Description
Boston cream pie blends velvety pastry cream, golden sponge cake, and silky chocolate ganache in a classic American dessert. Rich layers meld perfectly, inviting you to savor each delightful bite of this timeless New England favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Cream (Custard):
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cake:
- 1 ½ cups sifted cake flour
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into tablespoons)
- 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache:
- 3 ounces (85 grams) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (finely chopped)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Craft a silky custard base by whisking egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch, creating a smooth foundation for the dessert.
- Gradually incorporate scalding milk into the yolk mixture, stirring constantly to prevent curdling and ensure a luxurious texture.
- Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan, cooking over medium-high heat while whisking vigorously until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and integrate melted butter, then strain to eliminate any potential lumps, enhancing the custard’s refined consistency.
- Infuse the custard with vanilla essence, cover, and refrigerate for at least two hours to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to set completely.
- Preheat the oven and prepare a cake pan by lightly greasing its surface to prevent sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt – creating a uniform mixture that will provide structure to the cake.
- Warm milk and butter together until the butter dissolves completely, creating a rich liquid base for the cake batter.
- Whip eggs, sugar, and vanilla until the mixture becomes pale and dramatically increases in volume, forming a light, airy base.
- Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture, taking care to maintain the delicate air bubbles.
- Carefully incorporate the warm milk and butter mixture, ensuring a smooth, homogeneous batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the cake springs back when lightly touched and a golden crust forms.
- Allow the cake to cool completely, then carefully slice horizontally to create two distinct layers.
- Prepare the chocolate glaze by heating cream and pouring it over finely chopped chocolate, stirring until a glossy, smooth mixture forms.
- Whip the chilled custard with heavy cream until soft peaks develop, creating a luxurious filling.
- Spread the custard cream evenly over the bottom cake layer, ensuring full coverage.
- Delicately position the second cake layer atop the custard cream.
- Generously drizzle the chocolate glaze over the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides naturally.
- Refrigerate briefly to set the glaze and allow flavors to harmonize before serving this classic Boston Cream Pie.
Notes
- Craft this delectable dessert when craving a classic American treat that blends creamy custard, tender cake, and decadent chocolate.
- Prepare components in advance to simplify assembly, ensuring each layer chills perfectly for maximum flavor development.
- Weekend baking projects shine with this recipe, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that will impress family and friends.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg