Boston Cream Cake Recipe is a decadent dessert that combines light cake layers, a vanilla custard filling, and a rich chocolate glaze. Though it’s often confused with Boston Cream Pie, this cake version is perfect for anyone who enjoys a balance of creamy filling and chocolatey goodness, whether you’re making it for a holiday, birthday, or just because this dessert is guaranteed to delight.
What is Boston Cream Cake?
Boston Cream Cake is an American dessert that features two layers of fluffy vanilla cake filled with a smooth and creamy custard and topped with a chocolate glaze. The dessert is often mistaken for a pie, but it is technically a layered cake. This dessert’s creation can be traced back to the Parker House Hotel in Boston in the late 1800s, making it a true American classic.
Despite its name, Boston Cream Cake is quite different from Boston Cream Pie. While both feature a custard filling and chocolate topping, Boston Cream Cake uses two layers of cake, while Boston Cream Pie traditionally uses sponge cake. If you’re curious about the history behind Boston Cream Pie, you can read more about it on this page.
Why Make Boston Cream Cake Recipe at Home?
Baking your own Boston Cream Cake allows you to enjoy a fresher and more flavorful dessert than the store-bought versions. Plus, making it from scratch is an opportunity to customize the cake and ensure the ingredients are high quality.
- Fresher Ingredients: Homemade cake eliminates preservatives and artificial flavors often found in store-bought cakes.
- Customization: You can adjust the sweetness of the cream filling or choose organic ingredients.
- Impressive Presentation: This dessert is perfect for parties, birthdays, or family gatherings and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re looking for more tips on making the perfect chocolate glaze, check out this guide on chocolate glazing techniques.
For more cake recipes, you can also explore this Peach Cobbler Recipe, as a great option for cake mix-based desserts. It’s simple and delicious!
Ingredients for Boston Cream Cake Recipe
To make this rich and indulgent dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- Four large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- Two teaspoons of baking powder
- One teaspoon of vanilla extract
Cream Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- One tablespoon cornstarch
- Two tablespoons unsalted butter
- One teaspoon of vanilla extract
Chocolate Glaze Ingredients
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- Two tablespoons unsalted butter
- One tablespoon of corn syrup
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Boston Cream Cake
Here’s how you can create the perfect Boston Cream Cake at home:
Making the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Add the butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, and beat everything together until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
Making the Cream Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens.
- Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature before using.
Preparing the Chocolate Glaze
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one.
- Once smooth, stir in the corn syrup to achieve a glossy, smooth glaze.
Assembling the Boston Cream Cake
Now that all your components are ready, it’s time to assemble the cake:
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread the vanilla cream filling evenly over the first layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the filling.
- Pour the chocolate glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
How to Serve and Store Boston Cream Cake
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the cake chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or cold milk.
Storing the Cake
- Refrigerate: Keep the cake in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: If you want to store it for longer, wrap the slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months.
Boston Cream Cake Variations
While the classic version of this cake is delicious on its own, here are a few fun variations:
- Mini Boston Cream Cakes: Bake the cake in muffin tins to create individual servings.
- Fruit Filling: Add fresh strawberries or raspberries between the cake layers for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Cake: Use chocolate cake instead of vanilla for a richer dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some tips to ensure your Boston Cream Cake turns out perfect:
- Overbaking the Cake: Check the cake early to avoid drying it out.
- Runny Glaze: Make sure the glaze has cooled slightly before applying it to the cake.
- Soggy Layers: Let the cake layers cool completely before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Boston Cream Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers and make the cream filling in advance. Store the layers and filling separately in the fridge, and assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it.
How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy?
Let the cake layers cool completely before adding the filling to keep them from becoming soggy.
Can I make this cake gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour and use dairy-free butter and milk.
What if I don’t have cornstarch for the filling?
You can substitute arrowroot powder for the cornstarch or use a bit of extra flour to thicken the custard.
How do I store the cake overnight?
Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It will stay delicious for 2-3 days.
This article is designed for both beginner and experienced bakers looking to create a delicious Boston Cream Cake from scratch. The chocolate glaze, vanilla filling, and fluffy cake layers are the perfect combination to satisfy your sweet tooth.
For an easy and informative guide on making a chocolate glaze, check out this chocolate glaze recipe, or for a foolproof vanilla custard recipe, take a look at this custard recipe.
If you’re in the mood for more cake-based recipes, you might want to explore this Key Lime Cake Recipe or this Peach Cobbler Recipe, both of which offer a great variety of flavors.
