Experience the perfect blend of fluffy vanilla cupcakes, silky custard filling, and rich chocolate ganache with this easy-to-follow recipe. These single-serving delights bring the classic Boston Cream Pie to your table with a modern twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- No more sunken cupcakes: Room temperature ingredients ensure smooth batter and even baking.
- Make ahead-friendly: Prepare the custard and cupcakes in advance for convenience.
- Bakery-style results: Learn the secrets to silky custard and glossy ganache.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours
Ingredients
Vanilla Cupcakes:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
Custard Filling:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
Chocolate Ganache:
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (⅔ cup chips)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Workspace:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Allow eggs, butter, and milk to reach room temperature (about 30 minutes).
2. Make the Vanilla Cupcakes:
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
- Cream butter until light and fluffy using a stand or hand mixer.
- Gradually add sugar and beat until pale and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk in thirds, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly among liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, testing for doneness with a toothpick. Cool completely on a rack.
3. Prepare the Custard Filling:
- Heat milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat until bubbles form along the edges.
- Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth and pale.
- Gradually whisk ¼ cup hot milk into the yolk mixture to temper it.
- Combine tempered yolk mixture with remaining milk in the saucepan, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter. Strain into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- Chop chocolate and place it in a heat-safe bowl.
- Heat cream until bubbles form along the edges. Pour over chocolate and let sit for 1 minute.
- Stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly before use.
5. Assemble the Cupcakes:
- Use a knife or cupcake corer to remove a small section from the center of each cupcake.
- Fill the cavity with chilled custard.
- Spoon ganache over the top and spread to the edges with a spatula.
6. Final Touches:
- Smooth ganache for a professional look.
- Optional: Garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set the ganache.
Cooking Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for fluffier cupcakes.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent dense cupcakes.
- Let custard cool completely before filling cupcakes to avoid sogginess.
- Allow ganache to cool slightly before applying for the perfect consistency.
Storage:
Store finished cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.