Chocolate twinkie cake

### Instructions

#### Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix according to the instructions on the box or your homemade recipe until smooth.
3. Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and bake for the time suggested on the cake mix box (usually about 30 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### Step 2: Make the Twinkie Filling

1. While the cake is cooling, make the Twinkie-inspired filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the heavy cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
2. Place the mixture in the fridge to chill for a bit, as this will help it firm up and make it easier to spread between the layers of cake.

#### Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread a generous layer of the Twinkie filling over the top of the first cake layer, using a spatula to smooth it evenly. Be sure to leave a little room along the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out when you add the second layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top of the filling and gently press down to ensure it sticks.

#### Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache (Optional)

1. For an extra touch of decadence, make a simple chocolate ganache to pour over the top of the cake. To do this, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before drizzling it over the top of the cake, letting it cascade down the sides.

#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the ganache has set, your Chocolate Twinkie Cake is ready to serve! Slice it up and watch as everyone digs in. The combination of rich chocolate cake, creamy filling, and velvety ganache is a showstopper that’s sure to please any crowd.

### Tips for Perfecting Your Chocolate Twinkie Cake

– **Make it Ahead:** You can bake the cake layers and prepare the filling the day before. Simply assemble the cake and chill it in the fridge overnight for even more time to set and develop flavor.
– **Add a Twist:** Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate cake or even add a layer of caramel sauce or berries for an extra burst of flavor.
– **Personalize the Filling:** You can adjust the filling to suit your tastes by adding a little bit of cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture for a richer, more chocolatey flavor or a dash of orange zest for a citrusy twist.

### Why You Should Try Chocolate Twinkie Cake

This Chocolate Twinkie Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It combines the nostalgia of Twinkies with the richness of chocolate cake, making it a dessert everyone will love. It’s simple, satisfying, and a great way to bring a beloved childhood treat to life in a new and exciting way.

Next time you need a dessert that’s sure to disappear fast, try making this Chocolate Twinkie Cake — just be prepared for everyone to ask for seconds!