Texas Twinkies are a fun and tasty treat made from jalapeños stuffed with creamy cheese and wrapped in bacon. They pack a flavor punch that’s sure to impress!
These spicy bites are perfect for gatherings or game day snacks. Watch out—once you start munching, you won’t be able to stop! I love serving them warm; they’re just irresistible! 🌶️🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Twinkies: These iconic treats serve as the base for this recipe. If you can’t find Twinkies, any similar snack cake like Ho Hos or Swiss rolls works well too! Just make sure they have a creamy filling.
Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeños add that awesome kick. If you prefer a milder taste, try using banana peppers or even sweet bell peppers. If you’re a heat lover, serrano peppers will bring even more spice!
Jam or Jelly: I love using strawberry or raspberry jam for a fruity touch. You can swap it for any flavor you enjoy, like peach or blueberry. Try to avoid heavy jams, as they can make the Twinkies too soggy.
Rainbow Sprinkles: They are optional, but they make these treats extra fun! If sprinkles aren’t your thing, you can skip them or use crushed nuts for added crunch.
How Do You Fry the Twinkies to Get Them Perfectly Golden?
Frying is the star technique for achieving that crispy outer layer. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check, as too hot can burn them, and too cool won’t result in crispiness.
- Gently lower a filled Twinkie into the hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the temperature stable.
- Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them since they cook quickly!
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the Twinkies and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This helps keep them crispy.
That’s it! With a little attention, you’ll have delicious, golden Texas Twinkies ready to enjoy!
How to Make Texas Twinkies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Texas Twinkies:
- 6 frozen Twinkies (or equivalent snack cakes)
- 1 cup strawberry or raspberry jam/preserves (or your choice of jelly)
- 4-6 jalapeño peppers, sliced thinly
- Rainbow sprinkles (for topping)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and an additional 15 minutes for frying. In total, you’ll spend about 25 minutes making these delicious Texas Twinkies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oil:
Start by heating vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium heat. You’ll want it to reach about 350°F (175°C). If you have a kitchen thermometer, this will help ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying!
2. Cutting the Twinkies:
Once the oil is heating, take your frozen Twinkies and cut them in half lengthwise. This will create a flat surface on each Twinkie half where we’ll spread our jam and add jalapeños.
3. Spreading the Jam:
Take your jam or jelly and spread a generous layer on the flat side of each Twinkie half. You can use a knife or a spoon to spread it evenly. The sweet jam will contrast beautifully with the spicy jalapeños!
4. Adding the Jalapeños:
Next, place a few slices of jalapeño peppers on top of the jam. Add as many or as few slices as you like, depending on how spicy you want your Texas Twinkies to be!
5. Closing the Twinkies:
Carefully press the two halves of each Twinkie back together to seal them. Make sure to press gently so that everything stays inside. You want your Twinkies sealed but not squished!
6. Frying the Twinkies:
Now it’s time to fry! Gently lower each filled Twinkie into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to help lift them out so you don’t splatter hot oil!
7. Draining and Topping:
Once they’re golden brown, remove the Twinkies from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. While they’re still warm, sprinkle the tops generously with rainbow sprinkles for that fun, festive touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These Texas Twinkies are best served immediately while the cream filling is warm and gooey. Enjoy this sweet and spicy treat—you won’t be able to resist!
Enjoy your unique Texas Twinkies – a sweet, spicy, and colorful treat!
Can I Use Fresh Twinkies Instead of Frozen?
It’s best to use frozen Twinkies because they hold their shape better during frying. If you use fresh ones, they might get too soft and difficult to handle. If you do go fresh, freeze them briefly for about 30 minutes to firm them up.
How Do I Make These Spicier?
If you’re looking for extra heat, try adding more jalapeño slices inside, or even use a spicy jam or a hot sauce instead of jelly. You can also experiment with adding sliced habanero or serrano peppers for an extra kick!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filled Twinkies and store them in the fridge for a few hours before frying. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent them from drying out. Fry them just before serving for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To re-crisp them, you can pop them in a hot oven for a few minutes rather than microwaving, which will keep them from getting soggy.