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- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Boston Cream Cupcakes
Step 1: Make the Cupcakes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Pastry Cream Filling
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and sugar over medium heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch together until smooth.
- Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and the cream is smooth.
- Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until ready to use.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and butter together over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the glaze is silky and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly before using.
Step 4: Assemble the Cupcakes
- Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a small knife or cupcake corer to make a hole in the center of each cupcake. Be sure not to cut all the way through the bottom.
- Fill a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the chilled pastry cream and pipe the cream into the center of each cupcake.
- Spoon or drizzle the chocolate glaze over the top of each filled cupcake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
Tips for Perfect Boston Cream Cupcakes
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before filling them with the pastry cream to prevent the cream from melting.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a spoon to fill the cupcakes with the cream, though piping gives a cleaner, more professional result.
- For a smooth chocolate glaze, make sure to stir the glaze gently and avoid overheating the chocolate.
- You can make the pastry cream ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before filling the cupcakes.
Serving Suggestions
These Boston Cream Cupcakes are perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Birthday Parties: Serve them as a sweet treat for guests of all ages.
- Afternoon Tea: Pair them with tea or coffee for a delightful dessert.
- Holiday Gatherings: Bring them to your next holiday meal for an elegant yet approachable dessert.
Conclusion
With their soft, fluffy cake, creamy filling, and rich chocolate topping, Boston Cream Cupcakes are a delicious twist on a classic dessert. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Light, flavorful, and decadent, they’re bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
So, grab your apron, and get baking—these cupcakes are as fun to make as they are to eat!
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