If you’ve been dreaming of a nostalgic treat that’s both delicious and thoughtfully healthier, say hello to these Homemade Twinkies | High Protein & Gluten Free (+ Rainbow!). These delightful cakes keep all the childhood magic you remember but bring a fresh twist with gluten free ingredients, a protein-packed filling, and a joyful pop of rainbow sprinkles. They’re soft, fluffy, and bursting with strawberry cream goodness, making them the perfect indulgence that feels just right!

Homemade Twinkies | High Protein & Gluten Free (+ Rainbow!) - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple but intentional each ingredient is, creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that iconic gentle sweetness. From the wholesome coconut flour to the vibrant rainbow sprinkles, every component plays a crucial role in making these homemade Twinkies truly extraordinary.

Coconut flour: Provides a gluten free, fiber-rich base with a subtle nutty flavor that keeps the cakes tender.
Gluten free baking powder: Helps the Twinkies rise nicely and stay light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
Honey: Offers natural sweetness with a floral note, balancing the tangy cream filling.
Unsweetened apple sauce: Adds moisture and a hint of fruity sweetness, helping keep the batter soft.
Plain Greek yogurt (2-4% fat): Delivers protein and creaminess both in the batter and filling, crucial for texture and nutrition.
Unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Extends moisture content and infuses subtle vanilla flavor.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall aroma and taste with rich warmth.
Whole eggs: Provide structure and richness for the batter.
Egg whites: Whipped to soft peaks to lighten the batter, making the Twinkies airy and fluffy.
Rainbow sprinkles: Deliver that playful, colorful touch inside and out, celebrating the “rainbow” aspect of this recipe.
Light strawberry cream cheese: Perfectly balances the tangy yogurt to create the luscious filling everyone will love.

How to Make Homemade Twinkies | High Protein & Gluten Free (+ Rainbow!)

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take your two silicone Twinkie pans and spritz them generously with cooking spray to ensure your cakes slide out easily. Placing the pans on baking sheets makes handling safer and cleanup simpler.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut flour, gluten free baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture forms the base and ensures even baking and proper rise for those light and fluffy Twinkies.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and combine the honey, unsweetened apple sauce, vanilla almond milk, plain Greek yogurt, whole eggs, and vanilla extract. Blending these together creates the flavorful, moist foundation your Twinkie batter needs.

Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites

In another clean bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. This is key to the airy texture, as folding the whipped whites into the batter will lighten it beautifully and give the Twinkies that tender crumb.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slowly stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined — don’t overmix here! Gently fold in about half of the whipped egg whites first, then carefully fold in the rest along with a teaspoon of rainbow sprinkles to add a fun surprise inside the Twinkie itself.

Step 6: Bake the Twinkies

Sprinkle the remaining rainbow sprinkles evenly on the bottom of your prepared Twinkie molds. Fill each pocket about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 30 minutes, then carefully remove from the oven. Grease your baking sheets and carefully pop the Twinkies out of the molds onto the sheets, rounded side up. Bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes until they turn lightly golden. Let them cool completely before filling.

Step 7: Prepare the Strawberry Protein Cream Filling

While your Twinkies are cooling, mix together the Greek yogurt, light strawberry cream cheese, and the remaining rainbow sprinkles. Transfer this creamy dream to a piping bag fitted with a star tip—it’s going to make filling your Twinkies an absolute joy.

Step 8: Fill and Enjoy

Once the Twinkies are fully cooled, gently insert the piping tip into the bottom of each cake and inject the strawberry cream filling in several spots. This way, every bite bursts with that sweet and tangy creaminess you crave. Now, dig in and savor the magic of your Homemade Twinkies | High Protein & Gluten Free (+ Rainbow!).

How to Serve Homemade Twinkies | High Protein & Gluten Free (+ Rainbow!)

Garnishes

Enhance each Twinkie by dusting a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or adding a few colorful sprinkles on top for an eye-catching presentation. A fresh strawberry slice alongside makes for a beautiful and complementary topping that ties into the strawberry cream filling.

Side Dishes

Pair your Twinkies with a warm cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee to balance the sweetness. For a wholesome contrast, fresh fruit salad with berries or a handful of crunchy nuts refreshes the palate and boosts the nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Twinkies in a tiered dessert tray at parties for an instant crowd-pleaser. For kids’ celebrations, wrap each one in colorful wax paper secured with a ribbon. You can also slice them lengthwise and layer with extra cream and fruit for a playful “cake sandwich” dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your homemade Twinkies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy that burst of high protein and gluten free goodness anytime.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap each Twinkie individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Twinkies can last up to 2 months—perfect for a quick sweet treat whenever craving strikes.

Reheating

For the best texture, thaw frozen Twinkies overnight in the refrigerator. If you want a warm treat, gently reheat in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes, but avoid microwaving as it can make the texture less appealing.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of coconut flour?

This recipe is designed specifically for coconut flour to keep it gluten free. Using regular flour will change the texture and may require adjusting liquid amounts, so stick with coconut flour for best results.

Is the filling dairy-free?

No, the filling contains Greek yogurt and cream cheese. To make it dairy-free, you could substitute with plant-based yogurt and vegan cream cheese alternatives, but keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.

Can I omit the rainbow sprinkles?

Absolutely! The sprinkles add fun color and texture, but the recipe will still taste fantastic without them. Consider adding finely chopped nuts or freeze-dried fruit as alternative mix-ins.

How high in protein are these Twinkies?

Thanks to the Greek yogurt and eggs, each Twinkie offers a nice protein boost with about 4 grams per serving, making them a guilt-free indulgence that fuels your body.

Can I make these Twinkies vegan?

This particular recipe relies on eggs and dairy for structure and creaminess. Vegan adaptations would require alternative binding agents and dairy substitutes, which might change the texture. Experimenting with aquafaba and vegan cream cheese could be a fun project!

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own treats from scratch, especially when they’re as fun, colorful, and wholesome as these Homemade Twinkies | High Protein & Gluten Free (+ Rainbow!). They’re bursting with flavor and just the right amount of nostalgia wrapped up in a better-for-you package. I can’t recommend them enough—grab your ingredients, get baking, and treat yourself to a modern twist on a classic favorite!