Indulge in the Ultimate Sweet Treat: Chocolate Covered Twinkies

The Delectable Combination of Chocolate and Cream

A chocolate covered Twinkie is the ultimate sweet treat, combining a light and airy golden sponge cake with a rich and creamy filling all dipped in milk or dark chocolate. This tasty snack brings together two beloved flavors into one irresistible dessert that appeals to all ages and taste buds.

The Origins of the Chocolate Covered Twinkie

The original Twinkie was invented in 1930 by James Dewar of Continental Baking Company. These little golden cakes with a creamy filling quickly became a lunchbox staple and American classic enjoyed by kids and adults alike. It wasn’t until much later that some genius decided to coat the iconic snack cake in chocolate, creating the chocolate covered Twinkie.

The first mass produced chocolate covered Twinkies hit the shelves in 1993. Since then, many bakeries and candy shops have started offering their own gourmet versions featuring high-quality chocolate and unique fillings like peanut butter, banana cream, and more.

Why the Combination Works So Well

There are several reasons why chocolate covered Twinkies make such a delectable treat.

First, the light and airy vanilla sponge cake serves as the perfect base for the chocolate coating. The tiny pores in the cake allow the chocolate to seep in slightly, adhering to the cake better than other dense desserts. The cake also provides a mild flavor and tender texture that contrasts nicely with the richer chocolate.

Additionally, the sweet creamy filling balances beautifully with chocolate. The original Twinkie filling has a mild vanilla flavor that allows the chocolate taste to shine rather than compete. The cream’s smooth, lush texture also blends sublimely with the smoothness of the fine chocolate.

Finally, the chocolate coating takes this snack to the next level of indulgence. When you bite into a chocolate covered Twinkie, your tastebuds sing with delight thanks to the dynamic duo of airy cake, creamy center, and ultra-rich chocolate all in one bite.

Popular Versions from Bakeries

While original chocolate covered Twinkies with the standard vanilla filling satisfy any sweet tooth, many bakeries across the country have started offering gourmet versions that take this treat to the next level. Here are some of the most popular artisanal takes on the chocolate covered Twinkie:

• Peanut Butter Filled – Featuring a smooth, nutty peanut butter cream for the ultimate salty-sweet flavor contrast.
• Strawberries and Cream – Made with fresh strawberry cream filling and dried strawberry pieces mixed into the cake batter.
• Cookies and Cream – With crushed Oreo cookies in the filling and cake for a double cookies and cream delight.
• S’mores – A campfire classic in dessert form with marshmallow and graham cracker pieces throughout.
• Banana Cream – Rich banana pudding provides tropical flavor to this decadent cake.
• Chocolate Lovers – Enrobed in thick chocolate ganache and filled with chocolate cream.

Tips for Making Homemade Chocolate Covered Twinkies

Craving chocolate covered Twinkies but don’t have a bakery nearby? Here’s a simple guide to preparing these at home using just a few ingredients and basic kitchen tools.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Store-bought Twinkies
• Milk, dark or white chocolate for melting
• Toppings like sprinkles, crushed cookies or nuts (optional)

Handy Kitchen Tools

• Double boiler or makeshift setup with a bowl over simmering water for melting chocolate smoothly.
• Forks or skewers for dipping Twinkies into chocolate.
• Cooling rack or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Easy Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Start by melting chocolate in a double boiler, stirring constantly until completely smooth.
2. Pierce each Twinkie multiple times using a fork, skewer or toothpick. This allows the melted chocolate to soak into the cake better.
3. Holding it by a stick or fork, dip each pierced Twinkie into the melted chocolate, twisting to coat completely.
4. Lift the chocolate covered Twinkie out of the chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Decorate with optional sprinkles or toppings, then place on cooling rack.
6. Allow chocolate covered Twinkies to set at room temperature until chocolate hardens.
7. Enjoy your homemade chocolate covered Twinkies!

Creative Ways to Serve Chocolate Covered Twinkies

While most people enjoy chocolate covered Twinkies as is, you can also incorporate them into other sweet treats and desserts for a fun twist. Get creative with these serving ideas:

• Crush them up to use as cake filler or mix into cookie batter for chunks of Twinkie goodness.
• Stack between layers of ice cream for an outrageously decadent ice cream sandwich.
• Chop into pieces and mix with whipped cream to create a tasty trifle.
• Skewer them on sticks as part of a candy buffet alongside other chocolate dipped treats.
• Use as a unique cake pop center dipped in candy melts.
• Bake into cupcakes or layer cakes for a surprise Twinkie center.

However you choose to enjoy them, chocolate covered Twinkies offer the perfect bite-sized dose of sweet indulgence and nostalgia.

FAQs

Where can I buy chocolate covered Twinkies?

Chocolate covered Twinkies can be found in the bakery or specialty dessert section of many grocery stores. You may also find gourmet versions at local bakeries, candy shops, and chocolate stores. Online retailers like Amazon also carry various brands of chocolate covered Twinkies that can be shipped nationwide.

How long do chocolate covered Twinkies last?

Chocolate covered Twinkies have a shorter shelf life than regular Twinkies due to the chocolate coating. They will typically stay fresh for about 2 weeks at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. For maximum freshness, store chocolate covered Twinkies in the refrigerator for up to 6-8 weeks.

Can I make chocolate covered Twinkies at home?

Yes, making chocolate covered Twinkies at home is easy! All you need are store-bought Twinkies, melting chocolate like chips or candy coating, and optional toppings. Pierce the Twinkies with a fork first so the melted chocolate adheres better when dipping. Then simply dip each Twinkie in melted chocolate, decorate, and cool until set.

What chocolate is best for covering Twinkies?

Milk, dark, and white chocolate chips or candy melts all work well for making chocolate covered Twinkies. Milk chocolate provides ultimate crowd-pleasing flavor, while dark chocolate gives a richer, bolder taste. White chocolate is subtly sweet with a smooth texture. Candy melts make dipping easy with no tempering required.