The Ultimate Boston Cream Pie Recipe: A Classic Dessert Perfected
The Boston cream pie isn't actually a pie at all – it's a decadent layer cake! This beloved dessert features a moist yellow cake, a rich pastry cream, and a luscious chocolate ganache. This recipe will guide you through creating a truly unforgettable Boston cream pie that will impress your family and friends. Let's get baking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is broken down into sections for easier preparation. Make sure you have all your ingredients ready before you begin!
For the Yellow Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Pastry Cream:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a perfect Boston cream pie every time.
Baking the Yellow Cake:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate 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.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: 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.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely.
Making the Pastry Cream:
- Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, and salt over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and egg yolks until smooth.
- Temper the Eggs: Slowly whisk a little of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks to temper them, then pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan.
- Cook the Cream: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens and comes to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Finish the Cream: Stir in the butter until melted and smooth. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and chill completely.
Assembling the Boston Cream Pie:
- Level the Cakes: If necessary, use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cake layers to create even surfaces.
- Frost the Cake: Spread a generous layer of the chilled pastry cream over one cake layer. Top with the second cake layer.
- Make the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat 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.
- Glaze the Cake: Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drizzle down the sides.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Cool completely: Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the pastry cream from melting.
- Chill the pastry cream: Chilling the pastry cream will make it easier to spread and prevent it from being too runny.
- Get creative with the ganache: You can add different extracts or liqueurs to the ganache for extra flavor.
Serving and Storage:
Serve your masterpiece and enjoy! Store leftover Boston cream pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe will help you create a classic Boston cream pie that is both delicious and visually appealing. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Remember to share your creations and tag us! Happy baking!
