Twinkie Cupcakes

Yup. You read that right.  

Twinkie Cupcakes.

Just the name of these had me salivating.

They are actually as good as they sound, believe it or not.

G said they were his favorite cupcake. Ever.

{Yes, I realize he could've just been being nice, but if the speed that these cupcakes were eaten is any indication, I think he was telling the truth!}

What you need:

{For the cake and filling}

1 Box Yellow Cake Mix {and ingredients needed on the box}

1 Small Box French Vanilla Instant Pudding

1 {7oz.} Jar Marshmallow Fluff

1/2 Cup Butter

1/3 Cup Powdered Sugar

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1/4 Teaspoon Salt

2 Teaspoons Hot Water 

{For the Buttercream icing}

1 {7oz.} Jar Marshmallow Fluff

2 Sticks Butter, softenend

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

About 1 Bag Powdered Sugar {32oz.}

What to do:

{For the cake and filling}

1. Preheat oven to 350 and line your cupcake tin with cupcake liners.

2. Prepare cake mix according to box instructions and stir in the box of French Vanilla pudding. Mix until well blended.

3. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.

4. Once cooled, core the centers out of the cupcakes. I used a small, sharp knife and this was actually alot easier than I thought it would be.

5. Dissolve the salt in the hot water. Beat together the marshmallow cream, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy. Mix in the salt water. 

6. Scoop filling into a resealable bag and snip off a corner of the bag. Fill the center of each cupcake. Refrigerate filled cupcakes as you prepare the frosting.

What to do:

{For the Buttercream icing}

1. Beat together the Marshmallow fluff, butter, and vanilla until well blended. 

2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar until mixed well.

3. Scoop the icing into another bag and clip one of the corners. Cover your cupcake with the icing. 

{ I liked these with just a small amount of icing since they have a cream filling as well.}

All done!

I hope you all had a great Valentine's day!

Can't wait to read about them!

Original recipe here.