National Twinkie Day (April 5)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on

National Twinkie Day is celebrated every year on April 6th, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy this golden sponge cake with its signature creamy center.

More than just a snack, Twinkies have become a nostalgic favorite, bringing back childhood memories and inspiring creative recipes.

This fun celebration is just one of the many weird holidays in April, making it a great excuse to indulge in a classic treat.

When is the Holiday?

Every year on April 6th, Twinkie lovers celebrate this beloved treat.

Whether enjoyed straight from the package or transformed into a unique dessert, it’s a day to appreciate the sweet indulgence of a classic American snack.

Who Invented It?

The Twinkie was invented by James Alexander Dewar, a baker at the Continental Baking Company, in 1930.

He sought a way to use shortcake pans that were idle outside of strawberry season, leading to the creation of the now-iconic treat.

Originally filled with banana cream, the recipe later changed to vanilla, the flavor most recognized today.

The History of the Holiday

Twinkies have been a staple in American snack culture for decades.

During World War II, the banana-flavored filling was replaced with vanilla due to banana shortages, and that version stuck.

Despite a temporary disappearance when Hostess Brands filed for bankruptcy in 2012, Twinkies returned by popular demand, cementing their place as a beloved snack.

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  1. Twinkies were first sold for just five cents per pack of two.
  2. The name “Twinkie” came from a billboard advertising Twinkle Toe Shoes.
  3. Despite myths, Twinkies do not last forever—just about 45 days.
  4. During a brief hiatus in 2012, some fans hoarded boxes, believing they might never return.
  5. Twinkies have been featured in movies, including Zombieland and Ghostbusters.

Activities to Celebrate

  • Taste Test – Sample classic, chocolate, and banana Twinkies to find your favorite.
  • Bake-Off – Challenge friends to come up with the most creative Twinkie-inspired dish.
  • Themed Movie Night – Watch films that feature Twinkies, like Zombieland, and enjoy the snack while watching.
  • DIY Twinkie Creations – Turn them into cakes, trifles, or even deep-fried delights.
  • Surprise a Friend – Share a box of Hostess snack cakes with someone and spread the joy.
  • Art Challenge – Decorate the cakes with icing, sprinkles, and toppings for a fun and edible craft project.

Related Recipes for the Holiday

  • Torched Twinkie Strawberry Shortcake. This twist on a classic dessert involves torching a Twinkie to give it a caramelized flavor before topping it with macerated strawberries and whipped cream. A fun and delicious way to celebrate!
  • Air Fryer Twinkies. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these air-fried Twinkies take just 3 minutes to make and are a hit with both kids and adults.
  • Twinkie Hearts with Raspberry Puree. A simple yet elegant treat, Twinkies are cut into heart shapes and paired with a tangy raspberry puree, making for a delightful contrast of flavors.
  • 2-Ingredient Twinkie Truffles. These quick and easy no-bake truffles require just two ingredients and 15 minutes, making them perfect for a last-minute sweet treat.
  • Loaded Bacon Twinkies. A sweet and salty creation, these cakes are wrapped in crispy bacon, combining two indulgent flavors into one unique snack.
  • Twinkie Cake. This no-bake dessert comes together in just 10 minutes with Twinkies, pudding, strawberries, and whipped topping—a simple yet delightful spring or summer treat.
  • Berry Cheesecake Trifle. Layers of Twinkies, lemon and vanilla cheesecake filling, and fresh berries create a stunning and delicious dessert.
  • Very Berry Twinkie Cake Dessert Cups. These individual dessert cups featuring Twinkies and fresh berries are perfect for entertaining or a fun family treat.
  • Giant Twinkie Bundt Cake. Inspired by the classic snack cake, this giant bundt cake is a fun way to recreate the Twinkie experience in a larger form.
  • Homemade Pumpkin Spice Twinkies. Perfect for fall, these homemade Twinkies incorporate spiced cake mix, fresh pumpkin puree, and marshmallow creme filling for a seasonal twist.

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Links to Resources

Get more Twinkie fun with these helpful finds:

Related Holidays

When cravings hit, National Junk Food Day on July 21st is the perfect excuse to enjoy a guilty pleasure like a Twinkie.

Since Twinkies were originally banana-flavored, National Banana Cream Pie Day on March 2nd is a great way to honor the treat’s history.

On August 2nd, National Ice Cream Sandwich Day presents an opportunity to turn Twinkies into a delicious frozen treat.

Sponge cake lovers can also celebrate National Spongecake Day on August 23rd, a perfect occasion to appreciate the light and fluffy texture that makes Twinkies so irresistible.

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