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Boston Cream Cupcakes

Featured in Indulgent Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth.

Enjoy your favorite Boston cream pie in cupcake form! Each little dessert features light vanilla cake, creamy custard filling, and a shiny chocolate layer on top—an elegant take on a crowd-pleaser.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:53:44 GMT
Close-up of golden cupcakes with shiny chocolate tops served on a soft blue platter. Pin it
Close-up of golden cupcakes with shiny chocolate tops served on a soft blue platter. | chefmelt.com

Want a knockout vanilla cupcakes with cream filling that'll wow everyone? These handy little treats mix up soft cake, velvety custard filling, and a decadent chocolate topping. My kids constantly ask for these delightful goodies, and I'm betting yours will too!

What Makes These Treats Extra Special

My simple cream-filled vanilla cupcakes pack all the yummy flavors of the traditional dessert into bite-sized portions. These handcrafted treats always get folks talking at gatherings and guess what? They're way easier to whip up than they look! The mix of fluffy cake, silky filling, and shiny chocolate makes these delightful bites totally addictive.

Your Shopping List

  • For Soft Cake: Good-quality butter, granulated sugar and pure vanilla extract create incredibly airy treats.
  • Silky Filling: The magic behind these handmade treats is the smooth custard that's thickened just enough.
  • Dark Topping: Luscious melted chocolate with a hint of corn syrup gives these treats that fancy bakery look.
  • Real Vanilla: Brings wonderful taste to both the cake and filling.
  • Sugar and Butter: The duo that ensures feathery, soft cakes.
  • Gloss Trick: A tiny bit of corn syrup helps the chocolate stay shiny.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Tackle The Filling First
This is what makes these treats stand out! Mix egg yolks, sugar and cornstarch together, pour in warm milk gradually, then cook until it thickens up nicely.
Whip Up The Cake Base
For the tastiest results, beat your butter and sugar till fluffy, drop in eggs, then switch between adding dry stuff and milk.
Get The Chocolate Ready
Warm up some cream, dump it over chocolate chunks, stir in corn syrup for that amazing glossy finish.
Assemble Everything
Cut holes in each cake, stuff with custard, top with swirled chocolate - they'll need some fridge time before you dig in.

Tricks For Amazing Results

Want fantastic treats every single time? Really whip that butter and sugar - it'll take around 5 minutes. When adding custard to your cupcakes, grab a piping bag for tidy centers. Let your melted chocolate cool down till it's just right for making those gorgeous swirls on top.

Great For Every Occasion

These tasty treats fit right in anywhere, from backyard barbecues to fancy dinner parties. The classy look always gets people talking, and everyone falls for that classic flavor combo of vanilla, custard and chocolate.

A close-up of a partially eaten vanilla cupcake topped with rich chocolate frosting, with other cupcakes slightly blurred in the background. Pin it
A close-up of a partially eaten vanilla cupcake topped with rich chocolate frosting, with other cupcakes slightly blurred in the background. | chefmelt.com

My Baking Journey To Sweet Success

Getting these treats just right took me a while, but now I can share this can't-miss recipe with you. These simple cupcakes show that sticking with it pays off, and once you try making them, you'll understand why they're worth every minute you spend getting them just right.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these cupcakes in advance?

Absolutely! You can store them in the fridge for 3-4 days. Let them warm up to room temperature before serving so the flavors shine.

→ What's the role of corn syrup in the ganache?

Corn syrup keeps the chocolate topping extra smooth and gives it a beautiful, glossy finish.

→ Can I freeze these treats?

Freezing isn’t recommended as the custard texture might change. Freshly made is always better for this recipe.

→ Why is it necessary to temper the eggs for the cream filling?

Slowly adding the hot milk to the eggs stops them from scrambling, which ensures your cream turns out smooth and silky.

→ Do I have to use the same piping tip for decoration?

Not at all! You can use Wilton 2D or 1M tips to create designs on top—they both work great!

Boston Cream Cupcakes

Turn classic Boston cream pie into adorable cupcakes! Soft vanilla cake, luscious cream filling, and glossy chocolate ganache in every bite.

Prep Time
35 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Dessert Recipes

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 Cupcakes: 6 large spoonfuls (tbsp) of softened unsalted butter.
02 Three-quarters of a cup of granulated sugar.
03 6 generous spoonfuls (tbsp) of crème fraîche.
04 2 splashes (tsp) of pure vanilla essence.
05 3 medium egg whites from eggs separated earlier.
06 1 1/4 cups of regular flour for baking.
07 2 tiny spoons (tsp) of baking powder.
08 1/4 of a small spoonful (tsp) of fine table salt.
09 6 big spoonfuls of milk.
10 2 big spoonfuls of water.
11 Pastry Cream: 2 egg yolks from separated eggs.
12 6 big spoonfuls of granulated sugar.
13 1 1/2 big spoonfuls of cornstarch.
14 1 full cup plus 2 extra big spoonfuls of milk.
15 1 medium spoonful (tbsp) of salted butter.
16 1 splash (tsp) of vanilla essence.
17 Chocolate Ganache: 340g of dark chocolate pieces or chips.
18 2 spoonfuls of golden syrup (or similar).
19 195ml of heavy cream plus a bit more (2 tbsp).

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 175°C to warm up, and line your cupcake baking tray with paper cases.

Step 02

Mix up the butter and sugar really well, around 3-4 mins, until the mix looks pale and airy.

Step 03

Add in the crème fraîche and vanilla, then gently mix egg whites in two portions.

Step 04

Mix dry ingredients in one bowl while combining milk and water in another.

Step 05

Take turns adding the dry mix and the milk-water mix into the batter, making sure it all blends nicely.

Step 06

Spoon the batter into the cases halfway and bake for 15-17 minutes until slightly firm to the touch or using the toothpick trick.

Step 07

To make pastry cream, whisk your egg yolks while separately heating up the sugar, cornstarch, and milk.

Step 08

Slowly pour some of the hot milk mixture into the eggs to adjust temperature, then bring it all together and cook until it thickens properly.

Step 09

For the ganache, pour warm cream on top of chocolate pieces and golden syrup, let it sit briefly, then mix until smooth.

Step 10

Once everything has cooled down, remove the centers of cupcakes and gently fill with pastry cream.

Step 11

Use a piping bag to swirl chocolate ganache on top of the cupcakes, starting from the middle going outward.

Step 12

Pop them in the fridge, then serve slightly warm or close to room temperature for their best flavor.

Notes

  1. Tastes best at room temp.
  2. Can last about 3-4 days in the fridge.
  3. A treat that looks as good as it tastes for dessert time.
  4. Bring a bakery-style vibe right into your kitchen.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cupcake baking tin.
  • Hand or stand mixer.
  • Pastry bags for piping.
  • A tool or knife to core cupcakes.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, cream, crème fraîche).
  • Eggs involved throughout.
  • Made with wheat-based flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 364
  • Total Fat: 18.8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 46.2 g
  • Protein: 5.6 g