For the Vanilla Cupcakes
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Pastry Cream Filling
2 cups whole milk
½ cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extractFor the Chocolate Ganache
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter (for shine)How to Make Boston Cream Cupcakes1. Bake the Vanilla Cupcakes
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin.Whisk together the dry ingredients.In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients until smooth.Combine wet and dry, stirring until just incorporated.Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full.Bake for 16–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.Cool completely before filling.2. Make the Pastry CreamHeat milk in a saucepan until steaming (not boiling).Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until creamy.Slowly pour the hot milk into the yolk mixture while whisking.Return the mixture to the pan and cook over medium heat until thickened.Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.Let cool, then refrigerate until set.3. Fill the Cupcakes
Use a cupcake corer, small knife, or piping tip to remove the centers of each cupcake (don’t cut all the way through).Pipe or spoon in the chilled pastry cream.Replace a tiny piece of the removed cake lid if desired.4. Top with Chocolate GanacheHeat the cream until hot (not boiling).Pour over chocolate and let sit 2–3 minutes.Whisk until smooth, then add butter.Dip the tops of the filled cupcakes into the warm ganache or spoon it over.Let the chocolate set before serving.
What Makes These Cupcakes Special
Bakery-worthy flavor: Silky cream, moist cake, rich chocolate.Stunning presentation: Ganache gives them a glossy, professional finish.Perfect texture balance: Soft cake + creamy center + smooth topping.
Make-ahead friendly: Pastry cream and cupcakes can be prepped ahead.These treats have all the charm of a classic Boston Cream Pie, but their individual size makes them even more fun.Tips for Perfect Boston Cream Cupcakes
Chill the pastry cream completely so it pipes neatly.Don’t overmix the cupcake batter—this keeps it soft and tender.Dip cupcakes into ganache while it’s warm for the prettiest “mirror” shine.Store in the refrigerator, but let them come to room temperature before eating for the best texture.Serving Ideas
Boston Cream Cupcakes are perfect for:Birthday parties
Afternoon tea or coffeeBaby showers or bridal showers
Holiday dessert traysSchool or office potlucksThey also make a beautiful gift when packed in a bakery box tied with ribbon.A Bite of Boston in Every Cupcake
With their luscious filling, soft crumb, and glossy chocolate topping, Boston Cream Cupcakes offer everything you love about the traditional dessert
—in a fun, easy-to-eat package. They’re elegant, impressive, and irresistibly delicious. One bite and you’ll understand why these cupcakes always disappear first from the dessert table!
