If you have a soft spot for nostalgic treats and fresh, fruity flavors, then you are going to absolutely adore this Strawberry Twinkie Cake Recipe. This cake combines the fluffy, iconic Twinkies with the vibrant sweetness of strawberry cake and fresh berries to create a dessert that’s irresistibly moist and bursting with flavor. Perfect for celebrations or an indulgent weekend treat, this cake feels like a warm hug on a plate thanks to its light texture and luscious frosting. Once you try this Strawberry Twinkie Cake Recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a treasured favorite in your dessert lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Strawberry Twinkie Cake Recipe is super straightforward, and each component plays a vital role in flavor and texture. From the rich strawberry cake mix that gives height and fruity sweetness, to the classic Twinkies that add a whimsical surprise inside, these ingredients are simple yet essential.
- 15.25 oz Strawberry cake mix: Provides the foundation with fruity flavor and a soft crumb.
- 1 cup Water: Hydrates the cake mix for the perfect batter consistency.
- 3 Large Eggs: Adds structure and helps the cake rise beautifully.
- ⅓ cup Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1 box Twinkies (unwrapped): Creates a fun, creamy surprise inside the cake layers.
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened): Makes your frosting creamy and smooth.
- 1 cup Strawberries diced into small pieces: Adds fresh strawberry bursts and vibrant color.
- 3 cups Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 3 – 5 tbsp Heavy whipping cream: Adjusts frosting texture for perfect spreadability.
- 1 cup Whipped cream (Cool Whip or homemade): Adds lightness and fluffy finish to the frosting.
How to Make Strawberry Twinkie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s nice and hot when your batter goes in, which is crucial for a light and even bake. Next, grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a good spray with baking spray like Pam so your cake releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Mixing the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, eggs, and oil. Use a mixer or a whisk to beat these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This step is where your cake’s texture starts to form—you want a silky batter that’s easy to pour.
Step 3: Layering the Batter and Twinkies
Pour half of your prepared batter into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then place eight unwrapped Twinkies across the batter – they’ll sink in slightly and bake into the cake, adding delightful pockets of creamy sweetness. Cover the Twinkies with the remaining batter, making sure it’s evenly distributed for a beautiful finish.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that the batter has fully cooked through but remains moist. Don’t rush removing it from the oven — the texture will be spot on if you follow this timing.
Step 5: Cooling Completely
Once out of the oven, let the cake cool entirely in the pan. This step is important because frosting a warm cake can cause melting and a runny mess. Patience here will reward you with a perfectly set cake ready for luscious frosting.
Step 6: Making the Frosting
While your cake cools, whip up the frosting by beating the softened butter with powdered sugar and diced strawberries until creamy. Gradually add heavy whipping cream until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Gently fold in the whipped cream for a light, airy finish that pairs beautifully with the strawberry cake underneath.
Step 7: Frosting the Cake
Spread the strawberry buttercream frosting generously over the cooled cake. The fresh strawberry pieces in the frosting create bursts of fruitiness with every bite. Take your time to smooth the frosting evenly — this finishing touch makes the Strawberry Twinkie Cake Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Strawberry Twinkie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Top your cake with extra fresh sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant look. A handful of mint leaves can add a fresh contrast. These simple garnishes not only look stunning but also complement the sweet, fruity flavors already present in the cake.
Side Dishes
This delightful Strawberry Twinkie Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a cup of fresh-brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a special occasion, try serving it alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of additional whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your presentation extra memorable, serve the cake slices with strawberry sauce drizzled on the plate or layered in clear glass dessert cups with cake pieces, frosting, and berries for a deconstructed look. You can also add edible flowers for an extra touch of charm and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store your Strawberry Twinkie Cake Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep the frosting fresh and the cake moist for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to keep the cake longer, freeze it unfrosted by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Once ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and frost as usual. Freezing can preserve your cake for up to 2 months without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Because this cake includes fresh berries and whipped cream frosting, reheating is not recommended. Instead, bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While the strawberry cake mix pairs perfectly with the Twinkies for this recipe, you can experiment with vanilla or even yellow cake mixes to create your own twist.
Do I have to use fresh strawberries in the frosting?
Fresh strawberries add wonderful flavor and texture, but if you’re out of season, frozen strawberries can be used as a substitute. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before folding them into your frosting.
What type of Twinkies work best?
The classic golden Twinkies are ideal for this recipe because of their creamy filling that melts beautifully during baking, creating a moist surprise inside the cake.
Is it okay to use store-bought whipped topping?
Yes! Cool Whip or any favorite store-bought whipped topping works well and simplifies the process, though homemade whipped cream adds a richer, fresher flavor if you have time.
Can this cake be made in smaller portions?
Definitely. Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly or bake the batter in smaller pans, keeping an eye on baking times as thinner cakes will cook faster.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Twinkie Cake Recipe is such a joyous celebration of flavor that blends childhood favorites with fresh fruit vibrancy in one gorgeous dessert. It’s easy to make, fun to share, and endlessly delightful with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see just how special this cake can be in your own kitchen!
Print
Strawberry Twinkie Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Twinkie Cake is a delightful, layered dessert combining moist strawberry cake with soft Twinkies and a luscious strawberry buttercream frosting. Perfect for parties or a special treat, the cake features fresh strawberries mixed into a creamy frosting and topped with whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 15.25 oz Strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup Water
- 3 Large Eggs
- ⅓ cup Oil
- 1 box of Twinkies (unwrapped)
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup strawberries, diced into small pieces
- 3 – 5 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup Whipped Cream (Cool Whip or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, eggs, and oil. Beat the mixture until it is well combined and smooth.
- Pour first batter layer: Pour half of the prepared strawberry cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish to create the base layer.
- Add the Twinkies: Place 8 unwrapped Twinkies carefully on top of the batter, spacing them evenly across the surface.
- Top with remaining batter: Pour the remaining cake batter over the Twinkies, covering them completely.
- Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating that it is fully cooked.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan to set properly before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until smooth. Fold in the diced strawberries and 3 to 5 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream, adjusting the cream quantity to reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Assemble the cake: Spread the strawberry buttercream frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Finish by spreading or piping the whipped cream (Cool Whip or homemade) over the frosted cake for a light, fluffy topping. Chill the cake before serving for best results.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- Use fresh strawberries for the frosting to enhance flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream in the frosting to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Chilling the cake after frosting helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier.
- This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
