Boston Cream Cupcakes Recipe – A Sweet Twist on the Classic Dessert

JUMP TO RECIPE

Boston Cream Cupcakes offer a delightful and indulgent take on the classic Boston Cream Pie. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, moist cupcake filled with velvety vanilla pastry cream and topped with a luscious, glossy chocolate ganache. It’s a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between rich and sweet, making it ideal for nearly any occasion—from casual family get-togethers to special celebrations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who’s just starting out in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will show you how to create these irresistible treats in no time.

Why You’ll Love These Boston Cream Cupcakes

There’s something about Boston Cream Cupcakes that feels both comforting and indulgent. They combine the best parts of a cake and a pie in a bite-sized form, allowing you to enjoy every rich layer of flavor without the need for a fork or plate. If you’re someone who loves chocolate, vanilla, and a little bit of creaminess in every bite, then these cupcakes are sure to become your new favorite dessert.

A Twist on the Classic Boston Cream Pie

Boston Cream Pie has long been a beloved American dessert. It typically features layers of sponge cake filled with custard and topped with a decadent chocolate glaze. These cupcakes bring all of those elements into a much more portable form. Instead of a large pie, you get perfectly portioned cupcakes with all the deliciousness of the classic recipe.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re baking for a birthday, hosting a brunch, or simply craving something sweet, Boston Cream Cupcakes are always a hit. Their individual size makes them perfect for parties, and the elegant appearance makes them feel extra special. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to share, making them a great choice for gatherings.

Easy to Make, Even for Beginners

This recipe may seem a bit intricate at first glance, but rest assured—if you’re new to baking, you can absolutely pull this off. The ingredients are simple, and the process is broken down into clear steps, making it easy for anyone to follow along.

Ingredients for Boston Cream Cupcakes

Before you get started, it’s important to gather all your ingredients. You’ll need to prepare three parts: the cupcake base, the pastry cream filling, and the chocolate ganache topping. Don’t worry—none of these ingredients are difficult to find, and once you have everything ready, the baking process will be a breeze.

Table 1: Ingredients for Boston Cream Cupcakes

Cupcake Ingredients	Filling Ingredients	Chocolate Ganache Ingredients
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour	1 cup heavy cream	1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup granulated sugar	2 large egg yolks	6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 tsp baking soda	3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder	1 tbsp cornstarch
3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temp)	1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 large egg whites
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole milk

How to Make Boston Cream Cupcakes – Step-by-Step

The key to making these cupcakes is to follow each step carefully, ensuring that every layer—cupcake base, pastry cream, and ganache—is made to perfection. Here’s how you can make these delicious treats from start to finish:

Making the Cupcake Base

The cupcake base is light, moist, and perfectly balanced, allowing the pastry cream and ganache to shine without overpowering the flavor. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect cupcake base:

1. Preheat Your Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure that your cupcakes bake evenly.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 2/3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Mixing these dry ingredients together will ensure that your cupcakes rise evenly as they bake.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients Add 3/4 cup of unsalted butter (at room temperature), 3 large egg whites, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of whole milk to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until it’s smooth and well-combined.
4. Fill the Cupcake Liners Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, fill each liner about 2/3 full with the batter.
5. Bake the Cupcakes Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking.
6. Cool the Cupcakes Once they’re done baking, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. It’s crucial that the cupcakes cool completely before you fill them, as this ensures that the filling will stay intact.

Preparing the Pastry Cream Filling

The pastry cream is the rich and creamy filling that brings Boston Cream Cupcakes to life. It’s velvety smooth, and when chilled, it sets perfectly inside each cupcake.

1. Heat the Heavy Cream In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil over.
2. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large egg yolks, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This will help thicken the pastry cream once it’s combined with the hot cream.
3. Temper the Egg Mixture Gradually add the hot cream into the egg mixture, a little at a time, whisking constantly. This step ensures the eggs don’t curdle.
4. Cook the Filling Pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan and return it to the heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture thickens. This should only take a few minutes.
5. Add the Vanilla Once the pastry cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This adds flavor and fragrance to the cream.
6. Chill the Filling Let the pastry cream cool slightly, then cover it with plastic wrap (pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming). Place it in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to fill the cupcakes.

Making the Chocolate Ganache

The chocolate ganache is the crowning glory of these cupcakes. It adds a rich, smooth finish that perfectly complements the creamy filling and soft cupcake base.

1. Heat the Heavy Cream In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. Add the Chocolate Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add 6 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to soften the chocolate.
3. Stir Until Smooth After the chocolate has softened, stir the mixture until it’s smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before using it on the cupcakes.

Assembling the Cupcakes

Now comes the fun part—putting everything together. This step will transform your simple cupcakes into beautiful, mouth-watering Boston Cream Cupcakes.

1. Remove the Centers of the Cupcakes Once your cupcakes have cooled, use a small spoon or a cupcake corer to carefully remove a small portion of the center of each cupcake. Be sure not to remove too much—just enough to make room for the filling.
2. Fill the Cupcakes with Pastry Cream Spoon or pipe the chilled pastry cream into the hollowed-out centers of the cupcakes. Fill them generously, but don’t overstuff them, as the cream may spill out when you top the cupcakes with ganache.
3. Add the Ganache After the pastry cream is set, dip the top of each cupcake into the chocolate ganache. Allow the ganache to drip over the edges, giving each cupcake a glossy, indulgent finish.
4. Let the Ganache Set Place the cupcakes in the fridge for a few minutes to let the ganache firm up. This will give you a perfectly set, glossy finish.

Tips for Perfect Boston Cream Cupcakes

Creating the perfect Boston Cream Cupcakes can be a little tricky, but with a few tips and tricks, you can make them even better. Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your cupcakes turn out flawlessly every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This will help them mix together more smoothly, leading to a fluffier cupcake base.
• Be Careful When Adding Hot Cream: When adding hot cream to the egg yolks, do it slowly to avoid cooking the eggs too quickly and creating an unpleasant texture.
• Chill the Pastry Cream: The pastry cream should be cold when filling the cupcakes, as this ensures that it will stay inside the cupcakes without oozing out.
• Use Quality Chocolate: The ganache is a crucial element of this recipe, so don’t skimp on the chocolate. Use a high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions

While Boston Cream Cupcakes are undoubtedly a treat, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in. Here’s the nutritional information for each cupcake:

Table 2: Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Fat	19g
Carbohydrates	35g
Protein	3g
Sugar	19g

These cupcakes are rich in flavor, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. They’re perfect for a special occasion or as an occasional indulgence with a cup of coffee or tea.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair your cupcakes with a strong cup of coffee or a latte to balance out the sweetness.
• Serve them at a birthday party or a baby shower for a fun and delicious treat.
• For a light dessert, pair the cupcakes with fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the Difference Between Boston Cream Cupcakes and Boston Cream Pie?

While Boston Cream Pie and Boston Cream Cupcakes share the same essential flavors—vanilla pastry cream, chocolate ganache, and soft sponge cake—the key difference is in the form. Boston Cream Pie is typically served as a large, layered cake, while Boston Cream Cupcakes are individual servings, making them much easier to share and serve at parties.

Can I Make These Cupcakes Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can bake the cupcakes and prepare the pastry cream and ganache the day before you plan to serve them. Store the cupcakes, filling, and ganache separately and assemble them on the day of serving. This will save you time and ensure the cupcakes are fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Can I Substitute the Sour Cream in the Recipe?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or buttermilk. These alternatives will give the cupcakes a slightly different texture and flavor but will still work well in the recipe.

Conclusion – Savor the Deliciousness of Boston Cream Cupcakes

Boston Cream Cupcakes are a perfect blend of rich, velvety pastry cream, smooth chocolate ganache, and soft, tender cupcake. They bring the best parts of a Boston Cream Pie into a smaller, more manageable form, making them the ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of homemade Boston Cream Cupcakes. You deserve it!

Print