Daddy’s Boston Cream Cupcakes Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is impressive to serve, you’re in for a treat with Daddy’s Boston Cream Cupcakes. Just imagine this: delicate yellow cupcakes, filled with silky vanilla pudding, and crowned with a luscious chocolate ganache. These handheld creations channel everything you love about the classic Boston cream pie but in a party-perfect portion. Whether you’re making them for a birthday, family get-together, or just because, one bite of these beauties will turn any gathering into a celebration!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the showstopping look—Daddy’s Boston Cream Cupcakes are all about straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a special role, bringing signature flavor and texture that pulls the whole dessert together. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Yellow Cake Mix: The classic foundation that bakes up tender and golden, providing the perfect base for all the delicious fillings.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: For the creamy, nostalgic filling that gives Boston Cream its legendary status.
- Cold Milk: Essential for thickening the pudding to just the right texture—smooth and scoopable!
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness and helps melt the chocolate chips into cloud-like ganache for the crowning glory.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Deliver that glossy, bittersweet finish that balances the sweetness of the cupcake and pudding.
- Light Corn Syrup: Brings extra shine and a silky texture to your ganache, ensuring it sets beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: A hint of warmth and aroma to elevate both the pudding and the topping.
- Pinch of Salt: Just enough to sharpen flavors and make every bite pop!
How to Make Daddy’s Boston Cream Cupcakes
Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners (choose a fun pattern if you’re feeling festive!). Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the box instructions, making sure the batter is smooth and lump-free. Divide the batter evenly among the liners (about 2/3 full each) for consistent results. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes—your kitchen will smell incredible. Test with a toothpick to ensure they’re done; a clean pull means perfection. Set the cupcakes on a wire rack to cool completely—patience is key here to keep your filling from melting!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
While the cupcakes cool, it’s time to whip up the signature vanilla pudding filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk for about 2 minutes, until it’s thick, creamy, and spoonable. Let this chill in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes; it will firm up just enough to neatly fill your cupcakes without oozing out.
Step 3: Fill the Cupcakes
Once your cupcakes are cool, carefully make a hole in the middle of each one using a small sharp knife or an apple corer—about halfway down is perfect. Don’t go all the way! Gently spoon or pipe the chilled pudding into the centers. Don’t skip tasting the filling at this stage; it’s heavenly.
Step 4: Make the Silky Ganache Topping
The ganache is what takes Daddy’s Boston Cream Cupcakes to showstopper status. Heat the heavy cream, corn syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium heat until the mixture is just at a simmer. Don’t let it boil! Remove from the heat, add your chocolate chips, and let them sit for a minute to soften. Stir until you’ve got a smooth, shiny ganache—that’s pure cupcake magic.
Step 5: Assemble and Set
Spoon the ganache generously over each filled cupcake, letting it gently drip down the sides for that classic Boston cream look. Transfer the cupcakes to the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes so the chocolate topping can set. When you finally take a bite, you’ll know the wait was worth it!
How to Serve Daddy’s Boston Cream Cupcakes
Garnishes
Sprinkle the tops with chocolate curls or shavings for an extra-luxe look, or add a dusting of powdered sugar if you want a playful touch. A few gold sprinkles can add a celebratory vibe, especially for birthdays—just have fun and make them your own!
Side Dishes
Daddy’s Boston Cream Cupcakes are the stars of any dessert table, but they play well alongside fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a bowl of lightly sweetened whipped cream for those who love a little extra indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving each cupcake on a mini dessert plate with a drizzle of extra ganache, or display them on a tiered cake stand to wow your guests. For parties, place each cupcake in a colorful wrapper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that’s guaranteed to be devoured!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to hold back from eating them all at once, rest assured that Daddy’s Boston Cream Cupcakes store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The texture stays tender, and the chilled ganache is just as decadent.
Freezing
Want to get ahead for a future celebration? Freeze the cooled, unfilled cupcakes in a zip-top bag for up to a month. Wait to fill and top with ganache until you’re ready to serve for the very best texture and flavor—your future self will thank you!
Reheating
Since these are best served at room temperature, just set your chilled cupcakes out for about 30 minutes before serving. This simple step brings back the full, luscious flavor and keeps the filling perfectly creamy. No need for a microwave or oven—just a little patience!
FAQs
Can I make Daddy’s Boston Cream Cupcakes a day ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare them the night before and store covered in the refrigerator. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the softest cake and creamiest filling.
What if I don’t have an apple corer?
No problem! Simply use a sharp paring knife to cut a small cone-shaped piece out of the cupcake—go halfway down so there’s plenty of room for the pudding and a sturdy base for the cupcake.
Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?
Of course! If you have time and love baking from scratch, go for your favorite yellow or vanilla cake recipe. The beauty of Daddy’s Boston Cream Cupcakes is their versatility—homemade or from-the-box, they’re always a hit.
What’s the secret to a glossy ganache?
Don’t skip the corn syrup! It helps the chocolate ganache set with a shiny, beautiful finish. Stir gently until everything is fully melted and smooth, and you’ll have bakery-quality results every time.
Can I use a different pudding flavor?
Definitely. While vanilla is classic for Daddy’s Boston Cream Cupcakes, you could try chocolate, coconut, or even butterscotch pudding for a fun twist. Just make sure to use instant pudding for a thick, pipeable consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about making Daddy’s Boston Cream Cupcakes—they’re a true delight, both to whip up and to share. The combination of fluffy cake, creamy filling, and shiny chocolate glaze is irresistible every time. I hope you give this recipe a spin soon, and that it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Happy baking!
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Daddy’s Boston Cream Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Daddy’s Boston Cream Cupcakes that are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. Moist yellow cupcakes filled with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with a rich chocolate ganache, these treats are perfect for any sweet occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Filling:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package directions.
- Bake: Divide the batter among the liners and bake for 18–22 minutes. Let cool.
- Make Filling: Whisk pudding mix and milk until thickened. Refrigerate.
- Fill Cupcakes: Core cupcakes and fill with pudding mixture.
- Prepare Ganache: Heat cream, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt. Add chocolate chips and stir until smooth.
- Top Cupcakes: Spoon ganache over cupcakes. Chill before serving.
Notes
- Cupcakes can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
