Boston Cream Cupcakes : Easy & Delicious Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, creamy desserts, then Boston Cream Cupcakes are about to become your new obsession! These bite-sized treats combine the best of both worlds: soft, fluffy vanilla cupcakes filled with a luscious, velvety pastry cream and topped with a glossy chocolate ganache. They’re like the classic Boston Cream Pie, but in a perfectly portioned cupcake form.

Did you know that Boston Cream Pie is actually the official dessert of Massachusetts? That’s right! These cupcakes pay homage to the beloved classic while making them easier to serve and enjoy at parties, family gatherings, or even as a weekday indulgence. If you love classic cupcakes like vanilla bean or chocolate fudge, you’ll adore these creamy, chocolate-topped gems. Let’s get baking!

What Are Boston Cream Cupcakes?

Ever wondered why it’s called Boston Cream? No, it’s not a cream that comes from Boston! This dessert gets its name from the original Boston Cream Pie, which was first made at the Parker House Hotel in Boston in the late 1800s. But let’s be honest who wouldn’t want to take a pie and turn it into a cupcake?

Boston Cream Cupcakes are essentially a mini version of the famous pie: a soft vanilla cupcake, hollowed out and filled with smooth, homemade pastry cream, then crowned with a silky chocolate ganache. It’s a treat that proves the saying “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” or really, to anyone’s heart! So if you’re ready for a bakery-style dessert that’s easy to make at home, let’s dive in.

Try Rice Krispie Chocolate Chip Cookies for a crispy, chewy twist on a classic!

Why You’ll Love These Boston Cream Cupcakes

1. They’re the Perfect Balance of Flavors – You get the sweetness of vanilla cake, the creamy richness of custard, and the deep, luxurious taste of chocolate in every bite. It’s a dessert trifecta!
2. Cost-Effective & Homemade Goodness – Why spend money at a bakery when you can whip up a dozen of these beauties at home? Making them yourself ensures you’re using quality ingredients without the hefty price tag.
3. A Fun Twist on a Classic Dessert – If you love Boston Cream Pie, you’ll love these cupcakes even more! They’re easier to serve and perfect for sharing at parties, birthdays, or just as an after-dinner treat.

Love cupcakes? Try our Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes next you won’t regret it! Now, let’s get into the recipe.

How to Make Boston Cream Cupcakes

Quick Overview

Making Boston Cream Cupcakes is simpler than you might think! You’ll start by baking soft vanilla cupcakes, preparing a rich pastry cream filling, and finishing with a decadent chocolate ganache. The process takes about 1 hour, but trust me it’s worth every second!

Key Ingredients for Boston Cream Cupcakes

Before we start, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Pastry Cream Filling:

• 1 cup whole milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Cupcakes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until well combined.
5. Fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let the cupcakes cool completely before filling.

2. Make the Pastry Cream

1. In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until warm.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Slowly pour warm milk into the mixture while whisking, then return to the saucepan.
4. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
5. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, then chill for 30 minutes.

3. Fill the Cupcakes

1. Use a small knife or a cupcake corer to create a hole in the center of each cupcake.
2. Spoon or pipe the chilled pastry cream into the center.

4. Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming (don’t boil).
2. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes.
3. Stir until smooth, then let it cool slightly.

5. Top with Ganache

1. Dip each cupcake top into the ganache or spoon it over.
2. Let set for 10-15 minutes, then serve!

Enjoy the sweet, spiced flavor of Easy Carrot Cake Cookies a soft, delicious treat!

What to Serve Boston Cream Cupcakes With

These cupcakes pair beautifully with:

• A hot cup of coffee – The bitterness balances out the sweetness.
• Fresh berries – A little tartness makes the flavors pop.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream – Because why not go all out?

Top Tips for Perfecting Boston Cream Cupcakes

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures even mixing and a smooth batter.
• Chill the Pastry Cream Properly – Don’t rush this step! A well-chilled cream is easier to pipe and won’t make the cupcakes soggy.
• Let the Ganache Cool Slightly – Too hot, and it’ll run off the cupcake. Too cold, and it won’t spread evenly.

Savor the classic comfort of Old Fashioned Bread Pudding rich, warm, and delicious!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storage:

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If making in advance, store cupcakes and filling separately, then assemble before serving.

Reheating:

• No need to reheat just enjoy straight from the fridge!
• If you prefer them room temperature, let them sit out for 30 minutes before serving.

Ready to Bake These Boston Cream Cupcakes?

Now that you have all the steps, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just because, these Boston Cream Cupcakes will impress everyone. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out!

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FAQ about Boston cupcakes

Here are answers to your FAQ about Boston cupcakes and general cupcake baking tips:

What are Boston cupcakes?

Boston cupcakes, often called Boston Cream Cupcakes, are inspired by the classic Boston Cream Pie. They feature a light vanilla cupcake filled with a creamy custard or pastry cream and topped with a rich chocolate ganache. These cupcakes offer the same delicious flavors as the famous pie but in a handheld, individual-sized treat.

Is Boston cream a custard?

Yes, Boston cream is a type of custard, also known as pastry cream. It is made with a combination of milk, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch (or flour), and vanilla, creating a thick, creamy filling that is commonly used in Boston Cream Pies, donuts, and cupcakes.

How to put cream in the middle of a cupcake?

To fill cupcakes with cream, follow these steps:

1. Bake and Cool – Ensure your cupcakes are completely cool before filling.
2. Create a Hole – Use a cupcake corer, small knife, or the back of a piping tip to remove the center of each cupcake.
3. Fill with Cream – Spoon or pipe the custard or pastry cream into the hole.
4. Cover the Top – Place the cut-out piece of cupcake back on top or cover with frosting to hide the filling.

What is the secret to fluffy cupcakes?

The key to fluffy cupcakes lies in:

• Using room-temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, and milk mix better).
• Creaming butter and sugar properly to incorporate air.
• Not overmixing the batter, which prevents dense cupcakes.
• Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a softer texture.
• Adding a bit of sour cream or yogurt to enhance moisture and tenderness.

What does adding an extra egg to cupcakes do?

Adding an extra egg can:

• Increase moisture and richness.
• Improve structure and stability.
• Make cupcakes denser rather than lighter (too many eggs can make them more chewy than fluffy).

Why are my cupcakes dense and not fluffy?

Cupcakes may turn out dense due to:

• Overmixing the batter, which develops too much gluten.
• Too much liquid or sugar, which affects the structure.
• Not enough leavening agents (baking powder or baking soda).
• Using cold ingredients that don’t mix well.
• Overbaking, which dries them out.

How to get cupcakes to rise higher?

For taller cupcakes:

• Use fresh baking powder/soda to ensure proper leavening.
• Bake at a higher initial temperature (375°F/190°C for the first 5 minutes, then reduce to 350°F/175°C).
• Don’t overfill the liners about 2/3 full is ideal.
• Avoid opening the oven door too soon, which can cause collapse.

What makes a cake more moist, oil or butter?

• Oil makes cakes more moist because it stays liquid at room temperature, creating a softer crumb.
• Butter adds rich flavor but can result in a firmer texture.
• A combination of butter for flavor and oil for moisture gives the best results.

How to stop cupcakes from doming?

• Lower the oven temperature (325°F/160°C) to allow even baking.
• Use a lighter baking pan, as dark pans retain too much heat.
• Fill liners properly—don’t overfill.
• Tap the pan lightly on the counter before baking to release air bubbles.
• Use cake strips to ensure even rising.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of baking the perfect cupcake whether it’s the classic Boston Cream Cupcake or a simple vanilla treat comes down to understanding key baking techniques. Using room-temperature ingredients, the right leavening agents, and proper mixing methods ensures light, fluffy cupcakes with a delicious texture. If you’re aiming for a moist cupcake, oil works best, but butter adds rich flavor, so combining both can yield fantastic results.

For those who love filled cupcakes, learning how to properly insert a creamy filling without overfilling or causing a mess is crucial. And if you’re struggling with dense or domed cupcakes, adjusting oven temperatures and batter consistency can make a big difference.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these tips will help you create perfectly moist, fluffy, and evenly baked cupcakes every time. Now, go ahead and bake up a batch of delicious Boston Cream Cupcakes your taste buds will thank you!

Boston Cream Cupcakes

Melinda

Boston Cream Cupcakes are a delicious twist on the classic Boston Cream Pie. These cupcakes feature a light and fluffy vanilla cake filled with rich, creamy custard and topped with a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache. They offer the perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence, making them a favorite treat for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 19 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls – For preparing batter and custard
• Electric Mixer – To mix ingredients smoothly
• Cupcake Pan – To bake the cupcakes
• Piping Bag – For filling cupcakes with custard
• Saucepan – To prepare the custard
• Whisk – To mix custard ingredients
• Small Offset Spatula – For spreading ganache

Ingredients

  

For the Cupcakes

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Custard Filling

• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcakes

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
• Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before filling.

Step 2: Make the Custard Filling

• In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam (do not boil).
• In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolk.
• Slowly pour a small amount of the heated milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
• Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
• Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until cool.

Step 3: Fill the Cupcakes

• Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small knife or a cupcake corer to cut out a small hole in the center of each cupcake.
• Fill a piping bag with the chilled custard.
• Pipe the custard into each cupcake until filled.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache

• In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling (about 30-40 seconds).
• Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute.
• Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Top with Ganache

• Spoon or spread the chocolate ganache over the tops of the cupcakes.
• Let the ganache set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

• Your Boston Cream Cupcakes are now ready to enjoy! These are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Video

Notes

Notes & Tips for Perfect Boston Cream Cupcakes

✅ Room Temperature Ingredients – For best results, ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and even baking.

✅ Don’t Overmix – Overmixing the cupcake batter can lead to dense cupcakes. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.

✅ Custard Consistency – If your custard seems too runny, let it cool in the fridge for an extra 10-15 minutes before filling the cupcakes. If it thickens too much, whisk in a little milk to loosen it.

✅ Chocolate Ganache Tips – If the ganache is too thick, add a teaspoon of warm milk and stir. If it’s too thin, let it cool slightly before spreading.

✅ Storage – Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

✅ Make Ahead – You can bake the cupcakes and make the custard a day in advance. Store cupcakes at room temperature and the custard in the fridge. Assemble the next day for fresh cupcakes!

Would you like to add any substitutions or dietary modifications? 😊

Keyword Boston Cream Cupcakes, Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes, Custard-filled Cupcakes