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When time's tight or a celebration pops up, grab this No Bake Twinkie Pudding Cake. People love just how easy it is—and you'll want seconds because it's that good. If baking isn't your thing or it’s just too hot for the oven, this fun dessert saves the day every time.
We make this one for movie marathons or big birthdays at home. It’s seriously the first thing gone when dessert's out.
Delicious Ingredients
- Cherry pie filling: Toss on this fruity layer at the end—it’s tangy and gives cool bites of whole cherries if you get the good kind
- Whipped topping: Toss on a fluffy dollop for a light, sweet finish. Try to pick one with just the basics—no wild flavors
- Milk: It helps mix up the pudding base—grab it cold if you want things smooth and lump free
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Pick a brand you trust for a thick, tasty layer in the middle
- Twinkies: Soft golden snack cakes kick things off and make the yummiest foundation—grab them fresh and squishy
Easy Steps
- Chill:
- Pop the finished dessert in the fridge, covered, and wait four-ish hours or overnight. That helps it set and brings all those flavors together.
- Top with Cherries:
- Scoop on that cherry pie filling last, making sure every piece gets some cherries
- Add Whipped Topping:
- Carefully spread whipped topping right over the pudding layer—go gentle so you don’t mess up your layers
- Add Pudding Layer:
- Dump the thickened pudding over your Twinkies, and gently push it to the edges so everything’s covered
- Mix the Pudding:
- Whisk that pudding mix with cold milk until it’s nice and smooth (no lumps). Give it a couple minutes to thicken up
- Prepare the Base:
- Cut each Twinkie open lengthwise and put them, creamy side facing up, into your dish. Try to get every spot covered.
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I'm always excited about the cherry layer. When I was a kid, my grandma would stack on extra cherries just for me. She knew how to make dessert feel special.
How to Store It
Wrap the dish snug with plastic or stick a cover on tight, then stash it in the fridge. This one’s best eaten inside three days. Skip the freezer—pudding and whipped topping won't hold up if they freeze and thaw.
Swap Outs
Not into cherries? Blueberry or strawberry pie filling would be awesome instead. Want chocolate? Use a chocolate pudding with chocolate snack cakes if you’re feeling bold. Go for a lighter touch with low-fat whipped topping if you’d like.
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Serving Ideas
Pop it right out of the fridge to serve. Want to be fancy? Add some crushed nuts or drizzle a little chocolate sauce on top. It's extra good next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream, especially in the summertime.
Backstory and Fun Facts
Throwing snack cakes into sweets like this really took off in the US back in the 1980s and 1990s, making life easier and desserts more fun for home cooks. Twinkie creations turned into a crowd-pleaser because they were cheerful and tasted like home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to use another pudding flavor?
Totally! Go for chocolate, banana, or even cheesecake pudding if you want to switch things up from vanilla.
- → How long should this chill before I serve it?
For yummy layers, pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or just leave it all night. That way the texture gets just right.
- → Can I swap in homemade whipped cream?
You bet! Freshly whipped cream tastes lighter and isn't as sweet, so go for it if you like.
- → What other fruits go well on top?
Try strawberry, blueberry, or even a mix of berries instead of cherry. They're all tasty with this dessert!
- → Can I make it in little cups instead?
Yep, just layer everything in smaller jars or glasses. That way it’s easy to grab and eat on the go.
- → How long can I keep leftovers?
If you cover it up and stick it in the fridge, it's good for up to three days. But honestly, it disappears quick around here!