Boston Cream Pie Recipe: A Classic Dessert Made Easy
The Boston cream pie, a beloved classic, isn't technically a pie at all, but rather a delightful cake! This moist, fluffy sponge cake layered with creamy custard and rich chocolate ganache is a true crowd-pleaser. This recipe will guide you through creating this decadent dessert, step by step. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is broken down into sections for easier preparation.
For the Vanilla Sponge Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
For the Pastry Cream (Custard):
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (20g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 6 ounces (170g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Baking the Vanilla Sponge Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, gently whisk together the buttermilk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Pastry Cream:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, flour, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
- Slowly whisk a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks to temper them.
- Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until completely cool.
Assembling the Boston Cream Pie:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread the cooled pastry cream evenly over the cake layer.
- Top with the second cake layer.
- Make the chocolate ganache by heating the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drizzle down the sides.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the ganache to set.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the cake batter: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
- Make sure the cakes are completely cool before adding the custard and ganache to prevent them from melting.
- Get creative with your ganache! Try adding different flavor extracts, or using white chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
Enjoy your homemade Boston Cream Pie! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Remember to share your baking creations using #BostonCreamPie!