Boston Cream Pie

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🍰✨ Boston Cream Pie 🍫🥧

A true classic, Boston Cream Pie is a rich and decadent dessert that features a light, spongy cake filled with smooth pastry cream and topped with a glossy layer of chocolate ganache. This beloved dessert draws its roots from New England, particularly Boston, where it was first created in the 19th century. Originally called a “pie,” it’s technically a cake, and it remains one of the most famous desserts in American culinary history. A showstopper at any gathering, this treat is sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

For the Pastry Cream:

  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)

Instructions

For the Cake:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream the butter: In a separate bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract.
  4. Combine: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three batches, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Pastry Cream:

  1. Heat the milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
  2. Mix the egg yolks: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
  3. Temper the eggs: Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
  4. Cook the cream: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla extract.
  5. Cool: Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until completely cool.

For the Ganache:

  1. Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to steam (don’t let it boil).
  2. Make the ganache: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth. If desired, add the butter for extra gloss and richness.
  3. Cool slightly: Let the ganache cool until it thickens slightly but is still pourable.

Assembly

  1. Cut the cake: Once the cake is cool, carefully slice it in half horizontally.
  2. Fill with pastry cream: Spread the chilled pastry cream evenly over the bottom layer of the cake.
  3. Top with the second layer: Place the second layer of cake on top of the pastry cream.
  4. Pour the ganache: Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful effect.
  5. Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to allow the ganache to set and the flavors to meld.

History & Formation

The Boston Cream Pie dates back to the 19th century when it was first created at the Parker House Hotel in Boston. Though it’s called a “pie,” it’s technically a cake. The original recipe consisted of a sponge cake filled with custard and topped with a chocolate glaze. Over the years, the dessert gained popularity, becoming an iconic American treat and was even named the official dessert of Massachusetts in 1996.

Conclusion

Boston Cream Pie is the perfect blend of texture and flavor, offering a rich, creamy filling, light sponge cake, and glossy chocolate topping. Its history adds a layer of charm, making it a dessert that’s not only delicious but also filled with a sense of tradition. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a special occasion, this dessert is sure to steal the show!

Lovers & Methods

This dessert is beloved by those who adore the combination of chocolate and custard. The cake itself is moist and airy, while the pastry cream adds a rich, smooth texture. The ganache tops it all off with its glossy finish, making every bite an indulgence. Lovers of classic desserts with a modern twist will enjoy the simplicity and elegance of Boston Cream Pie.

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