Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes: A Bite-Sized Twist on a Classic Dessert
Looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to make but feels bakery-worthy? These Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes take everything you love about the classic Boston Cream Pie—vanilla cake, creamy custard filling, and rich chocolate ganache—and shrink it down into the perfect handheld treat.
Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday gathering, or just because you deserve something sweet, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Why You’ll Love These Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
✨ Elegant yet simple: Uses box cake mix with an easy upgrade
💛 Creamy vanilla filling that adds a delicious surprise center
🍫 Glossy chocolate ganache topping for a bakery-style finish
🕒 Ready in under 45 minutes
🧁 Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or potlucks
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Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cupcakes:
1 box yellow cake mix (or your favorite homemade vanilla cupcake recipe)
Ingredients as listed on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
For the Creamy Filling:
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1½ cups cold milk
For the Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
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How to Make Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
🧁 Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes
1. Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions.
2. Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
3. Prepare the cake batter as instructed on the box.
4. Fill each liner about ⅔ full and bake as directed.
5. Let the cupcakes cool completely before filling.
🍮 Step 2: Make the Vanilla Pudding Filling
1. In a medium bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk.
2. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
🔪 Step 3: Fill the Cupcakes
1. Use a paring knife to cut a small hole in the center of each cupcake (about 1 inch deep).
2. Spoon or pipe in the vanilla pudding until the hole is full.
3. Discard the removed cake center or press it back on top as a plug.
🍫 Step 4: Make the Ganache
1. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl.
3. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
🍥 Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes
1. Spoon the ganache over the top of each cupcake.
2. Let it drip slightly over the edges for that signature look.
3. Allow to set at room temperature or chill briefly before serving.
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Baking Tips for Perfect Results
Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense ganache flavor.
Want a firmer texture? Chill the cupcakes before serving.
Prefer a softer bite? Store them at room temperature.
To impress guests, pipe the filling with a piping bag for clean, professional-looking results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! These cupcakes can be made a day ahead. Store them in the fridge and let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
❓ What’s the difference between Boston Cream Pie and these cupcakes?
Traditional Boston Cream Pie is actually a cake—not a pie—with layers of sponge cake, pastry cream, and chocolate topping. These cupcakes offer all that flavor in a fun, portable version!
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Nutritional Info (Per Cupcake)
Calories: ~290 kcal
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
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Final Bite
These Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are the ultimate dessert mash-up: the elegance of a classic cake with the fun and ease of cupcakes. Perfectly sweet, satisfyingly creamy, and decadently topped—every bite is a delicious surprise.
Pin this recipe, share it with friends, or bake a batch today—you won’t regret it!
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