Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

#### **Step 2: Make the Vanilla Custard Filling**

1. **Heat the milk**: In a medium saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scorching.

2. **Whisk the egg yolks and sugar**: While the milk is heating, whisk the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch together in a separate bowl until smooth and pale.

3. **Temper the egg mixture**: Once the milk is simmering, slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This step is called tempering and helps prevent the eggs from curdling. Gradually whisk in the rest of the milk.

4. **Cook the custard**: Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This will take about 5-7 minutes.

5. **Finish the custard**: Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the butter is melted and the custard is smooth.

6. **Cool the custard**: Pour the custard into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Let the custard cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it until chilled (about 2 hours).

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#### **Step 3: Make the Chocolate Glaze**

1. **Melt the chocolate**: In a heatproof bowl, place the semisweet or bittersweet chocolate. In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to melt the chocolate.

2. **Mix the glaze**: After the chocolate has melted, stir the mixture until smooth. Add the butter and corn syrup (if using) and stir until the glaze is glossy and smooth. Let it cool slightly before using.

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#### **Step 4: Assemble the Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes**

1. **Core the cupcakes**: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a small knife or cupcake corer to remove the center of each cupcake, creating a small well in the middle.

2. **Fill with custard**: Spoon or pipe the chilled vanilla custard into the center of each cupcake, filling it generously.

3. **Top with chocolate glaze**: Spoon or drizzle the slightly cooled chocolate glaze over the top of each filled cupcake. Let the glaze drip down the sides for an extra indulgent touch.

4. **Chill and serve**: Allow the cupcakes to sit at room temperature for a few minutes so the glaze can set. If you prefer, you can place them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to help the glaze firm up. Once the glaze has set, your Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are ready to serve!

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### **Tips for Perfect Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes**

– **Use a cupcake corer**: If you have a cupcake corer, use it to create an even well in each cupcake. This will make filling the cupcakes much easier and more uniform.

– **Make the custard ahead**: You can make the vanilla custard ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to assemble the cupcakes.

– **Check the consistency of the custard**: The custard should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped into the cupcakes. If it’s too thin, cook it for a bit longer; if it’s too thick, you can whisk in a little extra milk to adjust the consistency.

– **Use high-quality chocolate**: The chocolate glaze is one of the defining features of this dessert, so use the best quality chocolate you can find for the most decadent result.

– **Store the cupcakes properly**: These cupcakes are best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making them. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the custard and glaze fresh.

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### **Conclusion**

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes are a fun and delicious twist on the classic dessert. With their light and fluffy cake, creamy custard filling, and rich chocolate glaze, they capture all the elements that make Boston Cream Pie a favorite dessert, but in a portable and easy-to-eat form. Perfect for parties, special occasions, or an everyday treat, these cupcakes are sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth.

So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will help you create a memorable dessert that’s both nostalgic and modern. Happy baking, and enjoy your Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes!