Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThe BayouDeep Fried Twinkies Recipe

Deep Fried Twinkies Recipe

Inspired by The Bayou
Time45m
Serves4

Leave it to Southerners to improve on the Twinkie. We dip them in batter, fry them up good, and serve them with raspberry sauce.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Twinkies & Frying

Optional Garnishes

Method

Raspberry Sauce

  1. 1

    Cook and Strain

    Place raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture simmers, about 5–7 minutes.

  2. 2

    Optional Thicken

    If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to make a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the simmering raspberries and cook 1 minute until slightly thickened.

  3. 3

    Finish

    Remove from heat and pass the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing with a spoon to extract solids. Discard seeds and solids. Let cool to warm or room temperature. Keep warm while preparing Twinkies.

Twinkies & Frying

  1. 4

    Prep

    Set a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet lined with paper towels for draining. If Twinkies are very soft, freeze them uncovered for 15–20 minutes to firm slightly—this helps them hold up in the batter.

  2. 5

    Make Batter

    In a medium bowl whisk together flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla until combined. Pour wet into dry and whisk just until combined. Stir in very cold club soda to loosen the batter; it should be thick enough to coat but still somewhat fluid. If too thick, add up to 2 tablespoons more club soda or milk. Chill batter in the refrigerator 10 minutes.

  3. 6

    Heat Oil

    Pour vegetable oil into a heavy pot or deep fryer to a depth of about 2–3 inches (enough to fully submerge a Twinkie). Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test with a small drop of batter: it should sizzle and brown in about 40–60 seconds.

  4. 7

    Coat Twinkies

    Working in small batches (2–3 at a time), using two forks or a skewer, dip each Twinkie into the batter to coat completely, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. For a thicker shell, you can double-dip: dip, briefly rest 30 seconds, then dip again.

  5. 8

    Fry

    Carefully lower battered Twinkies into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on all sides, turning gently with tongs or a slotted spoon, about 2–3 minutes per Twinkie. Do not overcrowd the pot; maintain oil temperature between 325–350°F (160–175°C).

  6. 9

    Drain and Finish

    Remove Twinkies with a slotted spoon to the prepared rack to drain and cool 1–2 minutes. Dust generously with powdered sugar while still warm.

  7. 10

    Serve

    Serve 1–2 warm deep fried Twinkies per person with a spoonful of raspberry sauce on the plate or drizzled over the top. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a mint sprig if desired.

More from The Bayou