Boston cream pie is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate, creamy custard, and fluffy cake. Imagine sinking your fork into a slice and experiencing the luscious filling bursting forth with each bite.
Every time I make this delectable treat, I am transported back to family gatherings where it stole the spotlight. It’s the ideal dessert for birthdays or any celebration when you want to impress your guests with something truly special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Boston cream pie is surprisingly easy to prepare, allowing even novice bakers to shine
- The combination of flavors creates a delightful experience that’s visually stunning on any table
- The versatility of this dessert means it can be enjoyed year-round, from summer picnics to cozy winter gatherings
- Plus, who can resist that velvety chocolate glaze?
I remember the first time I made Boston cream pie; my friends couldn’t believe it was homemade. Their astonished faces were priceless!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cake Flour: Use cake flour for a light and airy texture that will leave your cake melting in your mouth.
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Granulated Sugar: This is essential for sweetness; opt for fine sugar for better mixing.
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Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness in your cake and frosting.
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Milk: Whole milk gives richness to the batter and custard; avoid low-fat options for best results.
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Eggs: Large eggs provide structure and moisture—fresh eggs work best here.
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Vanilla Extract: Go for pure vanilla extract; it makes all the difference in flavor.
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Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the custard; don’t skip this ingredient if you want that creamy texture.
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Heavy Cream: Use heavy cream to create a luscious chocolate ganache that tops your pie beautifully.
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Bittersweet Chocolate: A high-quality chocolate adds depth; avoid using chocolate chips as they won’t melt smoothly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray. In a mixing bowl, beat together sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and milk. Mix until fully combined, creating a beautifully smooth batter.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together cake flour and baking powder. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!
Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Make the Custard Filling: While cakes are cooling, whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add milk while stirring constantly until thickened—this should take around 5-7 minutes.
Cool It Down!: Remove the custard from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool completely before spreading between cake layers.
Create That Irresistible Ganache!: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped bittersweet chocolate in a bowl; let sit for 5 minutes before stirring until smooth.
Now you have everything ready! Assemble by layering one cake on a serving plate, spreading custard on top, then placing the second layer over it. Pour warm ganache over the top while allowing some drips down the sides—because we love those little drips!
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy every decadent bite of this classic Boston cream pie!
You Must Know
- Boston cream pie is a delightful dessert that combines fluffy layers of cake with rich pastry cream and chocolate glaze
- It’s an excellent choice for celebrations or a cozy night in, adding a touch of elegance to any occasion
- The aroma of vanilla and chocolate will have everyone swooning
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake layers, then cool them thoroughly before filling with pastry cream. Finally, pour on the chocolate glaze for that perfect finish.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap vanilla extract for almond extract in the pastry cream for a nutty twist. Add fresh berries between the layers for a fruity flavor burst.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Boston cream pie covered in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature for a delightful treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To prevent soggy cake layers, ensure they are completely cool before adding the cream filling
- Use high-quality chocolate for the glaze to enhance flavor and presentation
- A light dusting of cocoa powder can add an elegant touch to your serving plate
Sharing this recipe reminds me of my sister’s birthday last year when I accidentally used salt instead of sugar in the pastry cream—everyone still ate it, but let’s just say I’m now extra careful!

FAQ
Can I make Boston cream pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components a day in advance and assemble them before serving.
What’s the best way to serve Boston cream pie?
Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with whipped cream or fresh berries.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour or dairy-free milk as substitutes with great results.
Boston Cream Pie
Boston cream pie is an elegant dessert that harmoniously combines fluffy cake, rich pastry cream, and a luscious chocolate glaze. This beloved classic is perfect for any celebration or cozy gathering, bringing joy with every decadent bite. With a surprisingly simple preparation, even novice bakers can impress their guests with this delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz bittersweet chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and milk. Mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together cake flour and baking powder. Gradually fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- For the custard filling, whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add milk while stirring until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in vanilla extract; cool completely.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Assemble by layering cakes with custard in between and ganache on top. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg




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