Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes 🧁🍫

These Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are a delightful combination of fluffy vanilla cupcakes, rich custard filling, and decadent chocolate ganache. A handheld twist on the classic Boston Cream Pie, these cupcakes are perfect for any occasion!

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📋 Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

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

For the Custard Filling:

• 1 cup whole milk
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Chocolate Ganache:

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

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🧑‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the batter: Follow the instructions on the cake mix box (or use your favorite homemade vanilla cupcake batter).
3. Fill and bake: Fill each cupcake liner 2/3 full and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool completely: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 2: Make the Custard Filling

1. Heat the milk: In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
2. Mix sugar and cornstarch: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.
3. Temper the eggs: Slowly pour half of the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
4. Cook the custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens (about 3-5 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon.
5. Add vanilla and butter: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
6. Chill: Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until completely cool.

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Step 3: Fill the Cupcakes

1. Cut a hole in each cupcake: Use a knife, cupcake corer, or the back of a piping tip to remove a small section from the center of each cupcake.
2. Fill with custard: Spoon or pipe about 1 tablespoon of custard into each cupcake.
3. Replace the tops: Place the cut-out piece of cake back on top to cover the filling (optional).

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Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the cream: In a small saucepan or microwave, heat the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer (do not boil).
2. Add chocolate chips: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
3. Cool slightly: Let the ganache sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before topping the cupcakes.

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Step 5: Assemble the Cupcakes

1. Top with ganache: Spoon or dip each cupcake into the chocolate ganache, letting it drip down the sides.
2. Set the ganache: Let the cupcakes sit for 15-20 minutes so the ganache can set before serving.

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🎂 Serving & Storage Tips

• Best served fresh: These cupcakes taste best the same day but can be stored in the refrigerator.
• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
• Freeze (without ganache): You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes and custard separately for up to 2 months. Thaw and assemble when ready to serve.

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🌟 Tips for Perfect Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

✅ Use room temperature ingredients for smooth batter and even baking.
✅ Chill the custard thoroughly before filling the cupcakes to prevent it from becoming runny.
✅ Let the ganache cool slightly before topping the cupcakes to avoid it running off completely.
✅ For extra decadence, top with a drizzle of white chocolate or sprinkle with chocolate shavings.

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💡 Variations

🍓 Strawberry Boston Cream Cupcakes – Add a layer of strawberry jam before the custard filling.
🍫 Dark Chocolate Version – Use dark chocolate ganache instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste.
☕ Mocha Twist – Add ½ teaspoon espresso powder to the ganache for a coffee kick.

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Final Thoughts

These Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are a decadent yet easy-to-make treat that brings together soft cake, luscious custard, and silky chocolate ganache. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because!

Would you like metric measurements or any modifications to the recipe? 😊