Boston Cream Pie: Timeless Treat You Can’t Resist

A Boston cream filling pie with chocolate ganache

October 23rd marks Boston Cream Pie Day, and it’s the perfect excuse to make this delightful treat!

Boston cream pie recipe

Boston cream pie is a classic American dessert. Despite its name, this dessert is technically a cake, not a pie. It consists of two layers of vanilla sponge cake filled with rich vanilla pastry cream and topped with a decadent chocolate ganache. It’s a timeless dessert that never fails to delight.

A slice of Boston cream pie filling

The dessert originated in Boston, Massachusetts, and was first created in 1856 by Armenian-French chef Mossburg Sanzian at the Parker House Hotel. The name “Boston cream pie” reflects a historical context when cakes and pies were often baked in similar pans, leading to the interchangeable use of the terms.

This cake quickly became popular and was officially designated as the state dessert of Massachusetts in 1996. Its unique combination of flavors has made it a staple in American baking, inspiring variations like the Boston cream doughnut.

Here’s how to make the Boston cream pie:

A Boston cream filling pie with chocolate ganache

Traditional Boston cream pie

A classic American dessert that consists of two layers of light vanilla sponge cake filled with smooth vanilla custard and topped with rich chocolate ganache.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Pastry Cream

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chopped
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Make the Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients alternately with milk, starting and ending with flour.
  • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.

Make the Pastry Cream

  • In a medium saucepan, heat milk until it begins to simmer.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
  • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, then let it cool in the fridge for about 1-2 hours or until it is completely chilled and set.

Make the Chocolate Glaze

  • Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer, then pour it over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
  • Let sit for a minute, then whisk until smooth. Stir in butter and vanilla.

Assemble the Pie

  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread the chilled pastry cream on top.
  • Place the second cake layer on top of the cream. Pour the warm chocolate glaze over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
  • Let the glaze set about 15-20 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Boston Cream Pie!
Keyword baking recipes, Boston cream pie, chocolate, classic desserts

Variations

Boston cream pie has inspired numerous variations both within the United States and internationally.

1. Boston Cream Doughnuts: A popular adaptation that transforms the cake into a filled doughnut, combining the richness of custard with the satisfying texture of fried dough.

2. Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

These cupcakes represent a modern, portable adaptation of the classic dessert. These individual-sized treats maintain the core components of the original: vanilla cake, custard filling, and chocolate topping.

A half cut Boston cream cupcake

To create Boston cream pie cupcakes:

  1. Bake vanilla cupcakes in a standard muffin tin
  2. Core the center of each cooled cupcake
  3. Pipe custard filling into the cored center
  4. Top with chocolate ganache or glaze

This variation has gained popularity in recent years, offering a convenient and portion-controlled way to enjoy the flavors of the classic cake.

3. Chiffon Cake Version: A lighter adaptation that may omit the chocolate topping.

4. No-Bake Boston Cream Pie

The no-bake version offers a simplified approach to this classic dessert. It eliminates the need for an oven, relying instead on ready-made components or no-bake alternatives.

Key elements of a no-bake Boston cream pie include:

  1. Crust: Often made from crushed graham crackers or cookies mixed with melted butter
  2. Filling: Uses instant vanilla pudding mix or a no-cook custard recipe
  3. Topping: Features store-bought chocolate sauce or a simple ganache made by melting chocolate with cream

5. Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake: Utilizes the “poke cake” method, where holes are made in the cake and filled with custard, allowing for an even distribution of flavor.

6. Boston Cream Pie Trifle

This trifle deconstructs the classic dessert, transforming it into a visually striking layered creation. Components of the trifle typically include:

LayerDescription
CakeCubed vanilla cake or pound cake
CustardTraditional vanilla custard or pudding
ChocolateLayers of chocolate ganache or sauce
OptionalWhipped cream for added lightness

To assemble:

  1. Layer cubed cake at the bottom of a trifle dish
  2. Add a layer of custard
  3. Drizzle with chocolate sauce
  4. Repeat layers until the dish is filled
  5. Top with a final layer of chocolate and optional whipped cream

7. Boston Cream Pie Cookie Bites: Miniaturizes the dessert into bite-sized cookies, perfect for snacking or parties.

8. Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake: Fuses the flavors of Boston cream pie with the creamy texture of cheesecake, creating a decadent hybrid dessert.

9. Boston Cream Pie Crumble Cookie: A large, soft cookie inspired by the classic dessert, often featuring a vanilla cookie base, custard filling, and chocolate frosting.

10. Dietary Restriction

Gluten-free diet

Common gluten-free flour options include:

  • Almond flour
  • Rice flour
  • Coconut flour
  • Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends

Gluten-free flours can produce a denser, more crumbly cake if not properly balanced. To address this, you should add ingredients to improve texture and moisture retention.

Texture-enhancing additions for gluten-free Boston cream pie:

  1. Xanthan gum: Improves elasticity and structure
  2. Extra eggs: Enhance binding and moisture
  3. Milk or yogurt: Increases moisture content
  4. Apple cider vinegar: Activates leavening agents for a lighter crumb

Vegan option

Common vegan substitutes include:

Traditional IngredientVegan Alternative
EggsFlax eggs, applesauce, or commercial egg replacer. For egg yolk, you can use aquafaba
MilkAlmond milk, soy milk, or oat milk
ButterVegan margarine or coconut oil
Heavy creamCoconut cream or cashew cream

Pairing suggestions

Beverages

1. Coffee Pairings

The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the cake and custard, while its warmth contrasts with the cool, creamy filling.

  1. Classic Americano: Balances the dessert’s sweetness with its bold flavor
  2. Cappuccino: Complements the custard’s creaminess
  3. Espresso: Intensifies the chocolate notes in the glaze
  4. Cold Brew: Offers a refreshing contrast, especially in warmer weather

2. Tea

For those who prefer tea, several options can enhance the enjoyment of Boston cream pie:

  • Earl Grey: Its bergamot notes complement the vanilla in the custard
  • English Breakfast: Provides a robust backdrop to the dessert’s sweetness
  • Chamomile: Offers a soothing, floral contrast to the rich flavors
  • Masala Chai: Adds a spicy dimension that enhances the dessert’s complexity

3. Wine and Spirits

For those seeking an adult beverage pairing, certain wines and spirits can complement the cake admirably:

Beverage TypeSuggested PairingFlavor Notes
White WineLate Harvest RieslingSweet, with balancing acidity
Red WineRuby PortRich, fruity, complements chocolate
LiqueurBaileys Irish CreamCreamy, echoes custard flavors
CocktailBrandy AlexanderChocolate notes, creamy texture

A personal favorite pairing of mine is a glass of chilled Sauternes, its honeyed sweetness and subtle acidity providing a luxurious complement to the dessert.

Complementary desserts

You can enjoy the cake with these complementary treats to enhance the overall experience:

  1. Fresh berries: Provide a tart contrast to the sweet cake and custard
  2. Vanilla ice cream: Adds a cool, creamy element
  3. Chocolate truffles: Intensify the chocolate notes in the glaze
  4. Almond biscotti: Offers textural contrast and nutty flavors

Savory dishes

To balance a rich dessert, consider offering savory counterpoints:

  • Aged cheddar cheese: Its sharpness cuts through the sweetness
  • Salted nuts: Provide a crunchy texture and salty contrast
  • Prosciutto-wrapped melon: Offers a sweet-savory balance
  • Olive tapenade on crostini: Cleanses the palate with its briny flavor

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