If you’re craving a dessert that combines the delightful elements of a classic Boston cream pie in a fun, portable format, look no further than these easy Boston cream cupcakes. Bursting with creamy vanilla pastry filling and topped with luscious chocolate ganache.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Cream together 6 tbsp of softened butter and 3/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Sour Cream and Vanilla
Mix in 6 tbsp of sour cream and 2 tsp of vanilla extract for extra flavor and moisture.
Incorporate Egg Whites
Gradually add 3 egg whites, mixing well after each addition.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk 1 1/4 cups of flour, 2 tsp of baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt in a separate bowl.
Mix Milk and Water
Combine 6 tbsp of milk and 2 tbsp of water at room temperature.
Combine Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk-water mixture into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling them halfway. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cool Completely
Be sure to let the cupcakes cool all the way before filling them to prevent the pastry cream from melting.
Make Pastry Cream
In a saucepan, combine 2 egg yolks, 6 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Gradually whisk in 1 cup + 2 tablespoons of milk and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Once thickened, remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla extract, and set aside to cool.
Prepare Ganache
In a saucepan, bring 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to a boil. Pour the hot cream over 12 oz of chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of corn syrup, then stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly before using.
Assemble Cupcakes
Using a cupcake corer or a knife, carefully remove the center of each cooled cupcake. Fill each cavity with the prepared pastry cream, then either dip or drizzle the ganache over the tops of the cupcakes.
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Notes
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature ingredients mix better, leading to a smoother batter and a more uniform texture.
Don’t Overmix: Gently fold ingredients together to keep your cupcakes light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test if your cupcakes are done.
Cool Fillings: Make sure both the pastry cream and ganache are cool before filling and topping the cupcakes to maintain their structure.