There’s something magical about biting into a cupcake only to find a luscious, creamy surprise inside. Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes bring together everything you love about the classic Boston Cream Pie in a perfectly portioned treat. The combination of light, fluffy vanilla cake, rich pastry cream, and smooth chocolate ganache makes each bite indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or just to treat yourself, these cupcakes will never disappoint.
I still remember the first time I attempted to make Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes. It was for a friend’s birthday, and I wanted to impress everyone with my baking skills. Little did I know, pastry cream is a tricky beast. I followed the recipe to the letter, but when I went to assemble the cupcakes, the filling oozed out like a lava flow. The cupcakes were a mess—but a delicious mess. That night, I learned two things: always let your pastry cream cool completely, and sometimes, even imperfect desserts bring the biggest smiles. Now, after years of practice, I can confidently say this recipe is foolproof, and I’m excited to share all my tips with you!
Why You’ll Love These Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
These cupcakes are a delightful twist on the traditional Boston Cream Pie. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- They’re easy to make – Perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
- A perfect combination of flavors – Moist vanilla cupcake, creamy pastry filling, and rich chocolate ganache.
- Great for any occasion – Whether it’s a party, birthday, or holiday, these cupcakes are always a hit.
- Customizable – You can switch up the flavors or toppings to match your preferences.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare them in advance and store them for later.
If you’re a fan of comforting homemade meals, check out this Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe for another delicious classic dish.
First: Gathering Ingredients and Tools for making Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
To ensure the best results, follow this detailed guide for making Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes.
Before you start, make sure you have the following ingredients:
For the Vanilla Cupcakes:
- Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- Granulated sugar
- Sour cream
- Vanilla extract
- Egg whites
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Milk
- Water
the Pastry Cream Filling:
- Egg yolks
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Whole milk
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Light corn syrup
- Heavy whipping cream
You’ll also need cupcake liners, a cupcake corer or knife, a piping bag, and mixing bowls.
Second: Baking the Vanilla Cupcakes
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add egg whites in batches, ensuring they are fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl and mix milk with water.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk mixture to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
- Fill cupcake liners halfway and bake for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before adding the filling.
If you enjoy comfort food, you’ll love this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe, a hearty and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Third: Making the Pastry Cream Filling
- Whisk egg yolks in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.
- In a saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch, and milk until smooth.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until thickened.
- Temper the eggs by adding a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
- Combine the mixtures and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla extract, then cool completely.
Fourth: Making the Chocolate Ganache
- Place chocolate chips and corn syrup in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream until it just starts boiling, then pour over the chocolate.
- Let sit for 3-5 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
- Refrigerate until firm (1-2 hours).
Fifth: Assembling the Cupcakes
- Cut out the center of each cupcake using a cupcake corer or knife.
- Fill the center with pastry cream using a spoon or piping bag.
- Pipe the ganache on top using a piping bag and decorative tip.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve but let them sit at room temperature before eating for the best texture.
Tips for Making the Best Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
- Fully cream the butter and sugar to achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Allow the pastry cream to cool completely before filling the cupcakes.
- Chill the ganache to make it easier to pipe onto the cupcakes.
- Store the cupcakes properly to maintain freshness.
For another delicious dish packed with flavor, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Recipe, a perfect combination of steak, cheese, and crispy crust.
Conclusion: Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes offer the perfect balance of flavors in a single bite. With moist vanilla cake, creamy pastry filling, and a glossy chocolate topping, they are an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments! Don’t forget to share with friends and family who love a good dessert. Happy baking!
PrintBoston Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe
These Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic Boston Cream Pie, featuring a moist vanilla cupcake, a rich and creamy pastry cream filling, and a decadent chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for any occasion, these cupcakes deliver the ultimate combination of flavors in every bite!
- Prep Time: 35 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 12-14 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cupcakes:
- Unsalted butter (room temperature) – 6 tbsp (84g)
- Granulated sugar – 3/4 cup (155g)
- Sour cream – 6 tbsp (86g)
- Vanilla extract – 2 tsp (10ml)
- Egg whites – 3 large
- All-purpose flour – 1 1/4 cups (163g)
- Baking powder – 2 tsp (8g)
- Salt – 1/4 tsp
- Milk – 6 tbsp (90ml)
- Water – 2 tbsp (30ml)
the Pastry Cream Filling:
- Egg yolks – 2
- Sugar – 6 tbsp (78g)
- Cornstarch – 1 1/2 tbsp
- Whole milk – 1 cup + 2 tbsp (270ml)
- Butter – 1 tbsp (14g)
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – 12 oz (338g)
- Light corn syrup – 2 tbsp (30ml)
- Heavy whipping cream – 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp (210ml)
Instructions
First: Baking the Vanilla Cupcakes
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add egg whites in batches, ensuring they are fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl and mix milk with water.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk mixture to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
- Fill cupcake liners halfway and bake for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before adding the filling.
Second: Making the Pastry Cream Filling
- Whisk egg yolks in a medium-sized bowl and set aside.
- In a saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch, and milk until smooth.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until thickened.
- Temper the eggs by adding a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
- Combine the mixtures and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla extract, then cool completely.
Third: Making the Chocolate Ganache
- Place chocolate chips and corn syrup in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream until it just starts boiling, then pour over the chocolate.
- Let sit for 3-5 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
- Refrigerate until firm (1-2 hours).
Fourth: Assembling the Cupcakes
- Cut out the center of each cupcake using a cupcake corer or knife.
- Fill the center with pastry cream using a spoon or piping bag.
- Pipe the ganache on top using a piping bag and decorative tip.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve but let them sit at room temperature before eating for the best texture.
Notes
For best results, let the pastry cream cool completely before assembling the cupcakes. If you prefer a shinier ganache, let it set at room temperature before refrigerating. These cupcakes store well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, but for optimal texture, serve them closer to room temperature. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12-14 cupcakes
- Calories: ~364 kcal
- Sugar: ~34.2 g
- Sodium: ~82.5 mg
- Fat: ~18.8 g
- Saturated Fat: ~10.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~7.3 g
- Trans Fat: ~0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~46.2 g
- Fiber: ~1.2 g
- Protein: ~5.6 g
- Cholesterol: ~58.3 mg
Keywords: Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes, cream-filled cupcakes, homemade cupcakes, chocolate ganache cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes, bakery-style cupcakes, pastry cream cupcakes