Easy & Playful Homemade Hostess Cupcakes Recipe to Charm All

Sweet nostalgia meets modern baking with these incredible homemade hostess cupcakes that spark childhood memories.

Soft chocolate cake cradles a dreamy marshmallow filling waiting to surprise you.

Childhood treats never looked so good when crafted from scratch.

Delicate swirls of white icing dance across rich chocolate surfaces.

Professional bakery techniques merge with home kitchen magic in this delightful recipe.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between tender cake and creamy center.

Storage Tips For Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

• Store filled cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover carefully to prevent the ganache from sticking to the container's lid.
• Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep unfilled cupcakes at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days. Add cream filling and ganache just before serving for best texture.
• Warm refrigerated cupcakes briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Allow to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to restore optimal texture and flavor before enjoying.

FAQs About Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

• Can I make these cupcakes without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a whisk. Just ensure ingredients are well combined and beat thoroughly.

• Is the boiling water really necessary?

Absolutely! The boiling water helps create a moist, tender chocolate cake by activating the cocoa and helping develop a rich flavor.

• How do I know if I've filled the cupcakes with enough cream?

When you gently squeeze the piping bag, the cupcake should slightly expand. If cream starts to peek out, you’ve added the perfect amount of filling.

• Can I use different types of chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, you can use milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your preference. Just keep the chocolate-to-cream ratio consistent for the best texture.

Homemade Hostess Cupcakes That Shine

• Craft Nostalgic Treats: Recreate the beloved Hostess Cupcakes at home, bringing back childhood memories with every delightful bite.
• Master Bakery-Style Perfection: Achieve professional-looking cupcakes with a simple technique of filling and topping that impresses everyone.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these decadent cupcakes in under an hour, making them ideal for spontaneous gatherings or sweet cravings.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the recipe by adjusting cream filling or experimenting with different chocolate ganache variations to suit your taste.

Ingredients For Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: The base foundation for the cupcake's structure and texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cupcakes.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cupcake texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure to the cupcakes.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Boiling Water: Helps create a thin, smooth batter and intensifies the chocolate taste.

• Butter, Powdered Sugar: Create a smooth and creamy filling base.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and lightness to the cream filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides additional flavor to the cream filling.
• Chocolate Chips: The key ingredient for creating a glossy chocolate ganache topping.

How To Make Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F. Grab a muffin tin and line it with cupcake liners. This ensures your cupcakes won’t stick and look picture-perfect.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and lump-free.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Whip everything together on medium speed for two full minutes. The batter should look smooth and silky.

Step 4: Create Liquid Batter

Splash in boiling water and stir until the mixture becomes thin and glossy. Don’t worry if it looks runny – that’s exactly what you want!

Step 5: Fill Cupcake Liners

Carefully pour batter into each liner, filling about two-thirds full. This gives your cupcakes room to rise beautifully.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cupcakes

Let cupcakes rest in the pan for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before filling.

Step 8: Whip Cream Filling

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream

Whip until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Transfer to a piping bag with a round tip.

Step 9: Fill Cupcake Centers

Gently insert the piping tip into each cupcake’s center and squeeze softly to fill with creamy goodness.

Step 10: Create Chocolate Ganache

Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, heat cream and butter until simmering. Pour hot mixture over chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes.

Step 11: Finish with Ganache

Whisk chocolate and cream until glossy and smooth. Allow to cool slightly, then spoon over filled cupcakes. Let ganache set before serving.

Tips For Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

• Create Smooth Batter: Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure an even, silky cupcake texture.
• Control Moisture Level: Add boiling water gradually to maintain a thin, consistent batter that results in moist, tender cupcakes.
• Perfect Filling Technique: Use a round piping tip and insert gently into cupcake center, applying steady pressure to distribute cream evenly without breaking the cake.
• Master Ganache Consistency: Let hot cream sit with chocolate chips for 2-3 minutes to create a glossy, smooth chocolate coating that sets beautifully.
• Prevent Overbaking: Check cupcakes at 18 minutes with a toothpick test to maintain a soft, rich chocolate texture without drying out.

Variations For Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

• Gluten-Free Classic: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring same texture and rich chocolate flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Dream: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the decadent chocolate taste.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut cream for filling, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk, and select dairy-free chocolate chips for chocolate ganache topping.

Pairing Ideas For Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

• Savor Sweet Sidekicks: Beverage Companions
• Pair creamy chocolate cupcakes with rich cold milk or smooth vanilla almond milk for a classic dessert experience that balances the cupcake's intense chocolate flavor.
• Brew Bold Coffee Match
• Complement the cupcakes with a robust espresso or medium-roast coffee, which cuts through the sweetness and enhances the chocolate's deep, complex notes.
• Wine Lovers' Decadent Delight
• Select a sweet dessert wine like port or moscato, whose sugary undertones harmonize beautifully with the cupcake's rich ganache and creamy filling.
• Unexpected Flavor Adventure
• Try a slightly salty caramel liqueur that creates a delightful contrast against the cupcake's sweet chocolate profile, offering a sophisticated tasting experience.

Homemade Hostess Cupcakes Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Nostalgic homemade hostess cupcakes bring childhood memories flooding back with rich chocolate cake and creamy marshmallow filling. Classic American dessert perfection awaits when you craft these irresistible treats that connect generations through sweet, comforting indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry and Small Quantity Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (30 milliliters)

Chocolate Ganache Ingredients:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 milliliters)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
2. Sift together dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients into the dry mixture, blending on medium speed for 2 minutes until a smooth consistency develops.
4. Gently fold in boiling water, creating a thin, uniform batter.
5. Distribute batter evenly, filling each liner approximately two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
7. Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Cream the butter in a mixing bowl until silky and soft.
9. Gradually blend powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whisking until achieving a smooth, creamy texture.
10. Introduce heavy cream and whip on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
11. Transfer filling to a piping bag with a round tip, carefully injecting cream into the center of each cooled cupcake.
12. Create chocolate ganache by placing chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
13. Simmer heavy cream and butter in a saucepan until just heated, then pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes.
14. Whisk the mixture until achieving a glossy, smooth consistency.
15. Allow ganache to cool slightly, then generously coat the filled cupcakes, permitting the topping to set before serving.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality cocoa powder to enhance the rich chocolate flavor of the cupcakes.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
• Use a digital kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements to guarantee consistent results.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 309 kcal
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg