Name: Boston Cream Pie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: PT-490794H12M55S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cake flour; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup milk; 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped; 1/2 cup sugar; 4 large egg yolks; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Boston Cream Pie is a classic American dessert featuring tender cake layers filled with creamy custard and topped with a rich chocolate ganache. This elegant yet approachable treat is perfect for any special occasion or a delightful everyday indulgence.

A round two-layer cake with light brown sponge layers sandwiches a thick, creamy pale yellow filling in the middle. The top layer is covered in a smooth, glossy, dark chocolate ganache with visible swirls, and a single bright red cherry with a stem sits in the center. The cake is placed on a white cake stand with detailed loops around the edge, set on a white marbled surface with a soft blue and beige checkered pattern in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cake flour
1 ½ cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
2 cups heavy cream
6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 3: Gradually alternate adding the cake flour and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in the vanilla bean seeds for flavor.
Step 4: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely.
Step 5: For the custard filling, heat 1 ½ cups of heavy cream with the scraped vanilla bean seeds until just boiling. Whisk the hot cream slowly into a bowl with the remaining ½ cup of cold cream and 4 egg yolks until smooth.
Step 6: Return the mixture to the stove, stirring constantly over low heat until it thickens into a custard. Remove from heat and cool completely.
Step 7: To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the cooled custard evenly over the top. Add the second cake layer on top.
Step 8: For the ganache, heat the chopped dark chocolate with a splash of heavy cream until melted and smooth. Pour over the top of the assembled cake and allow it to set.
Step 9: Chill the Boston Cream Pie for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the ganache to firm up.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother custard, strain the mixture before cooling to remove any cooked egg bits.
Substitute the dark chocolate ganache with milk chocolate for a sweeter topping.
Adding a splash of coffee or espresso to the ganache can enhance the chocolate flavor.
Use prepared vanilla pudding in place of custard for a quicker filling alternative.

Storage

Store the Boston Cream Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for the best texture. Avoid freezing, as the custard may separate upon thawing.

How to Serve

A two-layer round cake sits on a white cake stand with decorative edges, placed on a white marbled texture with a blue checkered pattern subtly blurred in the background. The cake has light brown sponge layers on top and bottom, with a thick, creamy beige filling sandwiched between them. The top layer is covered with a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache that is spread evenly with some gentle swirls. At the center of the chocolate top rests a single bright red cherry with a stem, creating a striking contrast against the dark chocolate. The side shows a clean, straight cut revealing the layers inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Boston Cream Pie ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the cake and custard in advance is recommended to allow flavors to develop. Assemble and chill at least a few hours before serving, preferably overnight.

What can I use if I don’t have vanilla beans?

You can substitute 1 to 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract in place of the vanilla bean seeds for the cake and custard. Add it while mixing the batter and custard for best results.