Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

I love these Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes, and I've put some shortcuts in the recipe that I think you'll really like!

You start with vanilla cupcakes - it's up to you if they're from scratch, from a mix, or store-bought.  Then you just make a vanilla cream and a chocolate ganache before assembling.  Think those are complicated?  Not the way I make them!

Vanilla Cream

Start with a 3 ounce Cook and Serve vanilla pudding packet.  Cook it per the directions on the box, but use a cup of whole milk and a quarter cup of heavy whipping cream.  You could do it with all fat-free milk or all whole milk, but I like to kick the richness up a notch.

When done, place in a heat-proof bowl, and cover with plastic wrap, making sure to lay the plastic directly on top of the pudding.  (This is so a skin doesn't form as the pudding cools.)

Refrigerate until cool.

Chocolate Ganache

Place one and a half cups of chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl and set aside.

Warm 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream over medium heat, whisking frequently.  When it's bubbly around the outside, pour it over the chocolate chips and whisk until fully combined and glossy (may take a few minutes).  Set aside.

[Note: if you still see chunks in the ganache, don't worry - just place it in the microwave for 30 seconds and whisk again.]

Assembly

Cut off the top of the cupcake, like this:

Place some of the vanilla cream on top of the cupcake.  If the cream seems too thick to spread, just  add a small amount of milk, and whisk again.

Place the top of the cupcake back on, and gently spoon the warm ganache on top.  Make sure you go slowly, so it doesn't drip.

(Look at that glossy ganache!  I put a chocolate chip on there for fun.)

That's how you make my version of Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes...I think these lovely treats will knock your socks off!

When you bite into them, you get a scrumptious combination of vanilla cake, cool vanilla cream and rich, decadent chocolate ganache.  Mmmmmm.  You could also do this with mini cupcakes for a delicious bite-size treat!

Enjoy,
- Sugar Baby