DESSERT

HOMEMADE PENGUINS: A CLASSIC HOMEMADE SWEET

Introduction

Homemade Penguins are a homemade version of the famous pastries, filled with cream and covered with chocolate ganache. This dessert is very popular in Mexico and other parts of the world, as it combines the softness of chocolate bread with the creaminess of the filling and the irresistible touch of ganache. Its origins are associated with industrial baking, but this homemade recipe allows you to enjoy a more authentic flavor without preservatives.

This delicious dessert is ideal for parties, family gatherings, or simply to indulge in a homemade treat. It’s also easy to prepare, allowing you to customize the filling and decoration to suit your taste.

Homemade Penguins are a homemade version of the famous chocolate cupcakes, filled with cream and covered with chocolate ganache. This dessert is an icon of Mexican baking and has captivated the palates of children and adults for generations.

The appeal of these cupcakes lies in their perfect combination of flavors and textures: a fluffy chocolate sponge cake, a soft whipped cream center, and a glossy ganache layer that makes them irresistible. Although they were originally created by the commercial baking industry, the homemade version offers a more authentic and natural flavor, without preservatives or artificial additives.

Making Homemade Penguins at home not only guarantees greater control over the ingredients, but also provides the opportunity to customize their flavor, texture, and decoration. This recipe is ideal for sharing at family gatherings, special celebrations, or simply for indulging in a sweet treat.

History of the Penguins

The original Pingüinos are an industrially baked product created in Mexico by the Marinela brand, part of Grupo Bimbo. These pastries have been a childhood icon for many generations and have become a classic among the country’s sweet tooth.

The Penguins ‘ inspiration comes from the cream-filled cupcakes that became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century. The idea was to create an individual cupcake with a fluffy texture, a creamy center, and a chocolate coating, making them irresistible to children and adults alike.

Over time, many people have tried to recreate this dessert at home, creating homemade recipes that mimic its flavor but with more natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives.

The original Pingüinos were introduced to the market by the Marinela brand, a subsidiary of Grupo Bimbo in Mexico. Their creation was inspired by the cream-filled cupcakes popularized in the United States during the 20th century, especially Hostess Cupcakes , which shared a similar appearance with the classic white swirl on top.

Since their launch, Penguins have become a resounding success in the Mexican bakery industry. Their combination of chocolate sponge cake, creamy filling, and chocolate coating made them extremely popular, especially among children.

Over time, many people sought to recreate this dessert at home, giving rise to various recipes that mimic its flavor but with more natural ingredients and no preservatives. Today, Homemade Penguins have become a delicious option for those who want to enjoy this classic dessert in a healthier and more personalized way.

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients:

For the cupcake:

  • 125 g all-purpose wheat flour (1 cup)
  • 40 g of cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 200 g of refined sugar (1 cup)
  • 2 eggs at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1/4 cup oil (canola or sunflower)
  • 1 tablespoon of vanilla essence
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1/2 tablespoon of instant coffee (optional)
  • Whipped cream to taste for filling

For the chocolate ganache:

  • 150 ml whipping cream (sugar-free)
  • 150 g of semi-sweet chocolate
  • 20 g unsalted butter

Procedure:

 Cupcake Preparation:
 Preheat the oven to 180°C .
Grease the cupcake molds with butter and sprinkle with cocoa powder.
Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl. Add the sugar and mix well.
In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Dissolve the instant coffee in the hot water and add it to the mixture. Stir until smooth.
Fill the cupcake molds ¾ full and bake for 20 minutes .

 Cream Filling:
 In a chilled bowl, beat the whipping cream until it forms a firm consistency.
Using a pastry bag or knife, make a small hole in the cupcakes and fill them with the whipped cream. Then, cover the hole with a portion of the removed cake mixture.

 Chocolate Ganache:
 Microwave the whipping cream in 20-second intervals .
Add the semisweet chocolate and butter, mixing until completely melted and a glossy cream forms.
Dip the tops of the cupcakes into the ganache and let cool until the coating hardens.

 Decoration:
 Use a little whipped cream to make the classic white lines on top of the cupcakes.

Your Homemade Penguins are ready to be enjoyed!

Frequently Asked Questions about House Penguins

Can I substitute butter for the oil?
Yes, you can use the same amount of melted butter, although the oil helps make the cupcakes fluffier.

Is instant coffee necessary?
No, but it enhances the chocolate flavor and makes it more intense. You can omit it if you prefer.

How long do Homemade Penguins last?
If you store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can last up to 4 days .

Can I freeze the Penguins?
Yes, you can freeze them without the chocolate coating. When you’re ready to eat them, just let them thaw at room temperature and add the fresh ganache.

Can I make them sugar-free?
Yes, you can use sweeteners like erythritol or stevia instead of refined sugar.

Other information about House Penguins

Recipe variations

If you want to innovate with the Homemade Penguins recipe , here are some interesting variations:

 White chocolate filling : Instead of whipped cream, you can fill these cakes with white chocolate ganache or pastry cream.
 White chocolate coating : If you prefer a contrasting flavor, use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate ganache.
 Liqueur flavor : Add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur or hazelnut liqueur to the batter for a gourmet touch.
 Gluten-free version : Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend instead of wheat flour.
 Fluffier : For an even fluffier cake, separate the egg whites and beat them until stiff before adding them to the mixture.

Tips to make them perfect

Sift the dry ingredients : This will prevent lumps and make the mixture more homogeneous.
Don’t overbeat the batter : Mix only until the ingredients are combined so that the cake is fluffy.
Use very cold cream : For a firm filling, make sure the whipping cream is very cold before whipping it.
Wait for them to cool before filling : If the cakes are warm, the whipped cream will melt.
Decorate creatively : You can make the classic swirl with whipped cream or draw shapes with melted white chocolate.

Ideal accompaniments

Homemade Penguins are delicious on their own, but you can also pair them with:

 Coffee or hot chocolate : For a perfect snack.
Vanilla ice cream : Contrast the chocolate flavor with a scoop of creamy ice cream.
Fresh fruit : Strawberries or raspberries pair well with chocolate.
Cold milk or milkshake : Especially for children.

Curiosities about Penguins

Did you know that…?

  • The original Marinela Penguins were launched in the 1950s and have been a hit ever since.
  • Its shape and name are said to be inspired by the Hostess CupCakes , created in the United States in 1919 .
  • The white swirl design on top is a hallmark of this cupcake in all its versions.
  • There are commercial versions with strawberry and chocolate fillings, but the homemade recipe allows for many more options.

Estimated preparation time

  • Preparation of the mixture: 15 minutes
  • Baking: 18–20 minutes
  • Cooling and filling: 30 minutes
  • Preparation and application of ganache: 20 minutes
  • Approximate total: 1 hour 30 minutes

Texture and flavor

  • Cake texture: Fluffy, soft and moist thanks to the combination of liquids and cocoa.
  • Taste: Intensely chocolatey with a balanced sweetness, contrasted by the light whipped cream and creamy ganache .

Consumer context

  • Ideal as a snack for children, afternoon snacks, children’s parties, or to accompany a coffee.
  • It is also an excellent option to sell as homemade pastries or to give as gifts in individual presentations.

Visual appearance

  • Shape of small round or rectangular cakes.
  • Covered with shiny chocolate ganache .
  • Decorated with the classic white cream swirl on top (optional but distinctive).

Curiosities

  • The name “Pingüinos” comes from the famous Mexican commercial pastry, but this homemade version has better flavor, fewer preservatives, and more customization .
  • Instant coffee enhances the flavor of chocolate without leaving a noticeable coffee taste.

Estimated nutritional value (single serving, 1 large penguin)

  • Calories: 310–350 kcal
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Sugars: 28 g
  • Protein: 4–5 g

Additional benefits and interesting facts

  • You can adapt them for people with lactose intolerance by using plant-based milk and dairy-free whipped cream.
  • If you use whole wheat flour, you can increase the fiber content.
  • You can freeze them and store them for up to 2 months in airtight containers.

Conclusion

Homemade Penguins are a delicious homemade version of a Mexican pastry classic. Their combination of fluffy chocolate bread, smooth cream filling, and ganache coating makes them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Plus, by making them at home, you can adjust the ingredients to your preferences, use more natural products, and enjoy their flavor without preservatives or artificial additives.

This dessert is ideal for sharing with the family, surprising the little ones, or simply treating yourself. The recipe is simple and adaptable, allowing you to experiment with different fillings and decorations.

Ultimately, Homemade Penguins not only evoke nostalgia and sweetness, but also reflect creativity and a love of baking. Making them is a way to enjoy a classic dessert with a personal, homemade touch. Go ahead and try them and enjoy their incredible flavor!

Homemade Penguins are a delicious and natural twist on a classic Mexican pastry. Their combination of fluffy sponge cake, creamy filling, and chocolate coating makes them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Preparing them at home not only allows you to enjoy a better flavor and texture, but also gives you the opportunity to customize the ingredients according to your individual preferences. Furthermore, by avoiding artificial preservatives and additives, you get a healthier dessert without losing its original essence.

Making Homemade Penguins is a way to bring nostalgia and joy to the kitchen, reviving the flavors of childhood with a homemade and authentic touch. Whether sharing with family, surprising the little ones, or simply treating yourself to a sweet treat, these cupcakes are the perfect choice.

Go ahead and prepare them and enjoy their unique flavor!

Making Homemade Penguins is a fun and delicious experience. You can customize them to your liking and enjoy a fluffy, creamy, chocolate-covered dessert without having to buy the store-bought version.

Whether you’re making them to treat yourself, surprise someone special, or relive childhood memories, these cupcakes are always a great choice. Dare to make them and enjoy the authentic homemade taste!