01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin tins with paper liners.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, instant vanilla pudding mix, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 -
In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then incorporate vanilla extract.
04 -
Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
05 -
Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
06 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together the two boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix with whole milk and vanilla extract until thickened.
07 -
Cut small circles from the center of each cooled cupcake and gently remove the cake portion. Spoon or pipe prepared vanilla pudding into the hollow to fill.
08 -
Place filled cupcakes in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes to firm the filling.
09 -
Combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
10 -
Pour ganache over chilled cupcakes, covering tops evenly. Refrigerate until ganache is set before serving.