Believe me when I tell you that my family are experts in the dessert department. There isn't a dessert we don't love.
Once, when my grandma was not coming out of anesthesia after a surgery, the family was called and gathered to her bedside. And while we all thought she was a goner, Grandma thought otherwise. We knew she was gonna make it when she opened her eyes and uttered her first words in days: "What's for dessert?" she asked.
Not even making that story up.
So, when I tell you that Twinkie Casserole is a family favorite, you gotta try it. No, it does not taste like Twinkies. No, it is not for your diabetic uncle or your waistline-watching sister--but it is for those of you with a wicked sweet tooth.
Behold, the Zacker Family tradition--Twinkie Casserole!
2 boxes of Twinkies (you won't use all of them--just enough to fill the pan)
1 pkg Vanilla Instant pudding
2 cups of milk
6 large Heath bars, crushed
Large Cool Whip
In a 9 x 13 pan, line the bottom with Twinkie bottoms (cut them lengthwise). Make pudding and pour on top of the Twinkie bottoms. Sprinkle half of the Heath bars over this, and layer the Twinkie tops over it all. Top it all with Cool Whip and sprinkle the rest of the crushed Heath Bars over the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
This is a terrific no-bake treat. Not kidding--people love this EVERYWHERE I take it. And they get such a kick out of it that it is called "Twinkie Casserole". I mean, who isn't intrigued by that?
I'd post a photo, but rarely do I take photos of food and besides, it just looks like a 9 x 13 pan of Cool Whip.
I would think that it is your duty to make this and report back to us if you like it. Who's gonna be the first???
35 comments:
I'm game for something sweet. It sure sounds good
That just might be the most genius thing I have ever heard of.
That is my kind of dessert! I'm definitely going to try it and I have an idea the turkeys will like it too but I'll leave out the Heath bars for them.
No, we didn't eat anyone. That would be like eating one of the family. I'm hoping for turkey babies in the spring and if you'd like one, all you have to do is ask and he/she is yours.
Happy Thanksgiving.
OMG, that is amazing sounding and I am a sucker for Heath bars. This dessert scares me a little.
Wow. So it is quite literally a twinkie casserole. That sounds pretty good!
I'll pass - but y'all enjoy! Tho I suppose you could use another flavor pudding and real whipped cream and fruit, possibly raspberries that had macerated in some framboise. I'm awfully fond of booze soaked fruit.
I don't make this carp up either...turkey cake at our Thanksgiving. That's a half yellow sheet cake with white icing and birthday sprinkles and plopped in the center is two ceramic 2 inch turkey figurines facing each other. Turns out the aunt who created this unapproved treat...well those dam turkeys were salt and pepper shakers. Salt, pepper anyone for you cake? LOL
Only the spouses family can offer up a laugh like that!
I bet Grace could use chocolate pudding topped with shaved chocolate bar and crushed nuts to make this a chocolate variation--mmm
Phyl
Are you trying to establish a good defense ahead of time?
I love your mom! Chocolate version.
Also, my kind of cooking.
That is a great story about your grandma, and now I know what this dessert is. I won't be making it, but loved hearing about it.
Very clever way to use Twinkies! If there wasn't just two of us here (meaning I'd eat half a Twinkie casserole) I'd probably make this. It does sound good and so does your mom's chocolate version!
Your grandma story was adorable! So, now you know...that dessert will revive even the faintest of hearts.
Thanks for the recipe. I'd like to give it a try!
Okay, but later. Still left over desserts in the fridge.
BBBH thinks it should be called "Twinkie Delight" but I think the "casserole" thing gives it a certain twist. We both agree that it is a lot of empty, useless calories, and no doubt delicious!
oh boy. My mind is already at "what about ding dong casserole??"
Okay, I have to totally make it, but you know me, I can't resist changing a few things - oh, like more chocolate! LOL I'm buying Twinkies tonight! :)
OMG, This is way bad...but is so yummy. Here I am a newly smoke free-gal and am so tempted by these treats.
BTW...just added your fine blog to my Blog Roll. Duh to me...why did it take so long???
Thanks for being my "pally"!:-D)
I hope I am not going to shock you Lin ~ but would you believe I have never eaten a Twinkie before? I do't even know what one tastes like. When I look at it, they always remind me of a donut of which I don't like donuts either. But how about your Grandma wanting dessert when she first woke up ~ she sounds like my kind of gal! ;)
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
xo Catherine
Sorry- makes my teeth hurt to think about it! But it fits with your zany persona perfectly!
Ann--And Duke can like the cool whip spoon when you are done! My kitties like that part.
DG--And when you eat it, you'll be thinking I'm a genius for introducing you to it. Oh, btw--kids LOVE this!
Mtn Woman--OH, THANK GOODNESS! I was so afraid I was gonna count one less turkey. Whew! I would love a turkey, but I think it is frowned upon in the city and the turkey would not like it here either--not enough space to roam. :( Thanks for the offer though.
Highway--Oh, no! It really is good--sweet, but very good. Don't let the name scare you.
Nancy--It is! I hate to say it, but it is delicious. Kids and adults love it. :) Go ahead, try it.
Grace--"I'm awfully fond of booze soaked fruit"--somehow, Grace, I already figured that out about you. ;) (just kidding--I couldn't resist)
Jodi--Nothing like salt and pepper shakers on the cake to make it fancy! Hee! Hee! I wonder what Martha Stewart thinks of that??
Phyl--Oooooh, Mom is upping the recipe to Twinkie Casserole???! And yes, that does sound like a great variation. When's the next holiday????
Fish--I think you need a BIG serving of Twinkie Casserole to sweeten you up!
Helene--I bring this so many places because you don't have to bake it. Don't you love how my sweet-tooth mom is working on making this even better??! :)
Terra--Really?! I think you would like it if you tried it. Go ahead. Surprise your family....
Beaded Tail--Bring it to your next get-together as your excuse to try it. I've brought it to work, picnics, or any dinner we go to. It is a hit everywhere with kids and adults alike.
Chocolate--Isn't that funny about g'ma??! She LOVED dessert and so does the rest of my family. Let me know if you try it.
Vanilla--Oh, I don't want to think about the calories, but it sure tastes good. I like the "Casserole" name because everyone always asks the same question: "What's in it?" to which I always reply:"Twinkies...and..casserole" :)
peewee--Oh, the possibilities are endless! Ho Ho Casserole, Suzy Q Casserole...... YUM.
Storm--Let me know if you do, Storm. You can be promoted to the Duck and Wheel recipe lady! :) Kids LOVE this stuff.
Jean--But, Jean, this is so much better for you than cigarettes! I'm very impressed and proud of you that you are on week 7--Keep going strong, pally!
Catherine--Oh, pally, you are missing out! Well, not really, but in a pinch, they fill the sweet tooth. Do they have them there?? Do I need to send you a package of Twinkies???
Sharky--Honestly, I did not inherit the Zacker sweet tooth, and it sorta makes my teeth hurt too. But a small piece is okay, and that kills my taste for any more dessert. :)
Sounds interesting. I think even I could make this!
Strangely enough, I don't drink alcoholic beverages because my husband doesn't and it's no fun drinking alone. Of course there is very little I cook that doesn't include wine. Perhaps before I die I shall get myself a comfy seat at a very nice bar and have one of everything!
So what's the shelf life on a twinkie casserole? LOL!!!!! Yeah, yeah...I know you're gonna say it never lasts long so you don't know :)
Don't you want to try to see how long it keeps? In the name of Science??
It does sound a little bit delicious. I could probably eat the whipped cream part!
In this case, Lin, I'm willing to live vicariously through you!
Is there any way to deep fat fry this?
OH. MY. GOSH. I got angina just reading the ingredients. Holy cow, a Twinkie Casserole!!! Your family really IS cah-razy!
;) ;) I probably would have eaten this 20 years ago, and survived just fine. Not no more.
I'm glad your Thanksgiving was relaxing. I hid in a box, too. It was a GREAT day. :)
I'd love to taste a bite or two so I suppose I will make the whole recipe and take it to a potluck.
Hope you had a good Thanksgiving.
My boys will definitely love this but I'll have to substitute the Twinkies with something else. Can't find them here.
Have a nice day, Lin!
Karen--Make it for the kids in your class--they will LOVE it!!
Grace--Yeah, that doesn't sound like a good idea, Grace. Best you lay off the sauce, pally. ;)
Nellie--There are never even leftovers to take a piece home when I make this! I think you need to make this for your dad. :)
Daisy--Grace does! Hobbes is not a whip cream guy.
James--You are missing out, pally!!!
Betty--I'm sure you could, but there is no need. It is perfect just the way it is. :)
Rebecca--A small piece is just enough for me---it is soooo sweet, but YUMMY!
Marilynne--It's a great potluck dish because everyone loves it! Especially when you tell them the name--it intrigues the crowd.
Between twinkie and Weredoggie, I choose twinkie anytime.
Didn't know you can cook Lin :D
Veronica--Bummer! I wonder what it would cost to send a couple of boxes of Twinkies to Malaysia??? I hate to think. That's it--You 'll just HAVE to come visit me now!
V7--Yeah, you can tell by how many recipes I put up here how well I cook! Hahaha!! Anyone for Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches??
I will have to try this. I didn't realize Twinkies were still available.
That sounds soooo good. Shame on you for posting this during the holidays! Like we need another temptation out there!
OK, meanwhile, I am a Zacker and I've NEVER heard of this. Where the hell have I been? I am most definitely going to whip up this high class treat for my husband :)
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