Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 290 kcal per cupcake
Are you a fan of classic desserts with a little extra flair? Then, these Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine the richness of smooth, vanilla pudding, the lightness of a fluffy cupcake, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping all in one bite-sized creation. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy evenings to celebratory gatherings, these cupcakes are sure to impress both guests and family members alike.
A Sweet Twist on Tradition: The Inspiration Behind Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
Boston Cream Pie has been a beloved American dessert for over a century. Despite the name, it’s not actually a pie, but rather a layered cake filled with creamy custard and topped with a glossy layer of chocolate. This iconic dessert, officially named the state dessert of Massachusetts in 1996, has a long history that dates back to the 19th century at the famous Parker House Hotel in Boston.
But what if we could take this iconic treat and make it even more enjoyable? That’s where these Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes come in. By creating individual, cupcake-sized versions of this classic dessert, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of the original with a fun and portable twist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a special treat for yourself, these cupcakes offer the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, and they’ll leave your taste buds asking for more.
Why You’ll Love These Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
- Individual Portions: Perfect for parties, bake sales, or a simple treat at home.
- Rich, Creamy Filling: A thick, smooth vanilla pudding filling adds the perfect amount of indulgence.
- Decadent Ganache Topping: The glossy, rich chocolate ganache provides a luxurious finish.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses boxed cake mix to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family celebration, or simply for yourself, these Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes offer a sweet, satisfying indulgence that will leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients for Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
For this recipe, we’ve kept it simple and accessible. By using a box of yellow cake mix, we cut down on prep time without compromising flavor. The creamy vanilla filling and glossy chocolate ganache, however, are entirely made from scratch for that homemade touch.
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or your favorite vanilla cupcake recipe)
- Ingredients as per box instructions (eggs, oil, water)
For the Vanilla Filling:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
For the Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
How to Make Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
1. Bake the Cupcakes
Start by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Line a cupcake tin with paper liners. This step ensures your cupcakes come out easily after baking.
Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, adding the necessary eggs, oil, and water. If you’re using your favorite homemade vanilla cupcake recipe instead, that works perfectly too! Once mixed, carefully fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter. This allows enough space for the cupcakes to rise and bake evenly.
Bake the cupcakes according to the package directions or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to the next step.
2. Prepare the Vanilla Pudding Filling
While your cupcakes are cooling, it’s time to make the rich vanilla pudding filling. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes so it thickens up and takes on a pudding-like consistency. You’ll want it thick enough to fill the cupcakes without running out.
Once the filling is thickened, set it aside while you prepare the cupcakes for their delicious surprise filling.
3. Fill the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a small knife or cupcake corer to cut a hole in the center of each cupcake. Be sure not to cut all the way through—about an inch deep will do the trick. This creates a small pocket for the creamy vanilla pudding to go.
Spoon or pipe the prepared vanilla pudding into each cupcake. You want to fill them generously, but not so much that the pudding spills over the top. The pudding filling is the star of these cupcakes, so don’t be afraid to make them nice and full!
4. Make the Chocolate Ganache Topping
Now comes the fun part—the glossy chocolate ganache! To make the ganache, start by heating the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the cream to a simmer, but don’t let it boil. Once it’s simmering, remove it from the heat and pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
Let the hot cream sit for about 2 minutes to soften the chocolate chips. After 2 minutes, stir the mixture until smooth and glossy. The ganache should be thick but still pourable—if it’s too thick, you can let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly or add a touch more cream.
5. Top the Cupcakes
Now, it’s time to finish off these cupcakes with their decadent chocolate topping. Spoon the ganache over each filled cupcake, allowing it to drizzle gently down the sides. The ganache will set as it cools, creating that signature shiny, smooth finish.
Once all cupcakes are topped, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for the ganache to firm up slightly before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
- Use Dark Chocolate: For a more intense flavor, try using dark chocolate chips for the ganache. The richness of dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the cake and pudding perfectly.
- Storage Tips: These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container. If you prefer a firmer filling, store them in the refrigerator. For a softer, more melt-in-your-mouth bite, keep them at room temperature.
- Make It Ahead: These cupcakes are a great make-ahead dessert. Bake the cupcakes, fill them with pudding, and cover them with ganache up to a day before serving. Just keep them covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to indulge.
- Decorate for Special Occasions: If you’re preparing these cupcakes for a special event, you can decorate the tops with sprinkles, edible gold flakes, or even whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.
When to Serve Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
These cupcakes are versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of year. Here are some of the best occasions to serve them:
- Birthday Parties: A fun twist on a classic dessert that’s perfect for individual servings.
- Holiday Gatherings: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, these cupcakes make an elegant addition to your holiday dessert spread.
- Family Dinner Night: For a cozy, comforting dessert that’s sure to please everyone.
- Bake Sales: Their cute, portable size makes them ideal for bake sales or picnics.
Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are perfect for nearly any occasion, and their irresistible flavor is sure to keep guests coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back for More
The beauty of these Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the ultimate satisfaction they bring. The contrast between the soft, fluffy vanilla cake, the velvety vanilla pudding, and the rich chocolate ganache is a combination that can’t be beaten. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cupcakes offer a decadent experience that’s just as delicious as it is fun to make.
So why not try this delightful recipe today? With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of irresistible, indulgent cupcakes that will bring joy to anyone who tries them.
The best part? You’ll always have a reason to make them again—because who can resist the perfect bite of a Boston Cream Pie Cupcake?
Enjoy these cupcakes with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk, and treat yourself to the best of both worlds—classic flavor with a fresh, modern twist! Happy baking!
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Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
Description
These Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering a portable, bite-sized version of the beloved cake. With a fluffy vanilla cupcake, rich vanilla pudding filling, and decadent chocolate ganache topping, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to celebrations. Easy to make, yet incredibly satisfying, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 box yellow cake mix (or your favorite vanilla cupcake recipe)
Ingredients as per box instructions (eggs, oil, water)
For the Filling:
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 ½ cups cold milk
For the Ganache Topping:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions, adding the necessary eggs, oil, and water.
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter and bake according to the package directions. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Once the cupcakes are cool, cut a hole in the center of each cupcake about an inch deep.
- Fill the holes with the prepared vanilla pudding.
- To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl and let it sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Spoon the ganache over the filled cupcakes, allowing it to gently drip down the sides. Let the ganache set before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips for the ganache.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container. For a firmer filling, refrigerate them, or keep them at room temperature for a softer bite.
- These cupcakes can be made a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes