Bacon-wrapped Twinkie

Background and History

The Bacon-wrapped Twinkie is a creative and indulgent dessert born from the viral success of the internet cooking series, Epic Meal Time. Known for pushing the culinary boundaries with extravagant and often outrageous recipes, the Epic Meal Time team introduced this dish as a tongue-in-cheek homage to over-the-top fatty and sweet combinations, appealing to the internet generation's taste for novelty and excitement. The concept of wrapping a bacon slice around a Twinkie, then adding a drizzle of sweet maple syrup, is both simple and hedonistic. This treat quickly gained popularity for its unique texture and bold flavors.

Ingredients

• Twinkies - 6 pieces
• Bacon - 12 slices
• Maple syrup - 1/2 cup
• Brown sugar - 1/4 cup
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• Toothpicks - as needed

Preparation

To begin preparing your Bacon-wrapped Twinkies, first preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.

Step 1: Prepare the Twinkies

Unwrap each Twinkie carefully, ensuring they remain intact. While Twinkies are best known as a ready-to-eat snack cake, incorporating them into this recipe brings out a level of decadence that elevates their traditional use.

Step 2: Wrap with Bacon

Wrap each Twinkie with two slices of bacon, making sure to overlap slightly to secure them fully. Use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place, ensuring it hugs the Twinkie tightly. The savory saltiness of the bacon contrasts beautifully with the sweet, creamy texture of the Twinkie.

Step 3: Add Sweetness

In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup and brown sugar together. For an additional kick, add a pinch of cinnamon to the mixture. Brush this sticky sweetness over each bacon-wrapped Twinkie to create a glistening glaze that will caramelize in the oven.

Cooking Process

Step 4: Oven Time

Place the prepared Twinkies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Ensure they are spaced evenly to allow the bacon to crisp up evenly on all sides. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes. Use a cooking timer to keep track of the time. Keep a close eye on the bacon to avoid burning the sugar glaze. It should reach a crispy, golden-brown perfection by the end of the cooking time.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once done, remove the Twinkies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. This will allow the sticky glaze to set slightly. The result is a crispy, caramelized exterior that gives way to a soft, creamy center.

How to Enjoy Your Bacon-wrapped Twinkie

The Bacon-wrapped Twinkie is best savored immediately to fully enjoy the contrasting textures and flavors. For fun serving ideas, consider slicing each Twinkie into bite-sized pieces to create a unique party snack, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert experience. Remember, this is a treat meant to be shared and marveled at, reflecting on the innovative spirit of Epic Meal Time where creativity knows no bounds.