Next, I gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, making sure not to over-mix my batter. Then, I line my cupcake tin with those cute liners and pour the batter in, filling each about two-thirds full. They’ll puff up beautifully! I bake them for around 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, I love letting them cool completely on a wire rack while I start on the pastry cream and ganache.
For the pastry cream, you can opt for store-bought, which saves a ton of time, or you can make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re making it from scratch, simply heat up some milk, whisk it with egg yolks and sugar, and thicken it with cornstarch over low heat until it’s silky smooth. While that cools, I melt the chocolate chips with the heavy cream in a little saucepan until it’s a luscious ganache.
Once the cupcakes are cool, I use a piping bag to fill them up with that creamy pastry filling. It’s always so satisfying to see them plump up! Finally, I drizzle that rich ganache over the tops and, if I’m feeling fancy, throw on some chocolate shavings or sprinkles. Trust me, these little beauties are hard to resist!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve tested this recipe several ways, and here’s a tip: Let your butter come to room temperature before baking. It really makes a difference in getting that smooth, fluffy batter. Trust me on this one!
Also, I like to chill my ganache a bit before pouring it over the cupcakes. This helps it stay thick and glossy rather than becoming overly runny. It’s just a small step, but it makes a big difference in the final presentation!
Lastly, if you’re in a hurry, you can simplify the process by using boxed cake mix and premade pastry cream. I’ve tried it both ways, and while homemade is definitely more delicious, the box mix saves time without sacrificing too much on taste!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I see a lot is overmixing the batter, which can lead to dense cupcakes. I used to do this too! The key is to mix just until combined. It might feel a bit lumpy, but that’s perfect for keeping your cupcakes light and airy. (See the next page below to continue…)