Boston cream cupcakes are the perfect marriage between soft vanilla sponge, silky pastry cream, and rich chocolate ganache all in a handheld dessert. In this article, you’ll learn not only how to make these indulgent cupcakes from scratch, but also how to fill them cleanly, store them safely, and understand the key ingredients that make Boston cream so special. Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned home cook looking for a nostalgic treat, this Boston cream cupcakes recipe will become a go-to in your dessert rotation. Let’s dig in!

The Story Behind My Boston Cream Cupcakes Recipe
Growing up in New Jersey, Boston cream pie was one of those desserts that showed up at every family party. My uncle Joe swore by the version from the corner bakery, and I remember sneaking slices when no one was watching. But cupcakes? That came later. I was in college, still juggling graphic design classes and my obsession with cooking. One night I tried turning that beloved cake into a cupcake, just because I didn’t feel like washing a cake pan. That little experiment became the first version of what would eventually turn into my go-to boston cream cupcakes recipe.
The first batch was a mess. The cream oozed everywhere. The chocolate seized. But something about it still felt right. The taste was there soft vanilla cake, sweet custard center, glossy chocolate topping. Over the years, I tweaked it again and again, until I landed on a version that’s easy, quick, and totally satisfying. No fancy pastry bags, no water baths for custard, just a straightforward boston cream cupcakes recipe that you can pull off on a weeknight.
If you’re someone who wants that classic Boston cream flavor but in cupcake form, you’re going to love this recipe. It’s a nod to tradition, but it doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. The vanilla base is light and fluffy, the cream is smooth without needing cornstarch overload, and the ganache sets perfectly every time. Plus, if you’ve got kids around, these cupcakes are easier to share than a pie that needs slicing.
You can find similar dessert ideas over at Fasty Recipes, especially in their desserts section where recipes like these get just the right spotlight.
Ready for the ingredients and insider tips? Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients and Techniques for Authentic Boston Cream Flavor
To make a proper boston cream cupcakes recipe, you need to nail two things the cream and the cake. That’s what gives these cupcakes their signature flavor and texture. I’ve tried dozens of variations, but this boston cream cupcakes recipe sticks to simple ingredients with big results.
Let’s start with the filling. The cream in a boston cream cupcakes recipe is made from egg yolks, milk, sugar, and a thickener like cornstarch or flour. It’s basically a classic pastry cream smooth, rich, and full of vanilla flavor. If you’ve ever wondered what’s in the middle of a Boston cream dessert, this is it. In this recipe, I make it on the stove in about 10 minutes. Once it chills, it becomes the perfect thick but spoonable filling for your boston cream cupcakes.
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Cottage Cheese Bagels – Almond Flour
These cottage cheese bagels with almond flour are soft, low-carb, high in protein, and perfect for a keto or gluten-free breakfast. Quick to prepare and full of flavor.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 bagels 1x
Ingredients
1 cup almond flour
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
1 large egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional toppings: everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, garlic flakes
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Stir in cottage cheese and egg until a dough forms.
4. Divide dough into 6 parts and shape each into a bagel.
5. Add optional toppings and place on baking sheet.
6. Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden and firm.
7. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use full-fat cottage cheese for best texture and moisture.
Store bagels in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Toast before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Now the base. The cupcake needs to be soft, tender, and sturdy enough to hold the filling. My boston cream cupcakes recipe uses all-purpose flour, baking powder, butter, eggs, and milk. It’s a classic vanilla cake base, light and fluffy but with enough structure to keep everything together. Room temperature ingredients are a must for smooth batter and even baking.
Another reason I love this boston cream cupcakes recipe? The flavors hit just right. The vanilla cake isn’t too sweet, which means the cream and chocolate ganache can really shine. You get layers of flavor in every bite.
This recipe gives you everything you want from a Boston cream dessert, just in cupcake form. If you’re craving more creamy, center-filled desserts, try browsing the sweet recipes on Fasty Recipes where you’ll find plenty of crowd-pleasers.
Next up, let’s talk about filling these cupcakes and getting that glossy chocolate topping just right.
Assembling Your Boston Cream Cupcakes Like a Pro
Now that you’ve baked the cupcakes and made the cream, it’s time to bring this boston cream cupcakes recipe to life. This is where the magic happens. Filling and topping your cupcakes is actually easier than it looks, and I’ll walk you through every step.

Let’s talk about how to put cream in the middle of a cupcake. There are a few ways to do it, but my go-to method for this boston cream cupcakes recipe is simple. First, let your cupcakes cool completely. Then take a small knife and cut out a little circle right from the top center of each cupcake, about an inch deep. Don’t toss those tops you’ll use them to cover the cream later.
Spoon or pipe the cream into the hole. You want it full but not overflowing. This boston cream cupcakes recipe makes enough cream to generously fill every cupcake. Once filled, place the cake top back on. It doesn’t have to be perfect because we’re covering it with ganache.
Now for that silky chocolate topping. A boston cream cupcakes recipe isn’t complete without ganache. Warm up some heavy cream until it’s steaming, then pour it over chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let it sit, then stir until smooth. Spoon a little over each cupcake and let it drip slightly over the sides. That’s the classic Boston cream look right there.
The contrast between the rich chocolate, smooth cream, and soft vanilla cake makes every bite worth it. This boston cream cupcakes recipe delivers on taste, texture, and wow factor every time. Don’t be surprised if they disappear fast.
Want more chocolate-dipped inspiration? Head over to the dessert collection on it’s full of easy and indulgent recipes just like this.
Ready for tips on how to store them and add your own twist? Let’s keep going.
Storage, Substitutions, and Creative Twists
So you’ve made the cupcakes, filled them with that dreamy cream, and topped them with glossy ganache. Now what? If you’re wondering how to store them or make this boston cream cupcakes recipe your own, I’ve got you covered.
Let’s get one thing out of the way. Yes, you should refrigerate boston cream cupcakes. The filling is dairy-based, and it needs to stay chilled. Once the cupcakes are filled and topped, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about three days, though honestly, they rarely last that long in my house. Before serving, let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes. That softens the ganache just enough without losing the structure.
Now here’s where this boston cream cupcakes recipe gets fun. There’s room to play. Want a flavor twist? Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the ganache. Or swap the vanilla extract in the pastry cream for almond or orange. One of my favorite spins on this boston cream cupcakes recipe is adding a raspberry jam layer under the cream. It gives just the right pop of tartness.
You can also go dairy-free if needed. Use plant-based milk and a vegan butter alternative. The ganache works great with coconut cream and dark chocolate. It changes the flavor slightly but still keeps the spirit of the recipe alive.
This boston cream cupcakes recipe is a classic for a reason, but it’s also a blank canvas. Don’t be afraid to get creative with it. As long as you stick to the main structure sponge, cream, and ganache you’re golden.
Looking for more spins on bakery-style desserts? Check out the other sweet classics at Fasty Recipes. There’s a whole world of flavor combinations waiting for you.
Now, let’s wrap things up with answers to the most common questions people have about this recipe.
Conclusion
This boston cream cupcakes recipe brings together the best parts of a bakery favorite in a fun, bite-sized form. You get soft vanilla cake, silky homemade cream, and rich chocolate ganache in every single bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but fancy enough to impress guests.
Whether you’re baking for a party or just need a sweet fix, this boston cream cupcakes recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, nostalgic, and downright delicious. And the best part? You made it all from scratch with no stress.
Hungry for more recipes like this? Dive into the desserts section at Fasty Recipes and find your next baking obsession.

Frequently Asked Questions about Boston Cream Cupcakes
What is Boston cream filling made of?
The filling in a classic boston cream cupcakes recipe is a rich pastry cream. It’s made with egg yolks, sugar, whole milk, and a thickener like cornstarch or flour. Vanilla adds that signature flavor. It’s cooked slowly on the stove until thick and silky, then cooled before using. This boston cream cupcakes recipe keeps it simple but delivers big on taste.
Should you refrigerate Boston cream cupcakes?
Yes, always refrigerate them. Since the boston cream cupcakes recipe uses a custard-style filling, it needs to stay chilled. Store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for two to three days. Bring them to room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften the texture just right.
How to put cream in the middle of a cupcake?
The best way to fill cupcakes in this boston cream cupcakes recipe is by cutting a small hole out of the center after baking and cooling. You can use a knife or the back of a piping tip. Spoon or pipe the cream inside, then replace the cut-out top. It’s quick, clean, and holds plenty of filling.
What is in the middle of a Boston cream?
At the heart of every Boston cream dessert, whether it’s a cake or a cupcake, is that creamy vanilla filling. This boston cream cupcakes recipe stays true to tradition. The center is filled with homemade pastry cream that’s smooth, rich, and just sweet enough to balance the soft sponge and the dark chocolate topping.