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Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

If you love classic Boston Cream Pie, you’re going to fall in love with these adorable Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes! Soft vanilla cupcakes are filled with a rich, homemade vanilla pastry cream and topped with a silky chocolate ganache for the ultimate bakery-style dessert.

Every bite has fluffy cake, luscious vanilla filling, and smooth chocolate topping, making these cupcakes perfect for birthdays, holidays, bake sales, baby showers, brunches, and family gatherings. They’re elegant enough for special occasions but easy enough to make any time you’re craving a classic dessert.

At My Family Dinner Ideas, these cupcakes are always a favorite because they deliver all the flavors of traditional Boston Cream Pie in a perfectly portable treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, moist vanilla cupcakes
• Filled with rich homemade pastry cream
• Smooth chocolate ganache topping
• Classic bakery-style dessert
• Perfect for parties and holidays
• Easy to make ahead
• Beautiful presentation

Ingredients

Cupcakes

• 1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix
• Ingredients called for on the box (eggs, oil, and water)

Vanilla Pastry Cream

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

How to Make Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

Step 1

Prepare the cupcakes according to the package directions.

Bake in cupcake liners until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.

Step 2

Make the pastry cream.

In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.

Slowly whisk in the milk.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks.

Slowly whisk a little of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks to temper them.

Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and continue cooking until thick and smooth.

Remove from the heat.

Stir in the butter and vanilla.

Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate until completely chilled.

Step 3

Using a small knife or cupcake corer, remove a small circle from the center of each cupcake.

Fill each cupcake with the chilled pastry cream.

Replace a small piece of cake over the filling if desired.

Step 4

Make the chocolate ganache.

Heat the heavy cream until just steaming.

Pour over the chocolate chips.

Let stand for 2 minutes.

Whisk until smooth and glossy.

Step 5

Spoon or dip the tops of the cupcakes into the chocolate ganache.

Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Tips for the Best Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

• Chill the pastry cream before filling the cupcakes.
• Don’t overfill or the filling may spill out.
• Allow the ganache to cool slightly before dipping.
• Store refrigerated because of the pastry cream.
• Use a cupcake corer for neat centers.

Variations

• Top with chocolate curls.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream.
• Sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
• Use homemade vanilla cupcakes.
• Drizzle with white chocolate.

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Serve slightly chilled or let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead?

Yes! They’re actually even better after chilling for several hours.

Can I use instant pudding instead?

Absolutely! Vanilla pudding makes a quick shortcut filling if you’re short on time.

Can these be frozen?

The cupcakes freeze well before filling. Once filled with pastry cream, freezing isn’t recommended because the texture may change.

More Cupcake Recipes You’ll Love

Be sure to try my Vanilla Pudding Filled Cupcakes, Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes, Easy Cool Whip Ghost Cupcakes, Chocolate Cupcakes, Red Velvet Cupcakes, Cookies and Cream Cupcakes, Lemon Cupcakes, Carrot Cake Cupcakes, Banana Pudding Cupcakes, Funfetti Cupcakes, Caramel Cupcakes, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes, and Boston Cream Pie Cake.

Jennie’s Thoughts

These Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are everything you love about the classic dessert in an easy-to-serve cupcake. Soft vanilla cake, silky pastry cream, and rich chocolate ganache come together to create an elegant dessert that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re making them for a birthday, holiday, or just because, these bakery-style cupcakes are sure to become a family favorite.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: About 2 hours

Servings: 24 cupcakes