Twinkie Cupcakes

Makes: 18

Cooking Time: 15 min

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix
• 4 egg whites
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 3 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup vegetable shortening
• 2/3 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat 18 muffin cups with cooking spray.
   
   
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, egg whites, water, vanilla, and lemon peel; mix well. Divide mixture equally into muffins cups.
   
   
3. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely, then slice each cupcake in half horizontally.
   
   
4. In another large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat confectioners' sugar and shortening until creamy, then beat in the heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.
   
   
5. Spread equally over the bottom cupcake halves then replace tops. Serve, or cover and chill until ready to serve.

Notes

These taste better at room temperature, so if they've been refrigerated, allow them to return to room temperature before serving.