These cupcakes combine soft vanilla cake, rich pastry cream filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. All the magic of Boston Cream Pie, but easier to serve and totally irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cupcakes
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup milk
For the Pastry Cream Filling
1 cup whole milk
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 egg yolks
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Make the Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
Add dry ingredients alternately with milk.
Fill liners about ⅔ full.
Bake 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely.
2. Prepare the Pastry Cream
Heat milk and half the sugar in a saucepan until just steaming.
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, remaining sugar, and cornstarch.
Slowly pour hot milk into yolks while whisking.
Return mixture to pan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick.
Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla.
Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and chill.
3. Make the Ganache
Heat cream until just beginning to simmer.
Pour over chocolate chips.
Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Cool slightly so it thickens but still pours.
4. Assemble the Cupcakes
Cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake.
Fill with chilled pastry cream.
Spoon or pour ganache over the top.
Let set before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cupcakes
🧁 Don’t overbake—dry cupcakes ruin the texture
🍫 Use good-quality chocolate for a shiny ganache
❄️ Chill filled cupcakes before topping for cleaner results
⏱ Make pastry cream a day ahead to save time
Storage
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor