Dreamy DIY Chocolate Hostess Cupcakes Recipe for Beginners

Decadent chocolate cupcakes with a homemade hostess cupcakes recipe bring nostalgia flooding back from childhood lunchbox memories.

These iconic treats capture the essence of sweet indulgence with a modern twist.

Each bite promises a luxurious combination of rich chocolate cake and creamy filling that beats store-bought versions hands down.

The spiraled white frosting tops a perfectly moist chocolate base that melts in your mouth.

Soft, tender cake layers contrast beautifully with the marshmallow-like cream center.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will adore recreating this classic dessert from scratch.

Get ready to savor every delightful, chocolatey moment of these irresistible cupcakes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure and tender crumb for the cupcakes, choose unbleached flour for best results.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor, opt for high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for deeper color and taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a moist texture, look for fine-grain sugar for smooth mixing.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help cupcakes rise and achieve light, airy consistency.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile of the cupcakes.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind ingredients, use room temperature milk for even mixing.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates a tender, soft crumb and keeps cupcakes moist, choose neutral-flavored oil.
• Egg: Provides structure and helps bind ingredients, use fresh large eggs at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic flavor, select pure vanilla for best taste.
• Boiling Water: Helps activate cocoa and creates a smoother, more liquid batter.

• Butter: Creates creamy, smooth texture for filling and ganache, use unsalted butter at room temperature.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens cream filling, sift to remove lumps.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth consistency to filling and ganache.
• Chocolate Chips: Provides smooth, glossy chocolate topping, choose high-quality dark or semi-sweet chips.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor of cream filling, use pure vanilla for best results.

Tools for Baking Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Muffin tin: Perfectly shapes cupcakes during baking.
• Cupcake liners: Prevents sticking and adds neat presentation.
• Electric mixer: Helps blend batter and cream filling efficiently.
• Whisk: Crucial for creating smooth ganache and mixing ingredients.
• Piping bag with round tip: Allows precise cream filling inside cupcakes.
• Small saucepan: Heats cream and butter for ganache.
• Heatproof bowl: Melts chocolate chips safely.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cupcakes cool evenly.
• Toothpick: Checks cupcake doneness during baking.

Steps to Make Cream-Filled Hostess Cupcakes

• Cupcake Base Preparation

Mix dry ingredients like flour, cocoa, sugar, and leavening agents in a large bowl. Combine wet ingredients and blend until smooth. The batter will be thin and light.

• Baking Process

Pour batter into cupcake liners, filling about two-thirds full. Bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

• Creamy Filling Creation

Whip butter, sugar, and cream together until the mixture becomes fluffy and smooth. Use a piping bag to inject filling into the center of each cooled cupcake.

• Chocolate Topping

Melt chocolate chips with warm cream and butter until glossy. Allow mixture to cool slightly before drizzling over filled cupcakes. Let the chocolate set before serving.

• Serving Suggestion

These nostalgic treats are perfect for parties, afternoon snacks, or special dessert moments. Enjoy the rich chocolate and creamy center that makes these cupcakes irresistible.

Homemade Cupcake Tips & Creative Variations

• Replace regular milk with buttermilk for an extra tangy, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Use a squeeze bottle or zip-lock bag with a corner snipped off if you don't have a piping bag for filling cupcakes with cream.
• Prepare cupcake batter and cream filling up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time on baking day.
• Experiment with different extract variations like peppermint, almond, or orange to transform the classic chocolate cupcake into a unique dessert experience.
• Store finished cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness, allowing them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Serving Homemade Hostess Cupcakes with Style

• Serve Up Sweet Nostalgia: Creative Cupcake Presentation Ideas
• Retro Dessert Platter: Arrange cupcakes on a vintage cake stand with colorful doilies for a charming, nostalgic display that brings back childhood memories.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips around the ganache topping to intensify the rich chocolate experience.
• Party-Perfect Garnish: Add a swirl of white cream on top or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch that makes these cupcakes look professionally decorated.

Cupcake Storage and Meal Prep Advice

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep them covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
• Filling Freshness Tips: Keep cream-filled cupcakes refrigerated due to the dairy-based filling. Remove from the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving to allow them to soften slightly and enhance taste.
• Room Temperature Strategy: If serving within 24 hours, store cupcakes in a cool, dry place in a sealed container. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas that could melt the ganache or compromise the cream filling.

Nostalgic Homemade Hostess Cupcakes Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Nostalgic homemade Hostess cupcakes deliver chocolate-rich memories with classic cream filling. Bakers can craft these iconic treats using simple pantry ingredients and enjoy a delightful connection to childhood sweetness.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup (60 mL) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120 mL) boiling water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) heavy cream
• 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (120 mL) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Batter Creation: Sift dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, then blend with wet ingredients using an electric mixer until smooth and consistent.
3. Liquid Integration: Fold in boiling water to create a silky, thin batter with uniform texture.
4. Baking Process: Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes, verifying doneness with a clean toothpick test.
5. Cooling Stage: Rest cupcakes in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
6. Cream Filling: Whip butter, gradually blend powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until light, fluffy, and spreadable.
7. Filling Technique: Use piping bag with round tip to inject cream filling into the center of each cooled cupcake.
8. Ganache Preparation: Place chocolate chips in a heat-resistant bowl, then pour simmering cream and butter mixture over them.
9. Chocolate Coating: Let chocolate rest for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until achieving a glossy, smooth ganache.
10. Finishing Touch: Cool ganache slightly, generously coat filled cupcakes, and allow to set completely before serving.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a uniform, smooth chocolate base for perfect texture.
• Batter Consistency is Key: Mix wet and dry ingredients carefully, maintaining a thin, silky batter that guarantees moist, tender cupcakes.
• Filling Technique: Use a piping bag with a round tip for precise cream filling, inserting directly into the cupcake center to create a classic Hostess-style surprise.
• Ganache Perfection: Allow chocolate mixture to rest briefly after pouring hot cream, enabling smooth melting and creating a glossy, professional-looking chocolate topping.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg