Irresistible Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

Irresistible Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, featuring a moist vanilla cupcake filled with creamy pastry cream and topped with rich chocolate ganache. These treats are perfect for parties, celebrations, or whenever you crave something sweet.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Pastry Cream Filling

• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Chocolate Ganache Topping

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
6. To make the pastry cream, heat the milk in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale. Slowly whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture, then return everything to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened. Stir in the vanilla and butter. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill.
7. For the ganache, heat the cream in a small saucepan until simmering. Pour over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
8. Once the cupcakes have cooled, cut a small hole in the center of each and fill with the chilled pastry cream. Top with a spoonful of chocolate ganache.
9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the ganache to set.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 cupcakes and has a total time of 1 hour, including 25 minutes of preparation and 18 minutes of cooking.

Variations

• Flavored Cupcakes: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrus twist.
• Nutty Addition: Mix in some finely chopped nuts into the pastry cream for added texture.
• Dark Chocolate Ganache: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer chocolate flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed chilled, so no need to reheat.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use boxed cake mix instead?
   Yes, you can substitute with a boxed cake mix for convenience.
2. How do I make sure the pastry cream is thick enough?
   Whisk constantly while cooking, and make sure it bubbles and thickens before removing from heat.
3. Can I freeze these cupcakes?
   Yes, freeze before adding ganache for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
4. What can I use instead of butter?
   You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute for a non-dairy option.
5. How can I prevent the ganache from hardening too much?
   Use a bit more cream when making the ganache if you prefer a softer texture.
6. Can I add food coloring to the batter?
   Yes, gel food coloring works well for adding color to the batter.
7. What if I don’t have cornstarch for the pastry cream?
   You can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, though the texture may differ slightly.
8. Can I use different chocolate types for the ganache?
   Absolutely! White chocolate or milk chocolate can be used based on preference.
9. How long does the pastry cream last in the fridge?
   It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before using.
10. What’s the best way to fill the cupcakes?
    Use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill each cupcake, making it easier and cleaner.

Conclusion

Irresistible Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are a deliciously fun dessert that combines classic flavors in a new format. Perfectly creamy, chocolaty, and utterly satisfying, these cupcakes are sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion. Indulge in this delightful fusion of flavors and enjoy every delicious bite!

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