Torched Twinkie Strawberry Shortcake

All the flavors you love about strawberry shortcake, but extra! In this easy Torched Twinkie Strawberry Shortcake recipe, we torch a Twinkie to give it a heavenly caramelized flavor, then top it with macerated strawberries and whipped cream! A unique dessert idea that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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Torched Twinkie Strawberry Shortcake

Am I crazy for wanting to torch a Twinkie?

When Jo Chef sent me a culinary butane torch to experiment with, I had no idea what I wanted to create.

What I did know is that I wanted to think outside the box and not create another crème brulee recipe!

Somehow the thought of a torched Twinkie popped in my mind. So the experiment began.

I placed an unwrapped Twinkie on a foil-lined baking sheet and torched it! With quick side-to-side strokes, I torched the Twinkie being careful not to burn it.

When I tasted it, I couldn’t believe how good it was! Not only did it have the familiar Twinkie taste, but the caramelization of the exterior gave it a toasted marshmallow flavor too!

Now pile on some macerated strawberries and whipped cream and you’ve got one original, creative, heavenly dessert!

Full disclosure: I received a free Jo Chef Superior RX Refillable Butane Torch from Jo Chef. I created this recipe using the torch and all opinions are my own, regardless of sponsorship.

How to make a Torched Twinkie Strawberry Shortcake

First, macerate some strawberries. This just means that we’re adding sugar to strawberries and a chemical reaction takes place which releases juice from the fruit and creates a delectable, syrupy strawberry topping.

2. Then place an unwrapped Twinkie on a foil-lined baking sheet. Using a kitchen torch with a medium-low flame, sweep the torch back and forth quickly until you see the Twinkie darken.

Move the baking sheet around to make sure the top and sides of the Twinkie get torched.

3. Add some of the macerated strawberries and your desired amount of whipped cream (go crazy, I won’t judge!) to your Twinkie and that’s it!

These are best when eaten right after you torch the Twinkie and assemble the strawberry shortcakes, as the warm filling combined with the cold whipped cream and sweet strawberries is magical!

Info on the Jo Chef Superior RX Kitchen Torch that I used to create this recipe:

Jo Chef is the only brand that offers kitchen torch and butane fuel as a bundle.
Heats up to 2370°F
Comes with a free recipe ebook.

NOTES:

Macerated strawberries are best when eaten within 24 hours of making them. Their texture changes if they sit too long.
Feel free to make your own whipped cream, but I love slapping the easy button and using store-bought whipped cream from the can for this recipe!
If you want to go a little extra with your macerated strawberries, cut the sugar in half and add a tablespoon of orange liqueur, e.g., Grand Marnier or Cointreau.
Another easy dessert is my Slow Cooker Lemon Curd Cake. Luscious lemon flavor combined with creamy vanilla ice cream or whipped cream is a perfect combination! Plus, the slow cooker does all the work!