Grilled Twinkies are one of my most favorite desserts off the grill. Much healthier than deep fried! This idea started out of both curiosity and desperation years ago when I wanted to feed my guests dessert after grilling our dinner. It has since become a common dessert in my household and only takes a minute to cook! Add a homemade raspberry compote, which is surprisingly easy to make, and you’ve got a unique dessert that’ll make you a cookout legend!
Why Grilled Twinkies?
You need to give grilled Twinkies a try for multiple reasons. First, the direct heat causes the caramelization of the outside. Second, those grill marks give it an aesthetic that shows it’s been kissed by the flames. And finally, that warm, gooey creamy center adds an enhanced element. To summarize, the grill transforms the Twinkie into next level awesomeness!
What is Compote?
Simply put, a compote is fruit cooked in water with sugar and spices. Berries seem to be the most common to cook in a compote. Making this raspberry compote is easy: take a pint of raspberries and put them in a medium-sized sauce pan. Combine with 1/4 Cup of maple syrup, 1/3 Cup of water, one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of vanilla and bring to a boil. Once it has boiled, reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes. If you make this when you are having your grilled Twinkies for dessert, remember that the compote will be hot and will melt your ice cream fast (if you pour it on top). The compote can be served either warm or chilled.
While this recipe for raspberry compote will make more than enough for your grilled Twinkies, you can put the rest in a jar and store it in your fridge for up to 10 days. It especially makes a great topping for breakfast items such as pancakes, waffles, and french toast.
Need another excuse to fire up the grill? Check out my recipes for such things as reverse seared tri-tip or smoked teriyaki pork tenderloin.
The Recipe!
Grilled Twinkies with Raspberry Compote
Grilled Twinkies are a healthier alternative to deep fried! Seriously though, the caramelization of the outside gives it a nice, toasty crunch and the inside becomes all warm and gooey. Add a raspberry compote and some ice cream to make it next level!
Ingredients
- 1 box of Twinkies (10 per package)
- 1 pint raspberries
- 4 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/3 Cup water
- (Varies) vanilla bean ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat grill to 350. On either same grill (if direct heat) or a separate direct heat source, place raspberries, maple syrup, water, lemon juice, and vanilla in a medium-sized saucepan and mix. When contents reach boiling temp, reduce to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove, chill if you prefer.
- Place Twinkies face down on grill for 30-60 seconds. Flip and grill for another 30-60 seconds. Remove.
- Serve grilled Twinkies with scoop of vanilla ice cream and raspberry compote.
Notes
- Making compote over direct heat is preferred.
- You can make compote ahead of time and chill in refrigerator if you prefer. Chilled compote is good for up to 10 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 dessert (one Twinkie) Serving Size: 1 TwinkieAmount Per Serving: Calories: 300Total Fat: 10gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgCarbohydrates: 35gSugar: 34gProtein: 2g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate and varies on both amounts of compote and ice cream served.
