Quick & Fun Homemade Hostess Cupcakes Recipe for Sweet Nostalgia

When homemade hostess cupcakes emerge from your kitchen, magic sparks to life with nostalgic charm and sweet memories.

Chocolate lovers crave this iconic dessert that promises pure indulgence and childhood comfort.

Soft, decadent cake layers combine with creamy filling and signature swirled frosting that delights every sense.

Rich chocolate crumb reveals a tender interior waiting to surprise those who appreciate classic American treats.

Crafting these cupcakes elevates an ordinary afternoon into a delectable celebration of flavor and texture.

Baking skills intersect with passionate creativity, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary and memorable.

Prepare to impress friends and family with a recreation that surpasses store-bought versions.

Homemade Hostess Cupcakes: What’s Different?

• Recreate Nostalgic Treats: Transform childhood memories into delectable homemade cupcakes that rival the classic store-bought Hostess version, bringing a delightful touch of sweet nostalgia to your dessert table.
• Master Complex Layering Technique: Learn an impressive baking method that involves creating a tender chocolate cake base, injecting creamy filling, and topping with luxurious chocolate ganache for a professional-looking dessert that appears complicated but is surprisingly achievable.
• Indulge in Textural Wonderland: Experience an incredible sensory journey with soft, moist chocolate cake, silky smooth cream filling, and rich glossy ganache that creates multiple taste and texture dimensions in every single bite.
• Quick Weekend Baking Adventure: Enjoy a straightforward recipe that takes less than an hour to prepare, making it perfect for casual weekend baking sessions or spontaneous dessert cravings without requiring advanced pastry skills.

Ingredients for Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: Base for cupcake structure with delicate texture and light crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: Rich chocolate flavor with deep dark color for classic taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cupcake browning.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for soft, fluffy cupcakes.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures cupcakes stay moist and soft.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor depth.
• Boiling Water: Helps activate cocoa and creates smooth, thin batter.

• Butter: Softened for smooth, creamy filling and rich ganache.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet filling consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness to filling and ganache.
• Chocolate Chips: Creates glossy, rich chocolate topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances filling's flavor profile.

Step-by-Step to Make Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, creating a cozy home for your future treats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Create the Cupcake Batter

• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Beat the mixture on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Finalize the Batter

Stir in boiling water until the batter becomes thin and silky.

Step 5: Fill the Cupcake Liners

Pour batter into each liner, filling about two-thirds full.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

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

Step 7: Cool the Cupcakes

Let cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until smooth.

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Add heavy cream and beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 9: Fill the Cupcakes

Transfer filling to a piping bag with a round tip. Gently squeeze filling into the center of each cooled cupcake.

Step 10: Create Chocolate Ganache

Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.

In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and butter until simmering.

Pour hot cream over chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes.

Whisk until smooth and glossy.

Step 11: Finish and Serve

Spoon slightly cooled ganache over filled cupcakes.

Allow ganache to set before serving your delectable homemade Hostess-style cupcakes.

Pro Tips for Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure the perfect texture and taste of your cupcakes.
• Mix Gently: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Cool Completely: Let cupcakes cool entirely before filling and frosting to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity.
• Pipe Carefully: Insert the piping tip gently into the center of each cupcake, filling slowly to avoid cracking the cake.
• Ganache Technique: Allow ganache to cool slightly before covering cupcakes for a smooth, glossy finish that sets beautifully.

How to Store Homemade Hostess Cupcakes Like a Pro

• Store Leftovers
• Refrigerate cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve cream filling's texture. Keep ganache-topped cupcakes covered to maintain their glossy appearance.
• Freezing Method
• Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve their delicate cream and chocolate coating.
• Reheating Technique
• Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, which can make the ganache melt and cream filling lose its smooth consistency. For best taste and texture, consume within 2-3 days of preparation.

Pairing Ideas for Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

• Pair with Smooth Coffee Delight: Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee that complements the chocolate cupcakes' deep flavor. The coffee's warm, robust notes will highlight the cupcakes' sweet cream filling and chocolatey richness.
• Enhance with Vanilla Milk Companion: Pour cold, creamy vanilla milk alongside these cupcakes. The cool, smooth milk balances the chocolate's intensity and provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet ganache.
• Complement with Raspberry Twist: Serve a small side of fresh raspberry compote or a raspberry-infused sparkling water. The tart, bright berry notes cut through the cupcakes' richness and add a playful, tangy dimension to the dessert experience.

Creative Twists for Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

• Classic Chocolate Cream Swirl: Replace standard cream filling with a rich chocolate buttercream, creating deeper cocoa flavor throughout the cupcake.
• Raspberry Chocolate Dream: Incorporate raspberry extract into cream filling and add fresh raspberry puree between cake layers for fruity complexity.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over chocolate ganache and sprinkle crushed caramel pieces on top for extra texture and sweetness.
• Coffee Mocha Magic: Mix espresso powder into cake batter and blend coffee extract into cream filling for an intense caffeine-infused dessert experience.

Homemade Hostess Cupcakes Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Classic Hostess Cupcakes bring nostalgia to dessert lovers with rich chocolate cake and creamy white filling. Cream-filled chocolate cupcakes topped with signature swirl promise sweet memories that connect generations of dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup milk

Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) boiling water

Cream Filling Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream

Chocolate Ganache Ingredients:

• 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Sift together all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform chocolate base.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients into the dry mixture, using an electric mixer to blend for approximately 2 minutes until smooth.
4. Gently fold in boiling water, creating a thin, silky batter with consistent texture.
5. Distribute batter evenly, filling each cupcake liner about two-thirds full to ensure proper rising.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake – it should emerge clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Prepare cream filling by whipping softened butter until smooth and creamy.
9. Gradually blend powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the butter, creating a light, airy mixture.
10. Incorporate heavy cream, beating on medium-high speed until the filling becomes exceptionally fluffy and spreadable.
11. Using a piping bag with a round tip, carefully inject cream filling into the center of each cooled cupcake.
12. Create chocolate ganache by placing chocolate chips in a heat-resistant bowl.
13. Simultaneously heat heavy cream and butter in a small saucepan until it reaches a gentle simmer.
14. Pour hot cream mixture over chocolate chips and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes to facilitate melting.
15. Whisk ingredients until achieving a glossy, smooth chocolate coating.
16. Allow ganache to cool slightly, then generously coat the filled cupcakes.
17. Let ganache set completely before serving these decadent homemade treats.

Notes

• Prep these cupcakes ahead of time by baking the cake base a day early and storing in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother batter and more consistent cupcake texture.
• The boiling water trick helps create an incredibly moist and tender chocolate cake that melts in your mouth.
• A piping bag with a round tip works best for creating perfectly even cream filling inside each cupcake.
• Chill the ganache for 10-15 minutes before spreading to achieve a thicker, more controllable consistency.
• Store finished cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing them to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg