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    Home » Southern Classics

    Published: Jan 21, 2020 · Modified: Sep 17, 2021 by Pam

    Boston Cream Pie Recipe

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    Boston Cream Pie is a special dessert recipe made a bit easier with one shortcut. The pastry cream that goes between the layers is homemade from pure ingredients and the chocolate ganache is classic simple goodness. The cake layers are made from a box mix, carefully chosen for suitablity to this recipe.

    whole boston cream pie

    Brief background of the Boston Cream Pie

    No, it’s not actually a pie. It’s a cake. A bit of research reveals that it is a remake of an early American recipe known as “pudding cake-pie”. Pie pans were more common in the 1800’s than cake pans, and that is probably where the name came from.

    The owners of the Parker House Hotel in Boston claim that in 1881 one of their chef’s created the first “Boston Cream Pie”. It was declared the official dessert of Massachusets in 1996.

    boston cream pie slice on spatula

    Our version of the Boston Cream Pie

    There are many variations, but the basics are the same: A two layer, buttery, spongy vanilla cake with a creamy custard in the middle and topped with chocolate ganache.

    You can definitely go the super easy route with a box cake and box vanilla pudding for the custard. But we felt that making the custard from scratch resulted in a far superior taste, so we opted for that, along with homemade ganache (because it’s easy anyway).

    Traditionally Boston Cream Pie is made from one cake layer which has been split horizontally. That makes a smaller cake, but go that route if you like. We made two layers and then trimmed off the highest part of the “dome” to make the layers a bit flatter.

    slice of boston cream pie on plate with fork

    Tips for making pastry cream

    It is a bit of a delicate process, but with our tips and recipe you can be sure it will be delicious and perfect.

    This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on an affiliate link and buy something, we may receive a very small commission.  It does NOT result in additional charges to you or cost you anything extra. Click here for our full privacy and disclosure policy. As an Amazon associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    • Make the pastry ahead allowing several hours or up to a day to thoroughly chill
    • Tempering the egg yolks keeps them from cooking immediately upon being added to the hot milk mixture. This just means gradually bringing the temperature of the eggs down before adding to the milk.
    • Whisk constantly as the custard is cooking to keep it creamy. When it thickens it will happen pretty fast, so don’t turn your back on it.
    • Once it’s done, pour it into a bowl and lay plastic wrap directly on the surface before refrigerating. This keeps it from forming a skin on top.
    • When thoroughly chilled, take it out and whisk again before spreading on the cake.
    slice of boston cream pie on plate with fork and cake in background

    THIS RECIPE MADE OUR “BEST OF THE YEAR” LIST. THE OTHERS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

    whole boston cream pie

    Boston Cream Pie Recipe

    Boston Cream Pie recipe which takes advantage of one shortcut, but includes homemade pastry cream and chocolate ganache.
    4.84 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings 10 servings

    Ingredients
      

    Cake Layers

    • 1 Duncan Hines Classic Butter Golden Cake Mix (has flour) prepared in two round layers, according to instructions

    Pastry Cream

    • 3 egg yolks
    • 3 Tbsp. cornstarch
    • 1-⅔ cups whole milk
    • ⅔ cup sugar
    • 2 tsp. vanilla or 1 vanilla bean, scraped
    • 1 Tbsp. butter cut into 4 pieces

    Chocolate Ganache

    • 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
    • ⅓ cup heavy cream
    • 2 Tbsp. light corn syrup

    Instructions
     

    Cake Layers

    • Prepare 2 round layers (8 or 9") according to package directions and then cool completely.
    • If desired slice "dome" off top of layers to make them more flat.

    Pastry Cream

    • Beat egg yolks in small bowl and then whisk in cornstarch and set aside.
    • Combine milk, sugar and vanilla in a heavy saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a simmer.
    • Set milk mixture off heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
    • Stir ½ cup of milk mixture into egg yolk mixture very gradually, whisking constantly.
    • Add egg yolk mixture to milk mixture gradually and return to medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, reducing heat to medium-low.
    • Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted and thoroughly mixed.
    • Pour pastry cream into a bowl and lay plastic wrap directly on surface. Refrigerate for 4 hours or up to a day before spreading on bottom cake layer and then topping with 2nd cake layer.

    Chocolate Ganache

    • Heat cream over medium to medium high heat just until it begins to boil and then remove from heat.
    • Add chocolate and whisk until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
    • Stir in corn syrup and whisk until smooth.
    • Cool 3-4 minutes before pouring over cake, allowing to drizzle down sides.

    Notes

    Any buttery yellow cake can be used, and if desired, one layer can be split horizontally to create two layers. 
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    slice of boston cream pie being taken out of whole cake

    If you make this or any of our recipes we’d love for you to leave us a comment and star rating. If you’re into sharing your creations, snap a photo and tag us when you post it to Facebook or Instagram.

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    Categories: Desserts Tags: dessert

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tawnie Kroll says

      January 21, 2020 at 12:28 pm

      5 stars
      This was so flavorful and easy to make. My whole family loved it, thank you!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        January 21, 2020 at 12:51 pm

        So glad to hear that Tawnie!

        Reply
    2. Tammy says

      January 21, 2020 at 1:48 pm

      5 stars
      Boston Cream Pie is probably one of my absolutely favorite desserts. I wish I could reach in and grab a slice of this beautiful dessert. Cannot wait to make!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        January 21, 2020 at 1:49 pm

        Yay! Hope you enjoy it Tammy!

        Reply
    3. Val says

      January 21, 2020 at 2:33 pm

      I’ve been taking a break from sweet treats lately but, I’ve been wanting to be a little naughty and treat myself to something sweet. This Boston Cream Pie might be it.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        January 23, 2020 at 5:03 pm

        We won’t tell. Thanks, Val.

        Reply
    4. Monica says

      January 21, 2020 at 2:37 pm

      5 stars
      What a fun and crowd-pleasing dessert! These are classic flavors to be sure, and this recipe is so easy to follow. Can’t wait to make again!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        January 23, 2020 at 5:03 pm

        Thanks so much, Monica.

        Reply
    5. Sara Welch says

      January 21, 2020 at 3:11 pm

      5 stars
      What a perfectly fluffy and decadent dessert! Looks worthy of a restaurant, indeed!

      Reply
      • Pam says

        January 23, 2020 at 5:03 pm

        Oh, wow. Thank you, Sara!

        Reply
    6. Terri says

      January 24, 2020 at 5:09 pm

      Wish you had a homemade cake recipe instead of a mix. Otherwise, it looks great. I’m just not a fan of cake mixes.

      Reply
      • Pam says

        January 27, 2020 at 6:25 pm

        Terri, you could certainly sub in your favorite yellow cake recipe and then use ours for the pastry cream and ganache. Thanks for checking in!

        Reply
    7. Alene says

      March 06, 2020 at 6:35 pm

      I have to be gluten free, regrettably, but I have lots of gluten free recipes for yellow cakes. And if I am super lazy, there are even gluten free cake mixes. I used one once in a recipe, and it worked just fine. So I am definitely going to make it!

      Reply

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    1635 shares