Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

If you’re a fan of the classic Boston Cream Pie, you’re going to LOVE these individual cupcakes! They’re everything you love about the traditional dessert—rich vanilla cake, smooth, creamy custard filling, and a glossy layer of chocolate ganache—packed into a perfectly portioned, handheld treat. These cupcakes are a bit of a showstopper, but don’t worry—they’re surprisingly easy to make and will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

Bite-Sized Bliss

Who doesn’t love a little individual portion of dessert? These cupcakes give you all the delicious flavors of Boston Cream Pie, but in a fun, bite-sized version that’s perfect for sharing (or not—no judgment here!).

Classic Flavor with a Twist

We’ve kept all the classic elements you love: soft, moist cake, velvety custard, and a rich chocolate topping. The twist? They’re now cupcakes, which makes them even more fun and convenient.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re making them for a special celebration, a sweet treat for a weeknight, or bringing them to a party, these cupcakes are a guaranteed hit. They’re elegant enough for a fancy gathering but casual enough for an afternoon snack.

Easy to Make

Don’t let the layers fool you—these cupcakes are simple to assemble. The cake batter is easy to whip up, the custard filling is a cinch, and the chocolate ganache takes just minutes to prepare. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cupcakes. Light and fluffy, it’ll give your cupcakes that soft, tender texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that lovely crumb.
• Baking Powder: Ensures your cupcakes rise and get light and airy.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: For richness and flavor, making the cupcakes wonderfully moist.
• Eggs: They help bind the batter and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds that beautiful aromatic flavor that pairs so well with the custard and chocolate.
• Whole Milk: Keeps the cupcakes tender and adds to the moist texture.

For the Custard Filling:

• Whole Milk: Forms the base of the custard.
• Sugar: Sweetens the custard filling.
• Egg Yolks: Make the custard rich and creamy.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the custard to the perfect consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor and brings all the components together.
• Unsalted Butter: Gives the custard a luxurious, smooth texture.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• Heavy Cream: Creates a glossy, smooth ganache.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Rich and perfectly sweet for the ganache.
• Butter: Helps the ganache set with a glossy finish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per cupcake (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 170mg
• Potassium: 110mg
• Calcium: 6% DV
• Iron: 6% DV

(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)

Instructions

Ready to make these scrumptious Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes? Let’s get baking!

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the Custard Filling

While the cupcakes are cooling, make the custard filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and sugar. Heat over medium heat until warm, but not boiling.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually add about 1/4 cup of the warm milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them.

Slowly pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the milk, whisking continuously. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches a pudding-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Let it cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate and butter. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are cool, use a small knife or cupcake corer to cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake. Spoon or pipe the custard filling into the hole, filling it up generously.

Top each filled cupcake with a spoonful of chocolate ganache, spreading it over the top to create a smooth, glossy finish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the ganache set for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy! These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual afternoon treats.

How to Serve Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

For an extra indulgent treat, serve these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side. The combination of hot and cold is irresistible!

With Fresh Berries

Pair your cupcakes with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries to add a touch of brightness and balance out the richness of the chocolate and custard.

As a Party Dessert

These cupcakes are the perfect size for parties, picnics, or casual gatherings. Arrange them on a tray and watch everyone go for seconds (and thirds)!

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead

You can make the cupcakes, custard, and ganache ahead of time! Just store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature, and refrigerate the custard and ganache until you’re ready to assemble.

Use a Piping Bag for the Custard

If you want to be extra neat when filling the cupcakes, you can pipe the custard filling using a piping bag with a plain round tip. This will help you control the amount of filling and make less mess!

Chocolate Variations

If you prefer a different type of chocolate, you can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate with milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.

Don’t Overfill the Cupcakes

When filling the cupcakes with custard, don’t overfill them—leave a little space at the top for the chocolate ganache. This ensures a nice, balanced bite!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
A1: Yes! You can use a vanilla cake mix if you’re short on time, but homemade cake adds an extra special touch.

Q2: Can I make these without eggs?
A2: You can substitute the eggs with an egg replacer or flax eggs, but the texture may differ slightly.

Q3: How do I store these cupcakes?
A3: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q4: Can I freeze these cupcakes?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes (without the ganache) for up to 3 months. Just thaw them and add the ganache before serving.

Q5: How can I make the custard filling ahead of time?
A5: You can make the custard ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before filling the cupcakes.

Q6: Can I make the ganache with milk chocolate?
A6: Absolutely! Milk chocolate ganache will make the cupcakes sweeter, but it’s a delicious option.

Q7: Can I add a different flavor to the custard?
A7: Yes! You can add a little orange zest, almond extract, or a splash of liqueur like amaretto to the custard for a fun twist.

Q8: What if I don’t have a cupcake corer?
A8: You can simply use a small knife to carefully cut a hole in the center of the cupcake. Just be gentle when cutting to avoid breaking the cupcake.

Q9: Can I use a store-bought custard?
A9: Yes, you can use store-bought custard for a shortcut, but homemade custard really takes these cupcakes to the next level.

Q10: Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
A10: Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour to make them gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are a total showstopper and perfect for anyone who loves the classic dessert. With a moist vanilla cupcake, creamy custard filling, and glossy chocolate ganache, each bite is a little slice of heaven. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them on your own, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Enjoy!

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