Twinkies
A Brief History of Twinkies
Twinkies are an iconic American snack that has been a staple of school lunch boxes and dessert plates since their creation in 1930. First made by baker James Alexander Dewar of the Continental Baking Company, Twinkies were initially filled with banana cream until a banana shortage during World War II forced a switch to vanilla cream. Due to their delightful taste and convenient packaging, Twinkies have become a popular treat enjoyed by many.
Ingredients
- Flour - 1 cup
- Sugar - 3/4 cup
- Baking Powder - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
- Eggs - 4, separated
- Milk - 1/4 cup
- Unsalted Butter - 2 tablespoons, melted
- Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
- Cream - 1 cup
- Powdered Sugar - 2 tablespoons
Preparation Steps
Before we begin crafting these delightful Twinkies, ensure you have a clean workspace and all ingredients at hand. You will need a set of baking pans and mixing bowls.
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as the base for the cake portion of the Twinkies.
Step 2: Whisk Egg Yolks and Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 3: Beat the Egg Whites
In a clean bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
Baking Process
Step 4: Pour the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pans or Twinkies molds. Pour the prepared batter evenly into the molds, filling each about halfway to allow room for rising.
Use a cooking timer to bake the Twinkies for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool before removing from the molds.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Filling
While the cakes cool, whip the cream in a bowl with an electric mixer until it starts to thicken. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue to mix until smooth and stiff peaks form.
Assembly of Twinkies
Step 6: Fill the Cakes
Once the cakes are cooled, use a small knife to make three small holes in the bottom of each Twinkie. Fill a piping bag with the cream filling and pipe the cream into each hole.
Enjoying Your Twinkies
Your homemade Twinkies are now ready to enjoy! Serve them as a delightful snack with a glass of milk or pack them in your lunchbox for an afternoon treat. Although they are delicious right away, they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.