Football Friday: Twinkie Cake

Ah, the humble Twinkie. One of the people nearest and dearest to the Wisconsin Test Kitchen's Heart (Rebecca's mom Jody) has an unnatural love for these strange yellow cream filled cakes. There was a serious period of mourning when Hostess went bankrupt. And there was an equally serious level of celebration when they were available again. 

When we found a recipe for Twinkie cake (in time for Jody's birthday no less!), we knew exactly what we needed to make. Apparently this is some kind of Southern delicacy. While we can't speak to the roots of this recipe, we can agree that it's pretty delicious. And strange. 

Twinkie Cake
Recipe courtesy of: http://www.southernplate.com/2010/07/miss-mary-annes-twinkie-cake.html


1 box (of 10) Hostess Twinkies
4 large bananas, sliced
1 large can (20oz) crushed pineapple (drained, but not pressed dry. Keep a little of the juice for moisture.
1 large box Vanilla instant pudding (mixed with milk according to directions on box)
1 - 12 oz. Cool Whip
Maraschino cherries and pecans for garnish (optional)

Instructions
Remove Twinkie cakes from wrappers. Cut each in half lengthwise from top to bottom. Place Twinkie halves in 9 x 13 baking dish with cream side facing up. 

Layer sliced bananas, pineapple, pudding, and Cool Whip over Twinkies in that order. 

Sprinkle chopped cherries (drained well on paper towels) and chopped pecans over the top. Keep refrigerated. 

This was a fun, quick recipe that was perfect for a busy weekend and didn't even require the oven or microwave. This is a perfect Football Friday recipe to make before the game starts. 

Now, time for some football predictions! Dad #1 is still in the lead with 94 correct predictions, and Dad #2 has 82 correct. 

Bills vs. Dolphins
Dad #1: Miami
Dad #2: Miami

Vikings vs. Bears
Dad #1: Chicago
Dad #2: Minnesota

Texans vs. Browns
Dad #1: Houston
Dad #2: Cleveland

Seahawks vs. Chiefs
Dad #1: Kansas City
Dad #2: Kansas City

Falcons vs. Panthers
Dad#1: Carolina
Dad #2: Atlanta

Bengals vs. Saints
Dad #1: New Orleans
Dad #2: New Orleans

Bucaneers vs. Redskins
Dad #1: Washington
Dad #2: Washington

Broncos vs. Rams
Dad #1: Denver
Dad #2: Denver

49ers vs. Giants
Dad #1: San Francisco
Dad #2: San Francisco

Raiders vs. Chargers
Dad #1: San Diego
Dad #2: San Diego

Eagles vs. Packers
Dad #1: Green Bay
Dad #2: Green Bay

Lions vs. Cardinals
Dad #1: Arizona
Dad #2: Arizona

Patriots vs. Colts
Dad #1: New England
Dad #2: New England

Steelers vs. Titans
Dad #1: Pittsburgh
Dad #2: Pittsburgh 

Hope your weekend is full of food and fun! And think warm thoughts for the brave members of the Wisconsin Test Kitchen traveling to Green Bay this weekend for the Packers Eagles game. Go Pack Go! 

Stay Cool,
The Cool Dads Crew