Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes capture everything people love about the classic dessert in a perfectly portioned, handheld form. Soft vanilla cupcakes are filled with smooth pastry cream and topped with a rich chocolate glaze, creating a dessert that feels elegant yet approachable. Each bite delivers the ideal balance of fluffy cake, creamy filling, and glossy chocolate.
What makes this recipe especially rewarding is how impressive the cupcakes look with relatively simple techniques. I tested these several times to ensure the filling-to-cake ratio was just right, and the result is indulgent without being overwhelming. These cupcakes are perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or anytime you want a dessert that feels special but familiar. They also hold up beautifully, making them a great option for make-ahead baking without sacrificing flavor or texture.
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Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes: A Bakery-Style Classic Made at Home
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft vanilla cupcakes filled with creamy pastry cream and topped with a rich chocolate ganache, inspired by the classic Boston Cream Pie.
Ingredients
- Vanilla Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- Pastry Cream Filling:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18–20 minutes. Cool completely.
- For pastry cream, heat milk until warm.
- Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Slowly add milk, then return to heat.
- Cook until thickened; remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Cool.
- Core cupcakes and fill with pastry cream.
- Heat cream until simmering and pour over chocolate. Stir until smooth.
- Spoon ganache over filled cupcakes and let set before serving.
Notes
- Chill cupcakes briefly to help ganache set.
- Pastry cream can be made a day ahead.
- Store refrigerated for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
All-purpose flour
All-purpose flour provides structure while keeping the cupcakes light and tender. It creates a soft crumb that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
Sugar
Sugar sweetens the cupcakes and contributes to their soft, moist texture. It also helps achieve a lightly golden finish.
Butter
Butter adds richness and flavor to the cupcakes. Using softened butter ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
Eggs
Eggs provide structure and stability, helping the cupcakes rise evenly while maintaining a delicate texture.
Milk
Milk adds moisture and creates a smooth batter, ensuring the cupcakes remain soft rather than dry.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract enhances both the cupcakes and the pastry cream with warm, aromatic depth.
Baking powder
Baking powder helps the cupcakes rise, giving them a light and fluffy interior.
Salt
Salt balances sweetness and sharpens all the flavors in the cake and filling.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch thickens the pastry cream, creating a smooth and stable filling that holds its shape.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream is used for the chocolate glaze, adding richness and a glossy finish.
Chocolate
Chocolate forms the classic topping. Semi-sweet chocolate provides the best balance between sweetness and depth.
Egg yolks
Egg yolks enrich the pastry cream, creating a silky, custard-like consistency.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by preparing the cupcakes. Preheat the oven and line a muffin tin with paper liners. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix in flour, baking powder, salt, and milk until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before filling.
To make the pastry cream, heat milk gently in a saucepan. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly temper the hot milk into the egg mixture, then return it to the saucepan and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter. Cool completely.
Once cooled, cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake and fill with pastry cream.
Prepare the chocolate glaze by heating heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy. Spoon the glaze over the filled cupcakes and allow it to set before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 cupcakes, serving 12 people.
Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with a baking time of 18 to 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to three days due to the custard filling. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving. These cupcakes should not be reheated.
Variations and Customizations
Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are easy to adapt. For a lighter filling, fold whipped cream into the pastry cream to create a diplomat-style cream. Dark chocolate can be used for a richer glaze, while milk chocolate creates a sweeter finish.
You can also flavor the pastry cream with a touch of coffee or orange zest for subtle variation. Mini cupcakes work well for parties, though filling them requires a bit more precision.
For extra presentation, garnish the tops with chocolate curls or a dusting of powdered sugar once the glaze has set.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbs | 44 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Cool Completely
Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before filling to prevent melting the custard.
Smooth Custard
Whisk constantly while cooking pastry cream to avoid lumps.
Clean Filling
Use a piping bag for neat, evenly filled cupcakes.
Glaze Timing
Pour glaze while warm for the smoothest finish.
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made one day in advance and stored refrigerated.
Can I use boxed pudding instead of pastry cream?
Yes, though homemade pastry cream provides superior flavor and texture.
Why did my custard turn lumpy?
The heat was likely too high or not stirred continuously.
Can I freeze Boston cream cupcakes?
Freezing is not recommended due to the custard filling.
What chocolate works best for the glaze?
Semi-sweet chocolate offers the best balance.
How do I fill cupcakes neatly?
Remove a small core from the center and pipe the filling in slowly.
Conclusion
Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes transform a timeless dessert into an elegant, individual treat that feels both nostalgic and refined. With soft vanilla cake, silky pastry cream, and rich chocolate glaze, these cupcakes deliver bakery-quality results at home. They are a perfect choice whenever you want a dessert that is classic, impressive, and irresistibly delicious.
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