Pumpkin Spice Twinkies

Pumpkin Spice Twinkies are the perfect homemade dessert for Fall. These delightful treats blend spiced cake and rich pumpkin puree with a fluffy vegan marshmallow creme filling. They’re not just delicious but also versatile, making them ideal for everything from cozy family gatherings to seasonal parties.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spice creates a warm and inviting taste that embodies the essence of Fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you’ll have these treats ready in no time.
• Vegan-Friendly Filling: Made with vegan marshmallows, everyone can enjoy these sweet delights without worry.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy evening at home, these Twinkies are sure to impress.
• Fun to Customize: Feel free to add your own twist with spices or toppings!

Tools and Preparation

To make your Pumpkin Spice Twinkies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Twinkie pan
• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Piping bag
• Chopstick (or similar tool)

Importance of Each Tool

• Twinkie pan: Specially designed to give your treats their iconic shape, making them instantly recognizable.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when whipping up the filling, ensuring it’s light and fluffy.

Ingredients

Pumpkin Spice Twinkies are the perfect homemade dessert for Fall. With spiced cake mix, fresh pumpkin puree, and a vegan marshmallows creme filling, you simply cannot go wrong!

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 Pumpkin Spice Twinkies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Grease your twinkie pan with a bit of shortening. This will prevent sticking and make removal easier once they’re baked.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

Prepare the spice cake mix by mixing together the box of cake mix and the can of pumpkin puree until well combined.

Step 4: Fill the Pan

Portion out batter into each cavity of the twinkie pan, filling them about 2/3 full. This allows space for rising without overflowing.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Once baked, let your Pumpkin Spice Twinkies cool completely in the pan before removing.

Step 7: Make the Filling

While they cool, prepare your filling by beating together all vegan marshmallow cream ingredients including shortening, salt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. If it feels too stiff, add a teaspoon or two of hot water until it reaches a smooth consistency.

Step 8: Prepare for Filling

Scoop the filling into a piping bag and snip off a tiny amount from one end for easy piping.

Step 9: Create Filling Holes

Using a chopstick (or similar tool), make three holes in the bottom of each twinkie. Move it around slightly to create an adequate cavity for filling.

Step 10: Pipe in Filling

Pipe the vegan marshmallow filling into each hole of every twinkie until filled generously.

Serve and Enjoy!

Your delightful Pumpkin Spice Twinkies are now ready to be served! Enjoy them fresh or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Twinkies

Pumpkin Spice Twinkies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each twinkie with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.

Coffee Pairing

• Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or chai tea. The spices in the drink complement the pumpkin flavors perfectly.

Festive Platter

• Arrange twinkies on a decorative platter with seasonal fruits like apples and pears. This creates a beautiful and inviting display.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the twinkies for a rich, sweet touch that enhances their flavor.

Ice Cream Accompaniment

• Pair your pumpkin spice twinkies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a deliciously creamy contrast.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Twinkies

To ensure your Pumpkin Spice Twinkies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pumpkin puree enhances flavor and moisture, giving you softer cakes.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough texture; lumps are okay.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures; this prevents under or overbaking.
• Cool Completely: Let the twinkies cool fully before adding filling to prevent it from melting.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or ginger to customize the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Twinkies

When serving Pumpkin Spice Twinkies, consider pairing them with these delightful side dishes to create a well-rounded dessert spread.

1. Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices provide a crisp contrast, balancing the sweetness of the twinkies.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: These sweet chips offer a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the twinkies.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup adds another layer of fall flavors and is perfect for cozy gatherings.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory balance against the sweet dessert.
5. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and complexity to your dessert table.
6. Carrot Sticks with Hummus: This healthy option provides freshness and contrasts nicely with the rich twinkies.
7. Chocolate Fondue: Offer chocolate fondue for dipping; it makes for an interactive and fun dessert experience.
8. Baked Pears: Warm baked pears drizzled with honey bring natural sweetness that pairs well with pumpkin flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Spice Twinkies can be a delightful experience, but it’s essential to avoid some common pitfalls.

• Skipping the Cooling Time: If you don’t let the Twinkies cool completely before filling them, the vegan marshmallows cream may melt. Be patient; cooling helps maintain their shape.

• Overfilling the Pan: Filling the twinkie pan too much can cause overflow during baking. Aim for 2/3 full to ensure they rise without spilling over.

• Not Using a Piping Bag: Trying to fill the Twinkies without a piping bag can lead to messy results. A piping bag allows for precision in filling each hole.

• Ignoring Texture of Filling: If your filling is too stiff, it won’t pipe well. Always check and adjust with hot water if needed for the perfect consistency.

• Failing to Prepare Ingredients Ahead: Gather all ingredients before starting. This ensures that you won’t miss anything during preparation and helps streamline the process.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Twinkies

• Wrap each Twinkie individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Twinkies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one at a time for 15-20 seconds for best results.
• Stovetop: Cover with a pan lid on low heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Pumpkin Spice Twinkies.

Can I use a different cake mix for Pumpkin Spice Twinkies?

Yes, you can substitute other cake mixes like vanilla or yellow, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.

What is the best way to store Pumpkin Spice Twinkies?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

How do I make my filling fluffier?

If your filling seems dense, add small amounts of hot water while mixing until you achieve your desired consistency.

Are there any variations I can try with Pumpkin Spice Twinkies?

You can experiment by adding chocolate chips or nuts into the batter or using different flavored marshmallows for added taste!

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Spice Twinkies are not only a delicious dessert but also very versatile. You can customize them with various fillings and flavors according to your preference. Give this easy recipe a try, and enjoy these little treats that perfectly capture the essence of fall!