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Boston Cream Cake is a timeless dessert that combines the soft, spongy texture of cake with the richness of a creamy custard filling and a decadent chocolate glaze. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply indulging in a homemade treat, this Boston Cream Cake recipe will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to create this irresistible dessert from scratch!

What is Boston Cream Cake?

Despite its name, Boston Cream Cake is actually a cake, not a pie. It’s inspired by the famous Boston Cream Pie, a dessert that was first created in the late 19th century at the Omni Parker House in Boston. This cake version features layers of light, fluffy sponge cake, filled with a rich custard, and topped with a smooth chocolate glaze.

The delicious contrast of textures makes Boston Cream Cake a favorite among cake lovers. If you’ve been craving this classic dessert, it’s time to whip up your own homemade version with our easy-to-follow recipe!

Ingredients for Boston Cream Cake

To make this homemade Boston Cream Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
For the Custard Filling:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream

How to Make Boston Cream Cake:

1. Bake the 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, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Custard Filling:

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them.
Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture and continue to cook, whisking, until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat, then stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Let the custard cool to room temperature before using.

3. Make the Chocolate Glaze:

In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate and butter over low heat, stirring until smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream until the glaze is glossy and smooth.

4. Assemble the Boston Cream Cake:

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread the custard filling evenly over the top of the cake.
Carefully place the second layer of cake on top.
Pour the chocolate glaze over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula so it drips down the sides of the cake.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the glaze to set.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Boston Cream Cake

Making a homemade Boston Cream Cake gives you total control over the ingredients, allowing you to customize the sweetness, texture, and flavor to your liking. The combination of light cake, creamy custard, and rich chocolate glaze is simply irresistible.

Additionally, this easy Boston Cream Cake recipe allows you to recreate the authentic flavor of the classic Boston Cream Pie right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just to indulge in a delightful dessert, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Success

Chill the Cake: After you assemble the cake, make sure to refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This helps the custard filling set and allows the glaze to firm up, making it easier to slice.
Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of your eggs and dairy will greatly affect the taste and texture of the cake, so use the best ingredients you can find.
Customize the Chocolate: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, opt for milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet. You can also experiment with flavored extracts (like almond) for a unique twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought custard filling?
Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, using store-bought custard or pastry cream can be a great shortcut. However, homemade custard adds a rich, authentic flavor to the cake.

How do I store Boston Cream Cake?
Keep your Boston Cream Cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze Boston Cream Cake?
You can freeze the cake layers and custard separately, but the glaze may not hold up as well after freezing. If you plan to freeze the cake, assemble and glaze it just before serving.

Conclusion

This Boston Cream Cake Recipe is a delicious and elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of light cake, creamy custard, and rich chocolate glaze, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Follow our simple, step-by-step instructions for making this homemade treat, and you’ll have a beautiful, show-stopping cake that tastes as good as it looks.

Ready to bake? Gather your ingredients and start creating your own homemade Boston Cream Cake today!