Deep-fried Twinkies are the ultimate indulgence—a crispy, golden exterior with a warm, creamy center that melts in your mouth. This fun and nostalgic treat is a staple at fairs and carnivals, but you can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients and simple steps. If you’ve ever wondered how to make deep-fried Twinkies, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients and tools:
– Twinkies (6 pieces)
– Vegetable oil (about 4 cups for frying)
– All-purpose flour (for dusting and batter)
– Milk (1 cup)
– Vinegar (2 tablespoons)
– Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon for batter)
– Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
– Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
– Powdered sugar (for dusting after frying)
– Popsicle sticks or wooden craft sticks (optional, for easy handling)
– Deep fryer or a deep pot
– Mixing bowls
– Whisk
– Paper towels
Step 1: Prep the Twinkies
Start by freezing your Twinkies for several hours or overnight. Freezing helps them hold their shape during frying and prevents the cream filling from melting too quickly.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Pour about 4 cups of vegetable oil into your deep fryer or a deep pot. Heat the oil to around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Maintaining this temperature is key to getting a crispy outside without burning the batter or undercooking the inside.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In one bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually whisk the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until you get a smooth, thick batter. Chill the batter in the fridge while the oil heats up.
Step 4: Prepare the Twinkies for Frying
Remove the frozen Twinkies from the freezer. If you want to make them easier to handle, insert a popsicle stick lengthwise into each Twinkie, leaving about 2 inches sticking out to use as a handle. Lightly dust each Twinkie with flour to help the batter stick better.
Step 5: Coat the Twinkies
Dip each Twinkie into the batter, turning it to ensure it’s fully covered. The batter should coat the Twinkie evenly, creating a thick layer that will turn golden and crispy when fried.
Step 6: Fry the Twinkies
Carefully lower the batter-coated Twinkies into the hot oil. Since Twinkies tend to float, you might need to hold them under the oil gently with a utensil to ensure even cooking. Fry each Twinkie for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the fryer to keep the oil temperature steady.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Use tongs to remove the fried Twinkies from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before removing the sticks (if used). Dust the Twinkies with powdered sugar for that perfect finishing touch.
Optional: Serve with a Sweet Sauce
For an extra special treat, try serving your deep-fried Twinkies with a berry sauce. Simply heat some seedless raspberry preserves with fresh or frozen mixed berries until simmering. This adds a fruity contrast to the rich, fried cake.
Deep-fried Twinkies are a fun and indulgent dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With a crispy batter and creamy center, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Enjoy the nostalgic taste of this carnival favorite anytime you want!