Dessert

No-Bake Twinkie Pudding Cake Recipe

ByRico Loranz November 18, 2025November 18, 2025

Introduction

This No-Bake Twinkie Pudding Cake is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that combines creamy pudding, sweet cherries, and soft Twinkies for a nostalgic treat. Perfect for warm days or when you want a fuss-free dessert that still feels special.

The image shows a rectangular dessert with three clear layers inside a white tray. The bottom layer is a light golden sponge cake forming a firm base. Above that is a thick, creamy white filling mixed with whole cherries, creating spots of deep red inside the cream. The top layer has whole shiny cherries covered in a glossy red syrup, sitting on a smooth, thick white cream layer. The edges of the dessert are framed by tall, golden sponge pieces standing vertically around the filling. The surface under the tray is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 Twinkies
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the Twinkies in half lengthwise and arrange them cream side up in the bottom of your baking dish.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Step 3: Pour the thickened pudding evenly over the arranged Twinkies.
Step 4: Gently spread the thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer.
Step 5: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the whipped topping.
Step 6: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set and the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For a different fruit flavor, try substituting the cherry pie filling with blueberry or strawberry pie filling.
Use fresh whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping for a homemade touch.
To add a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before serving.

Storage

Store the Twinkie pudding cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, you can enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge; reheating is not recommended as it is best enjoyed cold.

How to Serve

This dish is shown in a white rectangular baking dish with four main layers. The bottom layer is a light tan sponge cake with a soft texture. On top of that is a thick, fluffy white cream layer. Above the cream is a layer of bright red cherry jam with whole cherries sitting in the jam, giving a glossy look. The top layer frames the dish with golden-brown ladyfinger biscuits standing upright around the edge, their smooth, slightly grainy texture visible. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert benefits from chilling overnight as it allows the pudding to set and flavors to blend, making it even more delicious.

What can I use if I don’t have Twinkies?

You can substitute with other cream-filled sponge cakes or even plain ladyfingers for a similar texture and flavor profile.

No-Bake Twinkie Pudding Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 144 reviews

No-Bake Twinkie Pudding Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, cherry pie filling, and classic Twinkies. Perfect for those who want a quick, indulgent treat without turning on the oven, this chilled cake offers a taste of nostalgic sweetness combined with a luscious fruity finish.

Author: Rico
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base

10 Twinkies, sliced in half lengthwise

Pudding Layer

1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups milk

Topping

1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Instructions

Prepare the Base: Slice the Twinkies in half lengthwise and arrange them cream side up in the bottom of your baking dish to create the cake base.
Mix the Pudding: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of milk until the mixture is smooth. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken fully.
Add Pudding Layer: Pour the thickened pudding evenly over the arranged Twinkies, spreading gently to cover completely.
Add Whipped Topping: Carefully spread the thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer, creating a light and creamy second layer.
Top with Cherries: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the whipped topping to add a fruity and colorful finish.
Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat milk to achieve a creamier pudding texture.
Allow the whipped topping to thaw completely before spreading for easy application.
Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even chilling and attractive presentation.
This dessert is best served chilled and should be kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings such as blueberry or strawberry for a different flavor twist.

Keywords: No-Bake Cake, Twinkie Dessert, Instant Pudding Cake, Cherry Pie Filling Dessert, Easy No-Bake Dessert

Rico Loranz

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