Junk Food Makeover: Twinkie

Healthy Twinkies exist. (Photo: Jeff Burns)

Was a Twinkie the guilty processed pleasure of your childhood? This junk food makeover is so light and fluffy, you won’t miss the packaged stuff. Made with a generous amount of healthy fat from the coconut cream and coconut oil, this “Twinkie” will keep you feeling fuller longer. There are so many health benefits to coconut oil; this week we are loving that it can boost thyroid functions and impact metabolism, energy and endurance!

Cake:

• ¾ cup coconut flour sifted
  

• ¼ cup arrowroot
  

• 1 tsp sea salt
  

• 1 tsp baking soda
  

• 6 eggs
  

• 1 cup maple syrup
  

• 1 cup grape seed oil
  

• 1 tbsp vanilla
  

Filling:

• 1 cup coconut cream/fat skimmed off the top
  

• ¼ cup coconut oil
  

• ¼ cup arrowroot
  

• ½ cup coconut sugar finely ground
  

• pinch of salt
  

Yields: 12

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
   

2. In a bowl, combine coconut flour, arrow root, baking soda and salt. Beat eggs in an electric mixer. Add maple syrup, grape seed oil, and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. Mix in dry ingredients.
   

3. Spoon mixture evenly into generously greased Twinkie pan. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
   

4. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
   

Recipe: Yancy Gandionco

Tricia Williams is a chef and nutrition educator and founder of Food Matters NYC, a customized meal delivery service in Manhattan.

Related:

Junk Food Makeover: Oreo Cookie

Junk Food Makeover: Blondies

Junk Food Makeover: Glazed Chocolate Donuts Recipe