Quick Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe: Bite-sized Bakery Bliss

Sweet dreams come true with these decadent Boston cream pie cupcakes that combine classic dessert flavors in one irresistible bite.

Soft, tender vanilla cupcakes hide a luscious cream filling waiting to surprise you at first taste.

The silky pastry cream peeks through tender cake layers, promising pure indulgence.

Rich chocolate ganache drapes elegantly over each cupcake, creating a stunning dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Bakery-style quality meets homemade charm in this delightful treat that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a celebration.

These cupcakes deliver bakery-worthy magic right from your kitchen, tempting everyone who catches a glimpse.

Prepare to fall in love with every creamy, chocolatey spoonful.

Boston Cream Pie Cupcake Appeal

  • This recipe breaks down complex steps into manageable tasks, making it approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Each cupcake offers a perfect combination of soft cake, creamy filling, and rich chocolate ganache, delivering a multi-dimensional taste experience.
  • With clear instructions and basic ingredients, home bakers can create a professional-looking dessert that looks and tastes gourmet without requiring advanced pastry skills.
  • Bakers can personalize these cupcakes by adjusting filling thickness or experimenting with chocolate variations, making them adaptable to personal preferences.

Everything You Need for Cupcakes

Cupcake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cupcakes.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcake batter.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cupcake batter.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cupcake's structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cupcakes.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth, moist batter.
Pastry Cream Filling:
  • Milk: Forms the base of the creamy pastry filling.
  • Egg Yolks: Contribute to the rich, smooth texture of the cream.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the pastry cream.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the cream and create a smooth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a delightful flavor to the filling.
Chocolate Ganache Topping:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, glossy chocolate topping.
  • Chocolate: Provides a rich, decadent flavor to the cupcakes.

Tools for Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

  • Muffin Tin: 12-cup standard size for perfectly shaped cupcakes.
  • Cupcake Liners: Essential for easy baking and clean removal.
  • Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for separating dry and wet ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer: Crucial for beating butter, sugar, and creating smooth batter.
  • Whisk: Needed for combining dry ingredients and creating pastry cream.
  • Small Saucepans: Two pans for heating milk and creating ganache.
  • Wire Rack: Perfect for cooling cupcakes completely.
  • Sharp Knife: Used for coring cupcake centers.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key to success.

How to Bake These Cupcakes

Step 1: Whip Up The Cupcake Batter

Grab your mixing bowls and let’s create magic!

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350F.

Line your muffin tin with cute cupcake liners.

In one bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until they become fluffy clouds.

Crack in eggs one by one, stirring after each.

Add a splash of vanilla for extra yumminess.

Gently fold in flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two.

Don’t overmix!

Scoop batter into liners, filling about two-thirds full.

Bake for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Create Dreamy Pastry Cream

Time to make the luscious filling!

Warm milk in a saucepan until it starts to simmer.

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Egg yolks
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch

Slowly pour hot milk into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly.

Transfer back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.

Take off heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool down.

Step 3: Hollow Out And Fill Cupcakes

Get ready for some cupcake surgery!

Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the center of each cooled cupcake.

Create a perfect little pocket for our delicious cream.

Gently fill each cupcake with the cooled pastry cream.

Step 4: Craft Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate time!

Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it starts to simmer.

Pour the hot cream over chopped chocolate in a bowl.

Stir until smooth and glossy.

Let it cool slightly.

Step 5: Dunk And Decorate

Dip each cupcake top into the rich ganache, letting it drip beautifully down the sides.

Pop the cupcakes in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to help the ganache set perfectly.

Sweetest Cupcake Tips to Try

  • Avoid overmixing the cupcake batter to keep the texture light and fluffy, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
  • Strain the pastry cream through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps and ensure a silky-smooth texture.
  • Let the ganache cool slightly before dipping to achieve the perfect drip and prevent sliding off the cupcake.
  • Use a small round cookie cutter or the back of a piping tip to create clean, even holes for filling cupcakes.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, bringing to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Creative Cupcake Spin-Offs

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cupcake's rich texture.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap milk and butter with coconut milk and plant-based margarine to create a lactose-free Boston cream cupcake option.
  • Vegan Transformation: Use aquafaba instead of eggs, plant-based milk, and dark chocolate for ganache to craft a completely plant-based dessert.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia and use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to reduce overall sugar content.

Boston Cream Cupcake Serving Style

  • Dessert Plate Perfection: Arrange cupcakes on a elegant white platter with fresh mint leaves scattered around for a pop of color.
  • Brunch Companion: Serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or cappuccino to enhance the rich chocolate and vanilla flavors.
  • Party Presentation: Create a stunning display by placing cupcakes on tiered cake stands, alternating heights for visual interest and dramatic effect.
  • Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle some shaved chocolate or dust with powdered sugar just before serving to add a professional bakery-style touch.

Storing Cupcakes for Lasting Softness

  • Store Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain ganache texture.
  • Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • Keep cupcakes at room temperature for 6-8 hours if serving same day. Avoid direct sunlight and warm areas to prevent cream filling from spoiling.
  • Warm cupcakes gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften ganache and restore original texture.

FAQs

  • How difficult is this Boston Cream Pie Cupcake recipe?

This recipe requires intermediate baking skills. While not extremely complex, it involves multiple steps like making pastry cream, coring cupcakes, and preparing ganache. Home bakers with some experience will find it manageable.

  • What equipment do I need to make these cupcakes?

You’ll need a muffin tin, cupcake liners, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer, saucepan, wire cooling rack, and a knife for coring the cupcakes. Basic kitchen tools work perfectly.

  • Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. Bake cupcakes and make pastry cream a day before. Assemble and add ganache just before serving for the best texture and taste. Store assembled cupcakes in the refrigerator.

Print
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Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe


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4.5 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

These boston cream pie cupcakes merge classic American dessert elegance with convenient single-serving charm. Creamy vanilla custard and glossy chocolate ganache create a delightful indulgence you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a 12-cup muffin tin. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually combine flour mixture with butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just incorporated, ensuring no overmixing occurs.
  4. Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling approximately two-thirds full. Bake for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted.
  5. Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack and allow complete cooling.
  6. Heat milk in a saucepan until it reaches a gentle simmer. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a separate bowl.
  7. Gradually stream hot milk into yolk mixture while continuously whisking. Return combined mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.
  8. Remove from heat, incorporate vanilla, and let pastry cream cool completely.
  9. Carefully core the center of each cooled cupcake using a small knife, creating space for filling.
  10. Generously fill each cupcake cavity with prepared pastry cream.
  11. Warm heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl, stirring until achieving a smooth ganache.
  12. Allow ganache to cool slightly, then dip cupcake tops, permitting chocolate to cascade down sides.
  13. Refrigerate cupcakes for 15-20 minutes to set ganache coating.

Notes

  • Achieve smooth cupcake batter by ensuring butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
  • Prevent dry cupcakes by avoiding overmixing the batter and checking doneness with a toothpick test.
  • Create uniform pastry cream by whisking constantly while adding hot milk to prevent egg scrambling.
  • Simplify ganache preparation by using high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for richer flavor.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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