Pumpkin Spice Twinkies

Pumpkin Spice Twinkies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. These homemade desserts blend spiced cake with creamy vegan marshmallows filling, making them perfect for various occasions, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. Indulging in these treats means savoring the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spice cake mix and pumpkin puree creates a rich, moist cake that’s bursting with flavor.
• Vegan-Friendly: This recipe uses vegan marshmallows cream, making it suitable for those following plant-based diets.
• Perfect for Fall: Celebrate the season with these spiced treats that embody the essence of autumn.
• Great for Sharing: With six servings, these Twinkies are ideal for sharing at parties or gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make Pumpkin Spice Twinkies, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Twinkie pan
• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Piping bag
• Chopstick

Importance of Each Tool

• Twinkie pan: This specialized pan gives your cakes their iconic shape, creating the perfect vessel for filling.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when combining ingredients for both the cake batter and the filling.
• Piping bag: Allows you to fill each Twinkie evenly and precisely, ensuring delicious bites every time.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 box Spice Cake Mix
• 1 can Pumpkin Puree (15-16 oz.)

For the Filling

• 2 cups vegan marshmallows Cream
• 1/2 cup Shortening
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/3 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Twinkies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cakes cook evenly from the moment they go in.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease your twinkie pan and set it aside, ready for the batter.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

Prepare the spice cake mix by mixing it with the pumpkin puree until well combined. Portion out the batter into the twinkie pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

Bake your Pumpkin Spice Twinkies in the oven for 15–18 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when done.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove your cakes from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Make the Filling

While cooling, prepare your filling. Beat together all filling ingredients—vegan marshmallows cream, shortening, salt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract—until smooth. If it’s too stiff, add a teaspoon or two of hot water to reach desired consistency.

Step 7: Fill a Piping Bag

Scoop your prepared filling into a piping bag and snip off a small amount at the end to create an opening for piping.

Step 8: Create Filling Cavities

Using a chopstick, make three holes in the bottom of each cooled twinkie. Move it around slightly to create larger cavities for better filling.

Step 9: Pipe in Filling

Carefully pipe the vegan marshmallows filling into each hole until they are filled.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Pumpkin Spice Twinkies are now ready! Serve them fresh or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Twinkies

Pumpkin Spice Twinkies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or get a bit creative, there are plenty of serving ideas to enhance your experience.

With Whipped Topping

• Add a dollop of whipped topping on each Twinkie for an extra creamy texture that complements the spiced cake.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A light drizzle of caramel sauce will bring a sweet contrast to the spices, making each bite even more indulgent.

Paired with Coffee

• Serve your Pumpkin Spice Twinkies alongside a warm cup of coffee or spiced latte for a cozy autumn snack.

Garnished with Cinnamon

• Sprinkle some ground cinnamon on top for added flavor and an appealing look that enhances the pumpkin spice theme.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the Twinkies on a dessert platter with other fall treats, such as apple slices or pumpkin pie, for a festive presentation.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Twinkies

To achieve the best results with your Pumpkin Spice Twinkies, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh pumpkin puree and high-quality cake mix for the best flavor.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix your batter just until combined to keep your Twinkies light and airy.
• Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated accurately; even slight variations can affect baking time.
• Cool Completely: Allow the Twinkies to cool completely before filling them to ensure the filling doesn’t melt or become runny.
• Experiment with Fillings: While vegan marshmallow cream is delicious, feel free to experiment with different fillings like chocolate or fruit-based options.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Twinkies

When enjoying Pumpkin Spice Twinkies, consider these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with this sweet treat.

1. Apple Slices: Crisp and refreshing, apple slices offer a nice contrast to the sweetness of the Twinkies.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: These fluffy donuts complement the spice flavors and add variety to your dessert spread.
3. Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai tea enhances the fall flavors and provides a comforting beverage option.
4. Roasted Nuts: A mix of warm roasted nuts adds crunch and nutrition while balancing out the dessert’s sweetness.
5. Pumpkin Soup: For those wanting to keep the pumpkin theme going, a creamy pumpkin soup serves as a savory partner.
6. Carrot Sticks with Hummus: This healthy option adds color and crunch while remaining light compared to richer sides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade Pumpkin Spice Twinkies can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to steer clear of for the best results.

• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350F. Not doing this can lead to uneven baking and undercooked centers.
• Overfilling the Pan: When pouring batter into the twinkie pan, fill each cavity no more than 2/3 full. Overfilling can cause the batter to overflow and lose its shape.
• Not Cooling Completely: Allow the baked twinkies to cool completely before adding the filling. This prevents melting and helps maintain their structure.
• Using Too Much Water in Filling: If your filling is too stiff, add hot water gradually. Adding too much at once can make it runny and hard to pipe.
• Failing to Make Sufficient Holes: Ensure you create three adequate holes in the bottom of each twinkie. This allows for enough filling and enhances flavor in every bite.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Twinkies

• Wrap each twinkie individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Twinkies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350F and warm for about 5-10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat one twinkie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm each side for a few minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Spice Twinkies.

Can I use homemade marshmallow fluff instead of vegan marshmallows cream?

Yes, you can substitute with homemade marshmallow fluff if desired, though it may alter the texture slightly.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Spice Twinkies are done?

They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, usually between 15-18 minutes of baking time.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can customize your Pumpkin Spice Twinkies by folding in nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for added texture and flavor.

What is the best way to serve Pumpkin Spice Twinkies?

Serve them chilled or at room temperature as a delightful treat. They pair well with coffee or tea!

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Spice Twinkies are not only a delicious fall dessert but also versatile. You can customize them with different fillings or toppings based on your preferences. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these treats are sure to please everyone. Try making them today!