Twinkie Tiramisu

With lots of coffee flavor, a moist Twinkie base, and a rich creamy topping, this Twinkie tiramisu takes your favorite childhood treat and makes it better. The perfect dessert recipe to indulge with, this tiramisu variation is a hit no matter where you take it!

If Twinkies were your thing when you were a kid, you’ll go crazy for this Twinkie tiramisu. It uses classic Twinkies as the base and soaks them in a coffee simple syrup. They’re then sandwiched together with a whipped cream cheese frosting before being sprinkled with grated chocolate.

It’s the perfect combination for any dessert lover. You can vary the amount of coffee you use depending on where you’re serving it or try one of the variations below. Regardless, this tiramisu recipe will have everyone hooked.

Ingredients You Need

Strong coffee: Adjust the flavor of the tiramisu based on how strong of a coffee flavor you want.

Cream cheese: Make sure to let your cream cheese come to room temperature before you need it.

Sugar: Regular white sugar is perfect for this dessert as it blends the best.

Heavy cream: You need this to make homemade whipped cream so know that low-fat versions won’t work as well.

Twinkies: The star of the show, you’ll need to halve them to get started.

Vanilla extract: The higher quality of the vanilla the more the flavor will come through.

Tips For Success

Coffee: Make sure to use your favorite blend for this recipe so that the flavor comes through. If you’re making this to serve at a gathering with kids, you can easily replace the coffee with decaf.

Work Quickly: Twinkies absorb liquid like crazy, so you’ll need to move fast as you dip them and make sure not to saturate them with too much liquid. You’re just looking to moisten them.

Make It In Advance: This Twinkie tiramisu actually tastes better once it’s had a chance to sit for a bit. So, if you need to, know that you can make it about a day in advance of when you need it. Save your toppings to put on right before serving though.

Storing Leftovers

Best stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Like this, the tiramisu will last up to 3 days. After this time, it tends to get a bit too watered down.

If you want to freeze the tiramisu, wrap the dish very well with plastic wrap. On top of thaw, wrap a layer of aluminum foil or pop the dish into a freezer bag if it fits. Stored like this it will last up to 3 months in the freezer. 

When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it sit in the fridge overnight to thaw. You can also enjoy this every so slightly frozen as the taste comes through beautifully and almost has an “ice cream cake” feel to it. Delicious in the warmer months!

Toppings and Variations

Most of the time, I use just grated chocolate on top of the tiramisu to serve it. It’s simple and aesthetically pleasing, and everyone loves the combination of chocolate and coffee! However, below are a few ways to change both the toppings and the flavor of the dessert.

Crunch: Weave chopped pecans into the Twinkie tiramisu or sprinkle them on top for a bit of texture.

Boozy Tiramisu: Replace some of the coffee with a dark liquor like amaretto or Baileys for a fun, festive twist. Make sure it’s for adults only of course.

Sprinkles: You can make this tiramisu event-specific by using colored or themed sprinkles on top of the dessert. Great for kids if you use a decaf coffee too.

What is traditional tiramisu made of?

Normally, tiramisu uses a base of lady fingers to come together. They’re then soaked in coffee or alcohol before being layered with a rich, creamy topping.

What alcohol is good in tiramisu?

If you plan on making an alcoholic-based tiramisu, know that liquors like amaretto, coffee liquor, brandy, or even Baileys pair the best.

Twinkie Tiramisu

Your childhood treats at a whole new level. This Twinkie tiramisu uses Twinkies as the base, soaks them in sweetened coffee, and layers them between a thick, cream cheese frosting.
Author Mrs Happy Homemaker

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¾ cup strong coffee
  • 8 oz softened cream cheese
  • cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups of heavy cream beaten until stiff peaks form (making homemade whipped cream)
  • 10-12 Twinkies halved lengthwise

Instructions

  • Combine the water & the ½ sugar in a small saucepan & bring to a boil.
  • Add in the coffee once the sugar has been dissolved. Set aside to bring it to room temperature
  • Beat the cream cheese, ⅓ cup sugar, & vanilla extract until creamy. Gently fold in the fresh whipped cream.
  • Dip half of the twinkie halves into the coffee syrup & then lay them in a 2 quart dish, cream side up. Don’t over saturate them…just a quick dunk will do. Spread half of the cream on top – then dip the other half of the twinkies in the coffee syrup & put them on top of the cream. Finish with the rest of the cream & garnish with grated chocolate if desired.