Twinkie Strawberry Shortcake

This twinkie strawberry shortcake is twist on classic strawberry shortcake. It is super easy to make and the perfect dessert for summer.

Twinkie Shortcake is the kind of dessert that brings you back to your childhood.

This whimsical treat brings together the iconic taste of childhood Twinkies and the bright, fruity flavor of a classic shortcake.

It's an unexpected combination that works beautifully, delivering a dessert that's as fun to eat as it is to make.

A bite of Twinkie Shortcake is like taking a trip down memory lane, and it's sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.

This dessert isn't just about nostalgia, though. Twinkie Shortcake is a playful, creative spin on the traditional shortcake that's often filled with strawberries and cream.

By swapping out regular shortcake for Twinkies, you add an extra layer of sweetness and a sponge-like texture that perfectly complements the juicy strawberries.

It's a dessert that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, a casual picnic, or just a regular weeknight.

One thing is for sure - this is a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Twinkie Shortcake

Twinkie Shortcake is such a delicious treat! Here are some of the reasons why we love it:

• Simplicity: The recipe is incredibly easy to make, with a short prep time and minimal ingredients. This makes it perfect to make for people who don't have a lot of time in the kitchen or someone who isn't a great cook. It's perfect for those days when you want a delicious dessert but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
• Nostalgia: Twinkies are a classic treat that many of us enjoyed during our childhood. Incorporating them into a dessert recipe brings back fond memories and adds a fun twist to the traditional strawberry shortcake.
• Versatility: This recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or just want a sweet treat after dinner, Twinkie Shortcake is a hit.
• Flavor: The combination of the creamy Twinkies, sweet strawberries and blueberries, and fluffy whipped topping creates a delightful symphony of flavors. The sweetness of the Twinkies perfectly complements the tartness of the berries, resulting in a balanced and satisfying dessert.
• Presentation: With its layers of colorful fruit and whipped topping, this dessert is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. It's sure to impress guests and make a beautiful addition to any dessert table.
• Use up the harvest: Anyone else go picking strawberries or blueberries and don't have enough room in the freezer for it all? This is a great recipe to use up whatever extra you have.

It's a dessert that brings joy to the table and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients in Twinkie Strawberry Shortcake

Twinkies: These are the base of the shortcake, providing a sweet, spongy texture that absorbs the juices from the fruit. They're a fun and nostalgic alternative to traditional shortcake biscuits. If you're a fan of cream-filled snacks, you could also experiment with other similar treats.

Strawberries: These add a fresh, fruity element to the dessert. They're important for balancing out the sweetness of the Twinkies and whipped topping. When choosing strawberries, look for ripe, juicy ones for the best flavor. You could also try using other berries or mixed fruit depending on your personal preference.

Blueberries: Like the strawberries, blueberries add a fresh, tart contrast to the other sweet components. They also contribute to the visual appeal of the dessert with their vibrant color. Fresh blueberries are best, but frozen can be used if they're out of season.

Sugar: This is used to sweeten the fruit and draw out their natural juices, which then soak into the Twinkies. The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on the sweetness of your fruit and your personal taste. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you could reduce the quantity or use a sugar substitute.

Frozen Whipped Topping: This adds a light, creamy element that complements the fruit and Twinkies. It's important for creating the layered look of the dessert. If you prefer, you could make your own whipped cream.

How to Make Twinkie Strawberry Shortcake

You'll first need to prepare your fruit. Take your hulled and quartered strawberries and blueberries and combine them in a bowl with sugar. Give them a good stir and then let them rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This process will allow the sugar to draw out the natural juices from the fruit, enhancing their sweetness and flavor.

While your fruit is resting, you can start arranging your Twinkies. Take a 7x11 inch pan and place the Twinkies along the bottom in an even layer. This will form the base of your shortcake. Once your Twinkies are arranged, you can then sprinkle half of your sugared fruit over the top. This will allow the juices from the fruit to soak into the Twinkies, infusing them with a delightful fruity flavor.

Take your thawed whipped topping and spread it evenly over the layer of fruit. Once your whipped topping is spread, top it with the remaining fruit. This will add a final burst of freshness and color to your shortcake.

The final step is to let your shortcake chill. Cover your pan and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and will also make it easier to serve.

After an hour, your Twinkie Strawberry Shortcake is ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for Making the Best Twinkie Berry Shortcake

Here's some tips to help you make the best Twinkie shortcake:

• Choose Fresh, Ripe Fruit: The quality of your fruit can make a big difference in the final product. Fresh, ripe strawberries and blueberries will provide the best flavor and sweetness.
• Adjust Sugar to Taste: Depending on how sweet your fruit is, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar you use. Taste your fruit before adding the sugar and adjust accordingly.
• Allow Time for Chilling: Don't rush the chilling process. Allowing the shortcake to chill for at least an hour will help the flavors meld together.
• Consider Homemade Whipped Cream: While frozen whipped topping is convenient, homemade whipped cream can elevate the taste of your shortcake. If you have the time, consider making your own, just be aware that over time it won't keep it's fluffiness as well as store-bought.
• Experiment with Other Fruits: While strawberries and blueberries are traditional, don't be afraid to experiment with other fruits. Raspberries, blackberries, or peaches could also be delicious.
• Serve Immediately After Chilling: This dessert is best served immediately after it has chilled. If it sits out for too long, the Twinkies may become too soggy.

Other Berry Recipes

Berry Cheesecake Salad
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
How to Freeze Strawberries
Blueberries & Cream Bread

Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers you can refrigerate them.

Cover your dessert dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator.

Due to the fresh fruit and whipped topping, it's best to keep the shortcake chilled.

For the best taste and texture, aim to consume the leftover shortcake within 1-2 days.

The Twinkies will continue to absorb the fruit juices over time, which can eventually make them too soggy.

And depending on which strawberries you use, they can go bad fairly quickly.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover shortcake, serve it chilled straight from the refrigerator. There's no need to bring it to room temperature.

If you find that the whipped topping has lost some of its fluffiness, you can add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top before serving.

While freezing might seem like a good way to extend the life of your shortcake, it's not recommended for this particular dessert.

The texture of the Twinkies and the whipped topping can change significantly when frozen and thawed, which could impact the overall enjoyment of the dessert.

The key to enjoying leftovers is to store them properly and consume them within a reasonable timeframe.

What to Pair With

Twinkie Shortcake is a delightful dessert on its own, but pairing it with other treats can elevate the experience. Here are a few suggestions:

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing with any type of shortcake. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the fruit and Twinkies, and the cold temperature adds a refreshing element. Plus, the vanilla flavor is subtle enough not to overpower the other components of the dessert.

Chocolate Sauce or Ganache: If you're a chocolate lover, consider drizzling a bit of chocolate sauce or ganache over your shortcake. The rich, deep flavor of the chocolate can provide a nice contrast to the light, fruity shortcake.

Mint Leaves: For a touch of freshness and color, garnish your shortcake with a few mint leaves. The mint can help cleanse the palate and the vibrant green color adds visual appeal.

Whipped Cream: While the recipe already includes whipped topping, a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top just before serving can add an extra touch of indulgence.

Berry Coulis: A coulis is a sauce made from puréed and strained fruits. A strawberry or raspberry coulis drizzled over the shortcake can intensify the berry flavor and add a gourmet touch to the dessert.

A Glass of Dessert Wine: If you're serving this to adults, consider pairing it with a sweet dessert wine. A light Moscato or a fruity rosé could complement the flavors of the shortcake nicely.

The best pairings are the ones that you enjoy the most. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match.

Alternatives

Here are some alternatives or substitutions you can consider for the Twinkie Strawberry Shortcake recipe:

Twinkies: If you can't find Twinkies or prefer a different base, you could use sponge cake, pound cake, or even angel food cake. For a less sweet option, you could use biscuits or scones, which are traditional for shortcakes.

Strawberries and Blueberries: Feel free to use any kind of berries you like or have on hand. Raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of berries work well. For a different flavor profile, you could use peaches or cherries.

Sugar: If you're watching your sugar intake, you could use honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.

Frozen Whipped Topping: You can make your own whipped cream from heavy cream and a bit of sugar.

Remember, the best part about cooking is making a recipe your own. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences.