Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and then fold in the vanilla extract. The batter will be thick and fluffy, just how we want it! Now, it’s time to gently fold in those luscious chopped peaches. Trust me, this step makes all the difference. The thought of biting into a piece of moist cake filled with fresh peaches makes my mouth water!
Now, carefully spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared Twinkie pan, filling each cavity about ¾ of the way full. Don’t worry if it feels a bit messy; that’s part of the fun! Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once they’re done, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, we can prepare our peach preserve filling. Simply warm up the peach preserves in a small saucepan over low heat until it is gooey and spreadable. Once the Twinkies are completely cool, use a piping bag to fill each cake with the peach filling, adding that extra fruity burst we all love. These Twinkies are like sunshine in a sweet little package!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways, and I found that using fresh peaches really takes the flavor up a notch. If fresh peaches aren’t available, canned peaches will work, but be sure to drain them well; excess moisture can affect the texture of your Twinkies. Another tip is to let your butter sit at room temperature before mixing; it results in a smoother batter.
While it’s super tempting to dive right into these beauties after filling them, I promise the flavors develop even more if you let them sit for a couple of hours. I usually whip them up in the morning and let them sit until afternoon—it’s the perfect sweet afternoon pick-me-up!
Lastly, don’t skimp on the cinnamon! The warm, comforting notes of cinnamon combined with sweet peaches create an irresistible flavor profile that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes I see when baking is overmixing the batter. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense, tough Twinkies instead of the light and fluffy texture we’re aiming for. Trust me, I’ve experienced the difference firsthand!
Another thing to watch out for is undercooking. My first batch came out delicious but a bit too gooey in the center because I was in a hurry. Always check with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean, and if you’re unsure, a couple of additional minutes in the oven can make a huge difference.
Lastly, if you decide to make your own peach sauce rather than using preserves, ensure it’s thick enough. A watery filling can cause the cakes to become soggy, and nobody wants a soggy Twinkie! Remember, a little patience in baking goes a long way. (See the next page below to continue…)