Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
Creamy vanilla filling and rich chocolate topping
Ingredients
Vanilla Cupcakes
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Vanilla Pastry Cream Filling
- 1½ cups milk
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for shine)
Instructions
Make the Cupcakes
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Divide batter evenly among liners, filling about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
Make the Pastry Cream
- Heat milk in a saucepan until just steaming.
- In a bowl, whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Slowly whisk hot milk into the egg mixture. Return to saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and chill until cold.
Fill the Cupcakes
- Cut a small cone from the center of each cupcake.
- Spoon or pipe pastry cream into the centers. Replace the cupcake tops if desired.
Make the Ganache
- Heat heavy cream until just beginning to simmer.
- Pour over chopped chocolate and butter. Let stand 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Top the Cupcakes
- Spoon ganache over filled cupcakes, allowing it to drip slightly over the edges.
- Let set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly before serving.
Storage
Store cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.