Homemade Twinkies and Zingers

Recipe Rating:	3 Ratings5
Categories:	Cakes, For Kids
Keywords:	coconut, sweet, raspberry, desserts, Kids, homemade, snacks, family, twinkies, Zingers
Serves:	16
Prep Time:	1 Hr
Cook Time:	20 Min

Ingredients

FOR CAKES:
1 box	(18.5 oz) yellow cake mix
4 large	eggs
1/3 c	vegetable oil
1 c	water
1 box	(5.1 oz.) instant vanilla pudding mix
FILLING:
1/2 c	butter, room temperature
1/2 c	shortening, room temperature
1 tsp	vanilla extract
1/4 tsp	salt
3 c	confectioner's sugar
1 jar(s)	(7 oz.) marshmallow fluff
FOR ZINGERS:
1 pkg	(3oz.) raspberry jell-o
2 c	boiling water
2 c	shredded sweetened flake coconut
2-3 Tbsp	cornstarch
16	16 twinkie “boats,” prepared with non-stick baking spray (directions below)

Pinched by scoomer, and 246 more.

Caroline Savage

Lightly Salted

Brule, WI (pop. 5,298)

Savage1

Member Since Nov 2011

Caroline's Notes:

This recipe is my creation because I loved these treats as a kid and wanted my kids to experience them, but without all of the chemicals and additives and aftertaste. These are a great snack/dessert for the family. A bit time-consuming, but not bad and so worth it anyway. Enjoy!

Directions

To make boats, use a piece of aluminum foil cut to about 14 inches. Fold in half lengthwise, then in half widthwise. Using a spice jar, form the foil around the jar by folding in the ends and folding down any excess foil to create a boat shape similar to a Twinkie shape. You can also buy the Twinkie pan online or in bakery supply stores. Spray with non-stick baking spray.

To make cake: In bowl mix eggs, oil, and water until combined. Add cake mix and blend for 2 minutes on medium speed. Blend in pudding mix on medium for an additional 3 minutes until smooth. Place 2.25 oz. of batter into each boat and bake at 325° for 11-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of one comes out clean. Cool completely.

To make filling: Combine butter, shortening, vanilla, and salt in mixer bowl and blend on medium high for about 3 minutes or until mixture comes together and becomes creamy with no lumps. Add confectioner’s sugar and starting on low speed and gradually increasing to high, blend until light and airy. Add marshmallow fluff and blend on high until once again light and airy.

For Zingers: Boil water, add Jell-O and stir to combine. Place in refrigerator for 15 – 30 minutes or until thick but not set. Place coconut flakes in food processor and pulse until flakes are very small. Dump into a dish and add cornstarch, starting with 2 T. and increasing if necessary to get a nice loose texture.

For Twinkies: With a knife, cut a small slit in the top side of the cake. Using an icing bag, pipe a good amount of filling into the cavity, holding the shape of the cake with your hand to prevent splitting. Once filled, place cut side down on the cooling rack and continue to fill remaining cakes.

For Zingers: Fill cakes as for Twinkles. Once that is completed, place the prepared Jell-O into a low baking dish or other container and roll the cake to cover completely. Move somewhat quickly to avoid completely soaking the cake. Placing the coconut in a similar dish, immediately roll the cake in the prepared coconut and place on the rack to set for approximately 2 hours.

Comments

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Karla Everett Karla59

Karla Everett [Karla59] has shared this recipe with discussion group:
COCONUT LOVERS UNITE

Shirley Makekau tutuwoman

Nov 28, 2011

What a great idea! Thumbs up for this recipe and I wish I could enjoy it but its not to be anymore boo hoo!! I loved those little cakes! But I might make these for my grandkids as they are like their grannie when it comes to twinkies and zingers! Thanks for sharing!!

Pat Duran kitchenchatter

Nov 28, 2011

Caroline this is a great recipe - I love it. Thanks for sharing with us.

Pat Duran kitchenchatter

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Caroline Savage Savage1

Nov 28, 2011

Thanks everyone - you make me feel so welcome! I love this place ;)

Leila Rockwell leilaroc

Apr 22, 2012

Caroline so glad I found this recipe and the idea of the tin foil to shape the twinkies. Printing this off and thank you for posting this great recipe.

Rose Mary Mogan cookinginillinois

Nov 18, 2012

Caroline, What a brilliant idea to make homemade Twinkies and Zingers, you deserve a Blue Ribbon for the recipes and the detailed steps. Thanks for sharing. The pictures you provides says it all. Thanks so much, I have saved my copy of the recipe.

Shelia Senghas earthbaker

Nov 19, 2012

You are helping to continue an American Icon!

Shelia Senghas earthbaker

Shelia Senghas [earthbaker] has shared this recipe with discussion groups:
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Shelia Senghas earthbaker

Nov 19, 2012

Let Zingers and Twinkies live on!

Jean Campbell gwashington1961

Nov 21, 2012

Thank you so much for the recipes and directions. The cakes, fillings, and outer coverings are all the secrets of the Twinkies and Zingers! I will remember you each time I teach the little ones in my house, just how to create the two of them. Thank you for your thoughtfulness! Happy Thanksgiving Day! LOL :-)