Boston Cream Pie

by

Easy, layered, bakery-style

This Boston Cream Pie gives you all the classic flavors—soft vanilla cake, silky custard, and rich chocolate ganache. Instead, the custard is spread right on top of the baked cake, making this version faster, easier, and nearly foolproof. It’s perfect for beginners, busy bakers, or anyone who wants an elegant dessert with minimal effort. Ideal for potlucks, holidays, or make-ahead entertaining, this simplified Boston Cream Pie delivers maximum flavor with less stress and fewer steps.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Servings: 8–10

📝 Ingredients

Vanilla Cake (Single Layer)

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk

Creamy Custard Topping

  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache

  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • Cooling rack

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1️⃣ Bake the Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round pan.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
  4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
  5. Mix in dry ingredients and milk until just combined.
  6. Bake 28–30 minutes until golden and set. Cool completely. 🍰

2️⃣ Make the Custard

  1. Heat milk and cream until steaming.
  2. Whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
  3. Slowly whisk hot milk into egg mixture, then return to saucepan.
  4. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, 3–4 minutes until thick.
  5. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla.
  6. Cool slightly, then spread directly on top of the cooled cake. 🥄

3️⃣ Add the Ganache

  1. Heat cream until just simmering.
  2. Pour over chocolate and butter. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir smooth.
  3. Pour ganache over the custard layer and gently spread to the edges. 🍫✨

4️⃣ Chill & Serve

  • Refrigerate at least 1 hour to set before slicing.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Extra easy option: Use instant vanilla pudding for the custard if short on time.
  • Clean slices: Dip knife in hot water before cutting.
  • Make ahead: Best made the day before serving.
  • Sheet-pan version: Double recipe and bake in a 9×13 pan.

Leave a Comment