Irresistible Boston Cream Pie Recipe: A Sweet Delight

Name: Boston Cream Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 large eggs (room temperature); ¾ cup whole milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache); 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 box vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz); 1 cup powdered sugar

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

October 30, 2025

Updated:

October 30, 2025

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Boston cream pie is not actually a pie; it’s a cake, and I can hear your confused eyebrows raising already. Imagine this: two layers of fluffy vanilla sponge cake, slathered with rich chocolate ganache, and a delightful custard filling peeking out like it’s shyly saying hello. The aroma alone sends my taste buds into a frenzy, and when you take that first bite, it feels like a hug from an old friend.

Every time I whip up this Boston cream pie recipe, I’m transported back to family gatherings where laughter flowed as freely as the coffee. This cake wasn’t just dessert; it was the star of the show, captivating everyone with its creamy goodness. Perfect for birthdays or just because you want to impress your friends (or yourself), this dessert promises an explosion of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds—and maybe thirds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Boston cream pie recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels

The rich flavor profile combines vanilla and chocolate in the most delicious way
Visually stunning with its layered design, it’s sure to be a hit at any event

Versatile enough to customize with different fillings or toppings based on your mood or occasion

The first time I made this recipe, my friends were so impressed that they thought I had secretly hired a pastry chef to do the work.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cake; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the deal; adjust according to your taste preference.

Baking Powder: Essential for those fluffy layers; check expiration dates to ensure effectiveness.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances flavors; don’t skip this step!
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness; you can never have too much butter.

Eggs: Fresh large eggs help bind everything together; room temperature works best for baking.
Milk: Whole milk gives moisture and flavor; feel free to substitute with your favorite non-dairy option.
Vanilla Extract: Use pure extract for deeper flavor; imitation just won’t cut it here.

Heavy Cream: For the ganache; don’t skimp on richness!
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The heart of our chocolate layer; choose good quality chocolate for better flavor.
Pudding Mix (Vanilla): Pre-made pudding mix simplifies creating our custard filling while adding great flavor.

Powdered Sugar: For sweetness in the frosting; sift it for a smoother texture.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pans: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined. This helps even distribution of ingredients throughout the batter.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar while mixing until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

Add Eggs and Milk: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture. Then slowly mix in milk and vanilla extract until fully blended into a smooth batter.

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.

Prepare Custard Filling: While cakes cool, make custard per pudding mix instructions but use half the recommended liquid. Let it chill in the fridge until thickened but not set.

Create Chocolate Ganache: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat until steaming but not boiling. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes before stirring until smooth.

**Assemble Your Masterpiece: ** Once cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the custard filling on top followed by another cake layer. Top with remaining custard then pour ganache over everything, letting it drip down sides fabulously.

**Chill Before Serving: ** Let your Boston cream pie rest in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing into this beauty—trust me on this one! It allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Now you’re ready to impress your guests (or yourself) with this stunning dessert! Enjoy every sweet bite as if it were crafted by an expert pastry chef!

You Must Know

The Boston cream pie recipe is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy custard, and airy cake
Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best blending results

The aroma of this cake baking will have everyone asking what’s cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the cake batter first; while it bakes, make the custard filling. This keeps everything fresh and in sync for a delightful finish.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap vanilla extract with almond for an exciting twist or add whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Boston cream pie in the fridge for up to three days. Serve chilled for a refreshing treat.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To get that perfect custard texture, make sure to whisk constantly while cooking it on low heat

Don’t skip chilling the pie; it helps set everything beautifully
If you don’t have cake flour, all-purpose flour works too—just adjust measurements slightly

Sharing this recipe always reminds me of family gatherings where my aunt would bake it from scratch. Her secret? A pinch of love and a dash of laughter!

FAQs

FAQ

What is the origin of Boston cream pie?

Boston cream pie originated in America in the 19th century and is considered Massachusetts’ official dessert.

Can I use store-bought custard?

Yes, using store-bought custard can save time without compromising taste in this Boston cream pie recipe.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking?

Greasing your cake pans thoroughly and using parchment paper helps ensure easy removal after baking.

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