Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe
If you’re anything like me and love when classic desserts get a fun, individual twist, you’re going to adore this Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe. Imagine moist, tender cupcakes bursting with creamy vanilla custard in the middle, then crowned with a shiny, decadent chocolate ganache that simply melts on your tongue. It’s everything you love about Boston Cream Pie in a perfectly portable, mouthwatering cupcake form—ideal for parties, treats, or just brightening your day with a little homemade magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, essential ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe. Each plays a vital role, from the fluffy crumb to the rich filling and glossy ganache topping.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for light, tender cupcakes.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully, making them airy and soft.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and moisture, creating a buttery crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens just right and helps create a delicate crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together while adding to the moisture and texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the custard.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
- 1 cup vanilla pudding or custard (ready-made): The luscious surprise filling that defines the cupcake.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Essential for making the silky, glossy chocolate ganache.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts down for a rich, perfectly bittersweet ganache topping.
How to Make Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Having your setup ready ensures a smooth baking process and perfectly shaped cupcakes.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt so your cupcakes rise evenly and taste balanced.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, vital for soft cupcakes. Then add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to create an emulsion. Stir in the fragrant vanilla extract for that lovely inviting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Alternately add the dry flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough cupcakes while ensuring a smooth batter.
Step 5: Bake Cupcakes
Divide your batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before the next exciting step.
Step 6: Fill Cupcakes
Once cooled, carefully cut out a small circle from the center of each cupcake. Fill the hollow with vanilla pudding or custard, creating that iconic creamy surprise inside.
Step 7: Prepare Ganache
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer—don’t let it boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit untouched for 5 minutes. Then stir gently until smooth and glossy. This luscious ganache is the crowning glory that makes the Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe irresistible.
Step 8: Top Cupcakes
Spoon the warm chocolate ganache over each filled cupcake, letting it drip naturally over the edges. Allow the ganache to set slightly before serving so it’s shiny and holds its shape beautifully.
How to Serve Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries can add pops of color and freshness, making these cupcakes look as delightful as they taste. You might also sprinkle some finely chopped toasted nuts for an added crunch contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your cupcakes with a cup of strong coffee or a smooth black tea to balance the creamy sweetness. For a crowd-pleasing dessert platter, include fresh fruit or a tangy fruit compote to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve these Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe in a tiered stand at your next gathering. Or place each cupcake in a small decorative box tied with ribbon for gifting. They also look fabulous with personalized name tags at baby showers or birthdays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your finished Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes refrigerated in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for up to three days. The refrigeration helps the custard and ganache maintain their perfect texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for a special occasion, you can freeze unfrosted cupcakes tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Freeze the ganache separately and pudding fresh, then assemble after thawing to maintain the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Since these cupcakes are filled and topped with delicate elements, it’s best to enjoy them cold or at room temperature. If needed, take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to allow ganache to soften slightly for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I make the vanilla pudding from scratch for this Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade vanilla pudding adds a lovely fresh flavor. Just be sure to let it cool completely before filling your cupcakes to avoid sogginess.
What is the best chocolate to use for the ganache?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips work beautifully here, offering that perfect bittersweet balance to the sweet custard. You can also experiment with bittersweet or chopped high-quality chocolate for a richer ganache.
Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
How do I prevent the cupcakes from sinking in the middle?
Make sure not to overmix your batter and bake at the correct temperature. Also, do not open the oven door too early during baking to keep the rise steady and avoid sinking.
Can I use a different filling besides vanilla pudding?
Definitely! Pastry cream or custard are perfect alternatives, and you might even try a flavored pudding like chocolate or strawberry for a fun twist on the Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s both nostalgic and novel, this Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe is a total winner. It’s playful yet sophisticated, offering individual portions packed with creamy, chocolaty goodness. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to treat for celebrations or simply indulging a sweet tooth in style.
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Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes, featuring moist vanilla cupcakes filled with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache. A nostalgic dessert reinvented in convenient cupcake form, perfect for parties or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Filling
- 1 cup vanilla pudding or custard (ready-made)
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners for easy removal later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until all ingredients are combined to avoid overmixing which can make cupcakes tough.
- Bake Cupcakes: Evenly divide the batter among the cupcake liners. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a rack.
- Fill Cupcakes: Once cooled, carefully cut out a small circle from the center of each cupcake to create a cavity, then fill this space generously with the ready-made vanilla pudding or custard.
- Prepare Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream just until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let this sit for 5 minutes to melt the chocolate, then stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Top Cupcakes: Spoon the glossy chocolate ganache over each filled cupcake, allowing the ganache to drip down the sides enticingly. Let the ganache set before serving to ensure a neat finish.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer ganache flavor.
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before filling to prevent pudding from melting.
- Vanilla pudding can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Store cupcakes in the refrigerator since they contain dairy fillings and toppings.
- Allow ganache to set at room temperature if preferred, but refrigeration speeds up the process.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American