Twinkie Tiramisu

I originally thought about the idea of Twinkie tiramisu after dunking one of the tubular confections into a cup of dark roast coffee in an attempt to make it more edible. I found that the spongy creme filled anomaly was much improved with the addition of coffee. I later did a Google search and voila! Leave it to the chefs at DisneyWorld to come up with it first. I found this to be a great use of Twinkies and a great conversation piece especially when eaten with people who have never had a Twinkie.

You will need:

12 Twinkies (NOT Mrs. Freshley's Golden Creme Cakes), sliced 1/2 inch thick

Cocoa powder, for garnish

For the Espresso Syrup:

1/3 cup of water

1/2 cup of sugar

2/3 cup of strongly brewed espresso

1/4 cup of Italian or domestic brandy (some say this is optional, I say its non-negotiable)

For the Marscarpone Filling:

1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream

1/3 cup sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 pound marscarpone cheese, softened to room temperature

Procedure:
Brew a fresh pot of espresso:

This espresso pot can be purchased at stores such as World Market for about $13, its an excellent gift for the coffee lover, easy to use (stove top) and makes great espresso without the expense of a large machine. I like to use the lowest heat setting I can without it taking too long to brew the coffee so that I get the maximum amount of flavor. Do not brew espresso on a high heat setting on the stove top, it will burn and taste like ass.

Slice the Twinkies lengthwise using a serrated knife and set aside:

It is common to have the urge to lick the creme out of one of the sliced Twinkies. My advice is to go for it, you only live once.

To make the Espresso Syrup:

In a small sauce pan bring the water and 1/2 cup of sugar to a simmer:

Remove from heat, allow to cool and add 2/3 cup of espresso and 1/4 cup of brandy. Set aside:

To make the marscarpone filing:

Use a whisk by hand (I hope you have strong forearms) or use an electric mixer with a whisk attachment to whisk heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and 1/3 cup of sugar until soft peaks form. Do not over-beat your cream (stop laughing perv) or you'll have butter.

Not quite ready yet

Ahh! Perfect.

Next, fold in the marscarpone cheese. If you're using a stand mixer switch the attachment to the paddle (I told you to stop laughing) and use low speed. Otherwise, use a wooden spoon to fold the cheese into the whipped cream. Set aside.

Assemble your tiramisu:

Lay the Twinkies at the bottom a shallow 2 quart baking dish. I chose to alernate cut side up and cut side down for fun.

Spoon half of the Esspresso Syrup onto the layer of Twinkies making sure each one gets sufficiently saturated with the sugary, brandied, coffee goodness. Then apply half of the marscarpone filling:

Repeat the procedure for the remaining Twinkies, syrup, and filling:

Cover with plastic wrap. Place toothpicks in the tiramisu to keep the plastic from touching the top layer of filling. Refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Before serving dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder. Then eat it.

Comments

[Jason]

I like the new food segment. I've been a FoodTv whore these last few weeks. The Twinkie Tiramisu looks great, I'll have to try it out. I need one of those Kitchenaid mixers, they look like a lot of fun. Thanks for the espresso pot idea. I actually just bought a french press this weekend.

[Alan Gentry]

I covet your kitchen.

[Arthur (AmeriNZ)]

I saved the recipe "just in case", but I doubt I'll actually make it because I'd have to import the Twinkies (one source: Box of 10 for $8.91 out of a minimum $50 order plus $15 shipping--all US dollars, apparently). Do you feel sorry for me yet?

Might have to use lady fingers instead--imagine!

[tornwordo]

I did laugh at "paddle". Looks like a great recipe. How was the taste?

[jeremy]

That is the greatest idea I've heard in a long time. I can't wait to bastardize the recipe mainly by cutting corners and also by using dark rum.

[Spider]

Sounds delicious, but that is a boat-load of work for a twinkie!

[Gringo]

This was surprisingly delicious. I couldn't help but have seconds...and thirds.

[Rey Rey]

Of course you had to post that as I started my diet... Twinkies are non-fattening though, right?

[vuboq]

Twinkies, booze, and coffee. I think it may very well be the BEST DESSERT EVER!!!!

[GayProf]

Liquor is recipes is never "optional."

To be honest, though, I became more distracted by the cool glow of your stove-top.

[GayProf]

Oops -- 'in recipes," but you knew that.

[Lewis]

You know I've been waiting for this one after our email conversations. I can't believe the time and effort...not only for the recipe but the time you took to take and post the pics and steps. I mean, we're talking about a twinkie here, for god's sake. Sounds kind of yummy though...especially beating the cream and licking out the middle....all on the kitchen counter, nonetheless.

[Aaron]

Beautiful!

[The Gay Expat]

I can't wait until you video these things.

And I can't believe that I was most interested in Herbie the Dentist being on that box of twinkies amidst all that skill and yumminess. Shame on campy old me.

[Kalvin]

Don't you ever call me white trash again.

[Arthur (AmeriNZ)]

Maybe you just belong on the Island of Misfit Toys, Gay Expat. I'll see you when you get there....

[Charlyn Chisholm]

Nice pictures! I've linked you from the original recipe page. I think I can speak for fellow Twinkie lovers everywhere when I say you've done a tremendous public service here.

[lisa]

THAT DESSERT IS TO DIE FOR! OH MY GOSH- WE JUST HAD IT AT A LADIES FUNCTION, AND THE "CHEF" WOULD NOT GIVE THE RECIPE AWAY... GO FIGURE. WELL I AM WAY TOO SMART FOR HER! :)
GOOGLE IS MY HERO! THAT IS THE BEST DESSERT IN THE WORLD! DON'T HALF STEP ON ANY OF IT! IT'S WORTH IT!!!!

[Jina]

Actually making this for Christmas, as we speak. The marscarpone is mixing at the moment. Looks delicious. This is going to be great after a pre-Christmas Eve smash with my husband's family at Buca! Will go great with Nog as we open gifts. Oh, and Brandy Old Fashioneds! Thanks for the step by step.

[Jina]

Oh..... and I used Ricotta con Latte. I went back and forth between that and Baking Cheese. From what I can tell, now, after assembly. It tastes delicious. Cheaper than Marscarpone if you are cooking for family and not gourmets!

[Tim]

That looks awesome, can't wait to try it. Oh, and you're HOT!

[baseballmomx2]

If you are not a real fan of espresso like me try this. Roll/Soak the twinkies in butterscotch liquor (this dessert would be for adults). It is great..