Depression Twinkie January 2013, Cervera de los Montes 42,5 x 38 cm Acrylic color on paper i Twinkie is an North American snack cake brand. The production of Twinkies ended in the United States in 2012 due to the bankrupcy of its owner Hostess Brands. Depression cake is a type of cake that was commonly made during the Great Depression, originated in the U.S., after the fall in stock prices that began in 1929. The ingredients of the cake include little or no milk, sugar, butter or eggs. Tags: Twinkie, cake, depression, recession, crisis 2 / 3