Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

The fusion of tender vanilla cupcake, rich custard filling, and silky chocolate ganache makes these Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes a classic delight in every bite. Each cupcake is a miniature version of the iconic Boston Cream Pie, but made even more charming and party-ready.

Perfect for celebrations, bake sales, or anytime you’re craving something decadent, these cupcakes are a guaranteed hit. Their stunning presentation, creamy center, and chocolatey finish make them as impressive as they are delicious. Once you try one, it’s hard to stop at just one!

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

Vanilla Cupcakes:

• 1 1/4 cups (163g) all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (207g) granulated sugar

• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk

• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup (120ml) water

Vanilla Pastry Cream:

• 2 egg yolks

• 6 tbsp (78g) sugar

• 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 cup (240ml) milk

• 1 tbsp (14g) salted butter

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache:

• 4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate

• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Line a cupcake pan with 12 liners.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. Add milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Slowly mix in the water until well combined.

4. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full and bake for 15–17 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

5. While the cupcakes bake, prepare the pastry cream. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.

6. In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Slowly whisk in milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and comes to a boil.

7. Remove from heat and slowly pour half of the milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Return everything to the saucepan and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until thickened.

8. Remove from heat, add butter and vanilla, and stir until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until cooled.

9. Once cupcakes and cream are cooled, use a knife to core the centers of the cupcakes. Fill each with pastry cream.

10. Make the ganache by heating cream until just boiling, then pouring over chocolate. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth.

11. Spoon ganache over each cupcake and let set before serving.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 17 minutes | Total Time: 42 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 12 cupcakes

The Origin of Boston Cream Pie

The Boston Cream Pie isn’t technically a pie at all—it’s a layered cake that dates back to the mid-1800s. Created at the Parker House Hotel in Boston (now known as the Omni Parker House), this classic dessert features soft sponge cake layers filled with pastry cream and topped with a glossy chocolate ganache. It was revolutionary at the time, as chocolate glazes on cakes weren’t commonly used. Over time, the dessert gained popularity across the United States, becoming so beloved that it was named the official dessert of Massachusetts in 1996.

Translating this well-loved dessert into cupcake form is a brilliant way to offer all the flavors of a Boston Cream Pie in a handheld, party-friendly treat. The result is nothing short of magical—perfect for both casual gatherings and more elegant events.

What Makes Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Special?

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes offer a trifecta of textures and flavors: a soft, tender vanilla cupcake, a rich, creamy custard center, and a decadent layer of chocolate ganache on top. The balance between sweet and creamy, light and rich, makes these cupcakes irresistible. What sets this version apart is the balance of flavors and the surprise inside—biting into the cupcake reveals the velvety pastry cream, contrasting beautifully with the soft crumb and silky ganache.

They’re also incredibly versatile: dress them up with piped ganache for a formal occasion, or keep them rustic and homey for a casual treat. Plus, since they’re individual servings, there’s no need to cut a cake—just grab and enjoy.

Perfect Occasions for These Cupcakes

These cupcakes are a hit at virtually any event. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, baby shower, bridal brunch, or simply need something sweet for a weekend treat, Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes always deliver. Their refined look also makes them suitable for more formal gatherings, and the fact that they’re not overly sweet means adults and kids alike can enjoy them without going into sugar overload.

They’re also a thoughtful option for gifting or bake sales—easily packaged, universally loved, and visually appealing.

Pastry Cream: The Heart of the Dessert

The custard or pastry cream at the center of each cupcake is what elevates this recipe from a basic vanilla cupcake to something truly special. It’s thick, smooth, and infused with vanilla flavor. Traditionally made with egg yolks, milk, sugar, and cornstarch, the custard needs to be cooked gently to ensure it thickens without curdling.

Refrigerating the pastry cream until it’s cold not only helps it set but also allows the flavors to deepen. When piped into the cupcake, it creates a satisfying contrast between the soft cake and the cool, creamy filling.

The Chocolate Ganache Finish

Ganache is often seen as something reserved for more advanced bakers, but in reality, it’s quite simple: warm cream poured over chopped chocolate, then stirred until glossy and smooth. What it brings to these cupcakes is richness and elegance. The glossy sheen on top is visually striking, and the depth of chocolate flavor balances the sweetness of the vanilla and custard.

The ganache can be spooned on for a rustic look or chilled slightly and piped for a cleaner finish. You can also dip the cupcake tops directly into the ganache for a bakery-style dome. Either way, the ganache acts as the final luxurious layer, sealing the cupcake with flavor.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure success, there are a few key techniques you’ll want to follow:

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter blend evenly and results in a smoother texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy cupcakes. Mix just until combined.

• Let everything cool: Fill the cupcakes only once both the cupcakes and pastry cream are completely cool to avoid soggy bottoms or runny custard.

• Use a piping bag or small spoon for filling: A piping bag with a round tip makes it easy to fill each cupcake evenly and neatly. If you don’t have one, a small spoon will work, just be gentle.

Flavor Variations to Try

While the classic Boston Cream Pie Cupcake is perfect as-is, there’s room for creativity:

• Coffee-infused custard: Add a shot of espresso or a spoon of instant coffee to the pastry cream for a mocha twist.

• Fruit layer: Insert a thin slice of banana or strawberry under the ganache for added flavor and texture.

• Almond or orange extract: Swap out the vanilla for a different extract to give the cupcakes a new flavor profile.

• Salted caramel drizzle: For added richness, drizzle a little salted caramel over the ganache before it sets.

Storing and Serving Tips

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are best served chilled or at cool room temperature. The custard filling and ganache both hold their shape better this way. After assembling, store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you need to make them in advance, you can bake the cupcakes and make the custard a day or two ahead—just fill and top them the day you plan to serve for best results.

Letting them sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature before eating allows the ganache to soften just enough for a silky bite.

How to Make It Kid-Friendly or Fancy

These cupcakes are naturally a kid-favorite, but you can get creative with the presentation to make them extra fun:

• Add sprinkles to the ganache for a party look.

• Use themed cupcake liners for holidays or birthdays.

• Add a cherry on top for a nod to classic ice cream sundaes.

For a more refined touch, dust the top with edible gold flakes or serve them on a tiered cake stand. You can also bake the cupcakes in metallic liners and use a piping technique on the ganache to elevate the appearance for special events.

Why This Dessert Endures

There’s a reason why Boston Cream Pie—and now Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes—have remained popular for over a century. They manage to be both nostalgic and timeless, appealing to young and old alike. The combination of custard and chocolate evokes memories of cream-filled doughnuts, éclairs, or French patisserie, but the approachable cupcake format makes it accessible and simple to serve.

Moreover, these cupcakes represent a perfect balance in baking: not too sweet, not too heavy, with just enough indulgence to feel like a treat. They’re luxurious without being over the top.

Conclusion

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are a celebration of flavor and texture. They bring together the creamy richness of custard, the lightness of vanilla cake, and the indulgence of chocolate ganache in a perfectly portioned package. Ideal for every kind of occasion, from casual snack to elegant dessert, these cupcakes are a guaranteed hit.

Whether you’re honoring the legacy of the original Boston Cream Pie or simply indulging in a modern twist, these cupcakes offer comfort, charm, and classic flavors with every bite. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve become a favorite among home bakers and professional pastry chefs alike.