Boston Cream Pie is a classic American dessert consisting of layers of sponge cake, a rich custard filling, and a glossy chocolate glaze. Despite its name, it’s actually a cake and not a pie! Here’s how to make this indulgent treat at home.
Ingredients (for 8 servings)
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the custard filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the chocolate glaze:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
2️⃣ Make the custard filling:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the milk is hot but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add a small amount of the hot milk to the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the hot milk, whisking continuously. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil (about 2-3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Let the custard cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
3️⃣ Prepare the chocolate glaze:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate and butter. Stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly.
4️⃣ Assemble the Boston Cream Pie:
- Once the cake has cooled, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers.
- Spread the chilled custard filling evenly over the bottom layer of cake.
- Place the top layer of cake on top of the custard filling.
- Pour the chocolate glaze over the top layer of cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes.
5️⃣ Serve:
- Once the glaze has set, slice the Boston Cream Pie and serve. Enjoy!
Enjoy!
This Boston Cream Pie is a delicious combination of light sponge cake, creamy custard, and rich chocolate glaze. Perfect for a special occasion or just as a treat when you want something indulgent!
