Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

this RECIPE

These Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes take everything you love about the classic Boston Cream Pie and transform it into delicious, handheld treats. Fluffy vanilla cupcakes are filled with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with a rich chocolate ganache—perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or when you just want a bite-sized indulgence!

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes combine light, fluffy cake, smooth vanilla custard filling, and decadent chocolate ganache. They’re easy to make using a cake mix shortcut, but taste like they came from a bakery!

These cupcakes are kid-friendly, party-ready, and guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (or your favorite vanilla cupcake recipe)
• Ingredients as per the box instructions (typically eggs, oil, and water)

the Vanilla Pudding Filling:

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 ½ cups cold milk

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cupcakes

• Preheat the oven as directed on the cake mix box.
• Prepare the cupcake batter following the instructions on the box.
• Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and fill each about 2/3 full with batter.
• Bake as directed on the package, then let cool completely before filling.

2️⃣ Make the Vanilla Pudding Filling

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk.
• Stir until smooth and thickened (about 2-3 minutes).
• Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes while the cupcakes cool.

3️⃣ Fill the Cupcakes

• Use a small knife, cupcake corer, or the end of a piping tip to remove a small portion from the center of each cupcake.
• Fill each cupcake cavity with a spoonful of pudding, or use a piping bag for a neater look.

4️⃣ Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

• In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (do not boil!).
• Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
• Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

5️⃣ Assemble the Cupcakes

• Spoon or drizzle the warm ganache over each filled cupcake.
• Allow the ganache to set slightly before serving (or refrigerate for faster setting).

Enjoy these rich, creamy, and decadent Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes! ????????✨

Notes

• Want Extra Creamy Filling? Use homemade pastry cream instead of instant pudding.
• Ganache Too Thick? Add 1 tablespoon warm milk to loosen the consistency.
• Need a Shortcut? Use store-bought vanilla pudding for quick assembly.
• Want More Chocolate? Double the ganache and dip the cupcake tops directly into it for a smooth, glossy finish.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking & Filling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Equipment Needed

• Muffin tin & cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls & whisk
• Piping bag or spoon (for filling)
• Small saucepan (for ganache)

Nutrition (Per Cupcake, Approx.)

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Protein: ~3g
• Fat: ~13g
• Sugar: ~25g

Helpful Tips for the Best Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

1️⃣ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures the cupcakes bake evenly and have a light, fluffy texture.

2️⃣ Let Cupcakes Cool Completely Before Filling – If the cupcakes are even slightly warm, the pudding will melt and become runny.

3️⃣ Chill the Pudding for a Firmer Texture – Refrigerating for 10-15 minutes before filling helps it thicken and set.

4️⃣ Use a Piping Bag for Easy Filling – A small piping tip or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off makes filling quick and mess-free.

5️⃣ Don’t Overfill the Cupcakes – Filling them too much can cause the pudding to spill out when adding the ganache.

6️⃣ Let Ganache Cool Slightly Before Topping – If it’s too hot, it may run off the cupcakes instead of setting nicely.

7️⃣ For a Bakery-Style Ganache Finish – Dip the tops of the cupcakes directly into the ganache for a smooth, glossy look.

8️⃣ Make-Ahead Friendly – These cupcakes store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them great for parties!

9️⃣ Customize the Filling – Try chocolate pudding, pastry cream, or flavored custard for a fun twist!

???? Add Extra Flair! – Garnish with a chocolate drizzle, gold sprinkles, or a dusting of cocoa powder for a fancy finish.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration (Up to 3 Days)

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Freezing (Up to 2 Months)

• Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container.
• Thaw and add filling + ganache fresh before serving.

Avoid freezing fully assembled cupcakes—pudding and ganache won’t hold up well.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use Chocolate Cake Instead – Make double chocolate Boston Cream Cupcakes!
• Dairy-Free Version – Use almond milk for pudding & coconut cream for ganache.
• Make It a Sheet Cake – Turn this into a Boston Cream Poke Cake by baking in a 9×13 pan and adding pudding and ganache on top!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, and add ganache just before serving for best results.

How do I get a clean, professional-looking ganache topping?

Let the ganache cool slightly, then dip the cupcake tops directly into the ganache for a smooth, bakery-style look.

Can I use homemade pastry cream instead of instant pudding?

Absolutely! If you have time, classic pastry cream makes an even richer, more authentic Boston Cream filling.

Conclusion

These Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are a fun and easy twist on the classic dessert! With fluffy vanilla cake, luscious pudding filling, and silky chocolate ganache, they’re a perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion.

???? Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! For more fun cupcake recipes, check out Chocolate Mousse Cupcakes or Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes.

Enjoy! ????????✨

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