This cake will take you back to your childhood when Twinkies were the treat in your school lunchbox. Adults and kids will all thank you for making this fun treat.
1 1⁄2 c. sugar
1⁄2 c. shortening
2 t. vanilla
4 eggs
Dry ingredients:
2 c. flour
3 t. baking powder
1⁄2 t. salt
1 c. cocoa, optional
1 c. milk
Filling:
2 T. butter
1⁄3 c. shortening
1 1⁄3 c. powdered sugar
1⁄3 c. evaporated milk
1 t. vanilla
2 drops lemon extract
**Leave out the cocoa to make it even more like aTwinkie, if you wish.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13 x 9 pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, shortening, vanilla and eggs, beating until very smooth.
In a separate bowl, combine remaining dry ingredients; set aside.
Pour milk into a measuring cup.
In 3 or 4 portions, alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the sugar mixture in the mixing bowl, beating well after each addition; scrape sides of bowl; beat for 1 more minute or so.
Pour into the prepared pan; smooth out the top; smack pan firmly against countertop 2-3 times to remove bubbles.
Bake 25-30 minutes (springy top or clean toothpick); cool 5-8 minutes on rack.
While cake is cooling, prepare the filling:
Cream butter and shortening; add sugars, then milk, vanilla and lemon extract; beat until very fluffy and creamy; set aside.
When cake is cooled, use a serrated knife to slice horizontally in half, depth-wise.
Remove the top half of the cake, sliding hands between the 2 layers and lift up; liberally spread filling over the bottom section, keeping the edges clean.Place the top half of cake on filling, press gently.
Cover; allow to sit for a day to develop flavors.
Cut into rectangles to resemble the traditional Twinkie-cake shape. Serve.
**This recipe is easily halved and made in an 8 or 9 inch pan, too.
16-20 servings.