No Bake Twinkie Cake

This No Bake Twinkie Cake recipe is a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It layers soft Twinkies with fresh bananas, creamy vanilla pudding, and juicy pineapple, all topped with a generous spread of whipped topping and crunchy pecans. It’s a fuss-free, refrigerator-chilled treat that’s sure to be a hit with friends and family.

You may have heard of an Icebox cake like this Banana Icebox Cake where layers of banana-flavored pudding are combined with graham crackers in a dish, and chilled for a few hours to soften the graham crackers. But have you heard of a Twinkie Cake? It’s pretty much the same concept where Twinkie cakes are layered with creamy pudding, along with fresh bananas, crushed pineapple, and pecan for a crunchy topping. You must make this, it’s the most delicious thing ever! My family request this pretty often!

Want to try a different no-bake dessert? I’ve got loads! Try my Glorified Rice or Oreo Icebox Cake. This beautiful Peanut Butter Lasagna is always a hit, and this Pineapple Dream Dessert is my personal favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. No Bake – This easy recipe requires no baking or cooking at all! This means that you simply assemble all of the ingredients to make a beautiful cake.
2. Few Ingredients – You only need 8 simple ingredients to make this! And they’re all easily available in any grocery store.
3. Tropical Flavors – The combination of vanilla cake and creamy pudding, juicy pineapple, fresh bananas, and crunchy pecans is out of this world!

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this easy no-bake dessert:

• Twinkies: The star of the dish, Twinkies provide a soft, sponge-cake base. They absorb the flavors of the other ingredients, making each bite rich and moist.
• Bananas: Choose ripe bananas for natural sweetness and a soft texture that complements the creamy layers.
• Crushed Pineapple: Adds a tropical twist. Drain it well to prevent the cake from becoming too soggy.
• Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: This creates a thick, creamy layer that binds the cake together. Vanilla flavor pairs well with the other ingredients.
• Milk: Used to prepare the pudding. Cold milk helps the pudding set faster and creates a smoother texture.
• Whipped Topping. Thawed Cool Whip or your favorite store brand variety of whipped topping is what we need here.
• Chopped Pecans: These add a crunchy contrast to the soft layers. Toast them lightly for an enhanced flavor.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

How To Make a No-Bake Twinkie Cake

1. Prepare the Base: Start by spreading a layer of whipped topping in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This forms a creamy base for your cake.
2. Twinkie Layer: Unwrap about 6-7 Twinkies. Slice each one in half lengthwise and lay them flat over the whipped topping, covering the base of the dish.
3. Banana Layer: Peel and thinly slice 2-3 large bananas. Place half of these slices on top of the Twinkies, creating a fruity layer.
4. Pudding Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mix and cold milk until it’s smooth. Gently pour this mixture over the banana layer, ensuring it’s evenly spread.

1. Pineapple Layer: Drain a can of crushed pineapple and spread it over the pudding layer. This adds a tropical twist to the cake.
2. Final Banana Layer: Add the remaining banana slices over the pineapple layer for an extra burst of banana flavor.
3. Top it Off: Cover the banana layer with the remaining whipped topping.
4. Add Crunch and Chill: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for a bit of crunch. Then, cover the dish and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for allowing the cake to set and the flavors to meld together. Once chilled, cut the cake into squares and serve. Each piece can be garnished with a maraschino cherry for an extra touch of sweetness and color.

Recipe Tips

• Thoroughly Drain Pineapple: Before adding the pineapple, ensure it’s well-drained. Excess moisture can make the layers soggy, so press the pineapple against a sieve to remove extra juice.
• Use Cold Whipped Topping: The whipped topping should be thawed but still cold for easy spreading. This helps maintain its fluffy texture and makes layering smoother.
• Whisk Pudding to Smoothness: When preparing the pudding, whisk until it’s completely smooth. Lumps can affect the texture of your cake, so aim for a creamy consistency.
• Slice Bananas Thinly: Thin banana slices not only distribute more evenly but also blend better with the other layers, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
• Layer Neatly: Take the time to carefully layer the ingredients. This not only makes your cake look more appealing but also ensures a consistent flavor in every slice.
• Chill to Set: Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the layers to set properly and the flavors to combine.
• Choose Ripe Bananas: Go for ripe bananas for their natural sweetness and soft texture, which complement the creamy layers of the cake.
• Toast the Pecans: For added flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the cake. This step brings out a richer, nuttier taste and adds a delightful crunch.

How To Toast Pecans

To toast the pecans, preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C, spread pecan halves on a small quarter-size sheet pan, and toast for 6-8 minutes. Be careful not to burn them!

This No Bake Twinkie Cake is a breeze to make and packed with flavors that everyone will love! It’s a fantastic way to transform a simple snack into a crowd-pleasing dessert. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for your next gathering or sweet craving!