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How to Make Irresistible Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cupcake Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with paper liners to make it easy to remove the cupcakes once they’re baked.
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Cupcake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the ¾ cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. Add the 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then mix in the 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two batches, alternating with the ¾ cup milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. The batter will be thick but smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the cupcake batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Pastry Cream
While the cupcakes are cooling, make the pastry cream. In a medium saucepan, heat the 1 ½ cups milk over medium heat until it just begins to steam (but not boil).
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 egg yolks, ⅓ cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot milk into the egg mixture to temper it. Once the egg mixture is warmed, slowly whisk it back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons butter. Allow the pastry cream to cool completely, covering it with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
For the chocolate ganache, place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the ½ cup heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to steam (again, it should not boil). Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth. If you want a shiny finish, add the 1 tablespoon butter and stir until fully incorporated. Set the ganache aside to cool slightly.
Step 6: Assemble the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove a small portion of the center of each cupcake, creating a well for the pastry cream.
Fill a piping bag with the cooled pastry cream and pipe it into the center of each cupcake. Be generous, but don’t overfill—just enough to fill the well is perfect.
Step 7: Drizzle with Ganache
Spoon or drizzle the warm chocolate ganache over the top of each cupcake, allowing it to drip down the sides for that signature Boston Cream look.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
Place the cupcakes in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set and the flavors to meld. After they’ve chilled, they’re ready to serve!
Tips for Perfect Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
- Let the Cupcakes Cool Completely: Be sure the cupcakes are fully cooled before filling them with pastry cream to prevent the filling from melting or becoming runny.
- Don’t Rush the Pastry Cream: The pastry cream should be thickened over medium heat, so be patient and whisk constantly to avoid lumps or burning.
- Customize the Ganache: For a different flavor twist, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate for the ganache, depending on your preference for sweetness.
- Storage: These cupcakes are best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making them, but you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the pastry cream and ganache fresh. Let them come to room temperature before serving if desired.
Conclusion: A Showstopper Dessert in Every Bite
These Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes offer all the indulgence of the classic dessert, but in a portable, bite-sized format that’s perfect for sharing—or savoring all by yourself! The combination of fluffy vanilla cake, creamy pastry filling, and decadent chocolate ganache is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking to treat yourself, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with anyone who takes a bite.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to make these showstopping cupcakes. They’re the perfect way to bring the classic flavors of Boston Cream Pie into a fun, new form.
Enjoy every rich, creamy, and chocolaty bite! 🍰🍫
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