If you love classic desserts with a rich history, Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are about to become your new favorite treat. Inspired by the iconic Boston Cream Pie—Massachusetts’ official state dessert—these cupcakes deliver everything people adore about the original: soft vanilla cake, silky pastry cream filling, and a glossy chocolate topping, all wrapped up in an easy-to-serve cupcake.
Popular across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are perfect for parties, holidays, bake sales, or anytime you want a bakery-style dessert made at home. They’re elegant yet approachable, nostalgic yet modern—and irresistibly delicious.
🍰 What Are Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes?
Despite the name, Boston Cream Pie is actually a cake, not a pie. These cupcakes are a fun, modern twist on the classic dessert.
Key Components
Vanilla cupcakes – light, fluffy, and tender
Creamy pastry cream filling – rich but not overly sweet
Chocolate ganache topping – smooth, glossy, and decadent
Together, they create a balanced dessert that feels indulgent without being heavy.
🌟 Why You’ll Love Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
Perfect individual portions
Easier to serve than a full cake
Classic flavors everyone recognizes
Ideal for make-ahead desserts
Elegant enough for special occasions
These cupcakes look impressive but are surprisingly simple to prepare.
🧁 Ingredients Overview
For the Vanilla Cupcakes
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter (room temperature)
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Milk
For the Pastry Cream Filling
Milk
Egg yolks
Sugar
Cornstarch
Vanilla extract
Butter
For the Chocolate Ganache
Semi-sweet chocolate
Heavy cream
💡 Tip: Using high-quality vanilla and chocolate makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
🥣 How to Make Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
🧁 Step 1: Bake the Vanilla Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
Add eggs and vanilla
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk
Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full
Bake 18–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean
Let cupcakes cool completely before filling.
🍮 Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Cream (H3)
Heat milk until just steaming
Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch
Slowly temper with hot milk
Cook until thickened
Stir in butter and vanilla
Chill until fully set
The pastry cream should be smooth, thick, and spoonable.
🧁 Step 3: Fill the Cupcakes
Use a small knife or cupcake corer
Remove the center of each cupcake
Pipe or spoon pastry cream inside
Replace a small piece of cake on top if desired
🍫 Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache
Heat cream until just simmering
Pour over chopped chocolate
Let sit 1–2 minutes
Stir until smooth and glossy
Spoon ganache over each cupcake, letting it drip naturally.
🍫 Chocolate Topping Variations
Dark chocolate ganache for a richer flavor
Milk chocolate ganache for a sweeter profile
Chocolate glaze for a thinner, classic bakery finish
🧠 Baking Tips for Perfect Results
Use room-temperature ingredients
Don’t overbake the cupcakes
Chill pastry cream completely before filling
Let ganache cool slightly before topping
Wipe cupcake tops clean for smooth ganache coverage
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Filling warm cupcakes (melts the cream)
Overfilling with pastry cream
Using runny ganache
Skipping cupcake liners (they help hold filling)
🫙 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator
Store filled cupcakes in an airtight container
Keeps well for up to 3 days
Make Ahead
Cupcakes: bake 1 day ahead
Pastry cream: prepare up to 2 days ahead
Assemble the day of serving for best texture
🎉 When to Serve Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
These cupcakes are perfect for:
Birthday parties
Bridal and baby showers
Holidays and celebrations
Afternoon tea
Dessert tables and bake sales
They’re universally loved and easy to transport.
🌍 A Classic Dessert with Modern Appeal
Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes combine old-fashioned flavor with modern convenience. They’re nostalgic enough to please traditional dessert lovers and stylish enough to impress contemporary bakers.
From North America to beyond, this dessert continues to stand the test of time.
Conclusion
Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are the perfect fusion of classic flavor and modern presentation. With soft vanilla cake, rich pastry cream, and silky chocolate ganache, every bite delivers pure dessert bliss.