Boston Cream Pie Recipe lovers, this one’s for you! This iconic dessert isn’t actually a pie, it’s a rich, indulgent cake layered with fluffy sponge, silky pastry cream, and topped with glossy chocolate ganache. It’s a staple in American baking history and a perfect treat for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
Before diving into the details, if you enjoy cozy bakes, you might also love our spiced apple cider donut loaf or the moist chocolate chip pumpkin bread recipe.
Why You Will Love This Boston Cream Pie Recipe
This Boston Cream Pie Recipe isn’t just any dessert, it’s a timeless favorite that combines elegance with comfort. Here’s why it’s worth making:
- Classic meets easy: This version simplifies the traditional method without sacrificing the rich pastry cream or decadent ganache.
- Impressive but doable: Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, you’ll appreciate how approachable this recipe is.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the components in advance and assemble just before serving.
- Family favorite: The soft sponge cake, creamy filling, and chocolate topping are a winning trio for kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or just a treat-yourself weekend.
- Customizable: Want a shortcut? Use boxed cake mix. Want it fancy? Use real vanilla beans and premium chocolate.
If you enjoy comforting, nostalgic bakes like our cinnamon pecan coffee cake or banana bread, this Boston Cream Pie is right up your alley.
Ingredients Needed For This Boston Cream Pie Recipe
Sponge Cake
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk and butter
- Baking powder
- All-purpose flour
Pastry Cream
- Whole milk
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolks
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean
- Unsalted butter
Chocolate Ganache
- Bittersweet chocolate
- Heavy cream
- Unsalted butter
Tools Needed
Make sure you have:
- 2 x 9-inch round cake pans
- Stand mixer or whisk
- Saucepan
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula
How to Make Boston Cream Pie
Step 1: Make the Sponge Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Fold in sifted flour and baking powder.
- Heat butter and milk, then incorporate gently.
- Bake in prepared pans for 25–30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Cream
- Warm milk with sugar until just steaming.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, remaining sugar, and cornstarch.
- Temper the eggs with the warm milk and cook until thick.
- Stir in vanilla and butter.
- Cool in fridge with plastic wrap touching the surface.
Step 3: Make Ganache
- Heat cream and pour it over chopped chocolate and butter.
- Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one sponge layer on a serving dish.
- Spread pastry cream evenly.
- Add the second layer and gently press.
- Pour ganache over the top and let it drip naturally.
Expert Tips
- Ensure your cake is completely cool before assembling.
- Don’t overcook the pastry cream.
- Use quality chocolate for best ganache results.
For more baked goods you can serve with Boston Cream Pie, try these baked breakfast oatmeal pumpkin bars or the delicious apple cinnamon cottage cheese bake as lighter alternatives.
Variations of Boston Cream Pie
- Mini Cupcake Style
- Boston Cream Pie Trifle
- Gluten-Free Version
- Vegan-Friendly Substitute
Storage Tips
- Store in refrigerator up to 4 days.
- Do not freeze once assembled.
- Best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.
FAQ About Boston Cream Pie Recipe
What is Boston cream filling made of?
It’s a pastry cream made from milk, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch, cooked into a custard and flavored with vanilla.
What’s the difference between Boston Cream Pie and Boston Cream Cake?
Nothing major, Boston Cream Pie is a cake. The name comes from historical baking practices using pie tins.
What is the original Boston Cream Pie?
The original was served at Boston’s Parker House Hotel with rum-flavored custard and chocolate fondant.
Can I use instant pudding instead of pastry cream?
Yes, but the flavor and texture won’t be as rich or authentic.
Final Thoughts
This Boston Cream Pie recipe is as classic as it gets, light, creamy, and indulgent. With its roots in history and a spot on every dessert lover’s list, it’s time to make this elegant yet easy dessert your next baking triumph.
If you love this, don’t forget to explore more fall-inspired recipes and cozy bakes on SpecialyRecipes.
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Boston Cream Pie Recipe: A Classic American Dessert
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Boston Cream Pie Recipe is a classic American dessert made with soft sponge cake, a rich vanilla custard filling, and smooth chocolate ganache on top. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special celebration.
Ingredients
For the sponge cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the pastry cream filling:
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the chocolate ganache:
1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar with a mixer until thick and pale.
Heat milk and butter until melted. Add vanilla. Slowly fold into egg mixture.
Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
Divide batter between the pans and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
For the pastry cream, heat milk and half the sugar until just boiling.
Whisk egg yolks, remaining sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl.
Slowly add hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking to temper.
Return mixture to pan and cook over medium heat until thick.
Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cool.
For ganache, heat cream in a saucepan until steaming. Pour over chocolate and butter. Let sit, then stir until smooth.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread pastry cream evenly. Top with second cake layer.
Pour ganache over the top and allow it to drip down the sides.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Use good-quality chocolate for the ganache to enhance flavor.
Cake layers and pastry cream can be made a day ahead.
For easier slicing, dip your knife in hot water between cuts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Boston Cream Pie Recipe, classic Boston dessert, layered custard cake, chocolate ganache cake