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+ servings
Overhead view of several frosted treats arranged neatly on a wire rack.

Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rich chocolate cupcakes filled with marshmallow cream and topped with silky ganache and a classic vanilla swirl—these homemade Hostess cupcakes are a nostalgic treat made entirely from scratch.
12 Servings

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup hot coffee or hot water

For the Marshmallow Filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 7 ounces marshmallow crème
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • cup heavy cream

For the Vanilla Icing Swirl:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Prepare the Oven and Cupcake Tin

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners and set aside.

Make the Cupcake Batter

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the egg, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Add the hot coffee or water and mix until the batter is smooth and evenly blended.

Bake the Cupcakes

  1. Distribute the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Marshmallow Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy. Fold in the marshmallow crème and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.

Prepare the Ganache

  1. Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and allow it to sit for 2 minutes. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.

Fill the Cupcakes

  1. Use a small knife to cut a cone-shaped piece from the center of each cooled cupcake. Discard or reserve the cut-out portions. Fill each cavity with the marshmallow filling until level with the surface of the cupcake.

Dip in Ganache

  1. Gently dip the tops of the filled cupcakes into the prepared ganache, ensuring an even coating. Place the cupcakes back on the wire rack and allow the ganache to set at room temperature.

Prepare the Icing and Decorate

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thick. Transfer the icing to a piping bag fitted with a fine tip. Pipe the signature swirl or decorative design atop each cupcake once the ganache has fully set.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Ensure all other ingredients, particularly the marshmallow crème, baking powder, and chocolate chips, are certified gluten-free.
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