Boston Cream Pie Recipe.

Boston Cream Pie is a classic American dessert consisting of a light sponge cake filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with a rich chocolate glaze.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk

For the Pastry Cream (Filling):

• 1 ½ cups (360ml) whole milk
• ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon corn syrup (optional, for shine)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Pastry Cream

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until thickened (about 2 minutes).
5. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter, and transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap (press it against the surface to prevent a skin from forming). Refrigerate until chilled.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Glaze

1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
2. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth.
3. Add butter and corn syrup (if using) and mix until glossy. Let cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Slice the cooled cake in half horizontally to create two layers.
2. Spread the chilled pastry cream evenly over the bottom layer.
3. Place the top layer over the filling.
4. Pour the chocolate glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
5. Let the cake set for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade Boston Cream Pie!

The Boston Cream Pie has an interesting history that dates back to the 19th century. Despite its name, it’s actually a cake, not a pie! The dessert consists of two layers of sponge cake filled with creamy custard and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze.

Origins

The Boston Cream Pie is believed to have been created in 1856 at the Parker House Hotel (now the Omni Parker House) in Boston, Massachusetts. The hotel’s French chef, Sanzian, is credited with developing the recipe. At the time, cakes and pies were often baked in the same pans and sometimes referred to interchangeably, which may explain the “pie” in its name.

Before chocolate was commonly used as a topping, early versions of this dessert were dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a simple icing. However, as chocolate became more accessible, the iconic chocolate glaze was added, making it the dessert we recognize today.

Legacy & Recognition

• In 1996, the Boston Cream Pie was declared the official dessert of Massachusetts.
• It has inspired other treats, such as Boston Cream Doughnuts and even Boston Cream-flavored pastries.
• Today, the Omni Parker House still serves the original recipe, keeping its rich history alive.

So, while it’s called a pie, it’s truly a cake with a long and delicious history tied to Boston’s culinary heritage!