over the strawberry layer, using an offset spatula to create a smooth, uniform coating that extends to the edges of the dish.
7. Delicately sprinkle the reserved diced strawberries across the whipped topping, ensuring an even distribution of the fruity garnish.
8. Transfer the assembled dessert to the refrigerator, allowing it to chill and set for 1-2 hours, which will help the pudding firm and enhance the overall flavor melding.

Notes

• Choose fresh, soft Twinkies for the best texture and moisture in your cake base.
• Whisk the pudding thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Use ripe, sweet strawberries at peak season for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
• Prepare the cake a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and improve overall taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg