Irresistible Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

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🧁 Irresistible Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes 🧁
Delightfully soft vanilla cupcakes filled with luscious pastry cream and topped with a glossy chocolate ganache – the charm of a Boston Cream Pie in a handheld form!

🥮 Introduction

The Boston Cream Pie Cupcake is a miniaturized version of the classic Boston Cream Pie, transforming a beloved dessert into a personal-sized treat. Each cupcake is tender and buttery, filled with silky vanilla custard (pastry cream), and topped with rich chocolate ganache. Perfect for parties, holidays, or as a decadent everyday treat!

🧾 Ingredients (Makes 12 Cupcakes)

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk

For the Pastry Cream Filling:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 3 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:

  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 4 oz (113 g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp light corn syrup (optional for shine)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions & Method

🧁 Step 1: Make the Cupcakes

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla.
  5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners (about ¾ full).
  7. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool completely on a wire rack.

🍮 Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Cream

  1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and flour until smooth.
  3. Slowly pour hot milk into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
  4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking until thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
  5. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and chill until set (at least 1 hour).

🍫 Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

  1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave until steaming.
  2. Pour hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
  3. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
  4. Add corn syrup (optional) for extra shine.

🧁 Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes

  1. Use a cupcake corer or small knife to remove the center of each cupcake.
  2. Fill the center with chilled pastry cream using a piping bag or spoon.
  3. Spoon or pipe chocolate ganache over the top of each cupcake.
  4. Chill for 15 minutes to set the ganache, or serve immediately for a gooey treat.

🕰️ History of Boston Cream Pie

Despite the name, Boston Cream Pie is a cake, not a pie. Created in the mid-1800s at Boston’s Parker House Hotel, it was originally called “Chocolate Cream Pie.” The dessert featured sponge cake filled with pastry cream and topped with chocolate glaze – a revolutionary concept at the time when chocolate was rarely used as a topping. Over the years, this cake became a Massachusetts state dessert and inspired numerous modern twists – like these cupcakes.

✅ Benefits of Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

  • Portion-controlled: Great for parties or individual servings
  • Elegant presentation: They look bakery-quality but are simple to make
  • Flavor-packed layers: Every bite offers vanilla, cream, and chocolate
  • Make-ahead friendly: Fill and frost ahead of time for stress-free serving

🧪 Formation & Baking Chemistry

  • Leavening from baking powder creates tender crumb in the cupcakes.
  • Tempering eggs ensures smooth pastry cream without curdling.
  • Emulsification of chocolate and cream gives shiny, smooth ganache.

❤️ For Lovers of Sweet Elegance

These cupcakes are for the dessert romantics — those who adore the charm of old-world classics with a modern twist. Ideal for:

  • Anniversary treats
  • Birthday dessert tables
  • Coffee date indulgences
  • Elegant tea parties

Pair with espresso or a glass of milk for the full experience.

🧠 Nutrition (Per Cupcake – Approximate)

  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Protein: 4g

(Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portions.)

🔚 Conclusion

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are a sensational blend of nostalgia and indulgence. With their soft vanilla cake, creamy custard center, and luscious chocolate top, they prove that great things truly come in small packages. Whether shared with someone special or enjoyed solo, each bite is a little love story.

Would you like a printable recipe card, video-style instructions, or a version with whipped cream topping too?

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