Classic Boston Cream Cake Recipe: Decadent Vanilla Sponge with Custard & Chocolate Glaze
A timeless dessert that marries fluffy vanilla sponge cake, velvety custard filling, and rich chocolate ganache—this Boston Cream Cake is a showstopper. Despite its name, it’s a cake through and through, offering layers of delicate texture and luxurious flavor. Perfect for birthdays, dinner parties, or a weekend baking project, this recipe balances simplicity with elegance.
Prep Time:
45 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Calories:
~380 kcal/slice
ingredients
For the Vanilla Sponge Cake
1½ cups (180g) cake flour (or all-purpose flour + 2 tbsp cornstarch)
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, cubed
3 large eggs, room temperature
1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
1½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Custard Filling
2 cups (475ml) whole milk
½ vanilla bean (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
6 large egg yolks
½ cup (100g) sugar
¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, cold
For the Chocolate Ganache
4 oz (115g) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
1 tbsp light corn syrup (optional, for shine)
Directions
1. Make the Custard Filling (Prepare First)
Heat milk and vanilla bean (scraped seeds + pod) in a saucepan until steaming. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes.
Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale. Gradually temper with hot milk, then return to the saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 2 minutes after boiling). Strain, stir in butter, and chill with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface.
2. Bake the Sponge Cake
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round pans with parchment.
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Heat milk and butter until melted; stir in vanilla.
Whip eggs and sugar until thick and pale (~5 minutes). Fold in dry ingredients, then the warm milk mixture. Divide batter between pans and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
3. Prepare the Ganache
Heat cream until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate; let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add corn syrup for gloss if desired.
4. Assemble the Cake
Split cooled cake layers horizontally. Spread chilled custard on the bottom layer, then top with the second layer.
Pour ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Chill for 2+ hours before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it called a “pie” if it’s a cake?
Historically, cakes were baked in pie tins, hence the name. The original 19th-century version lacked chocolate glaze, which was added later .
2. Can I use instant pudding for the custard?
Homemade custard is recommended for superior texture and flavor, but pudding mix can be a shortcut (adjust sweetness) .
3. How do I prevent a soggy cake?
Ensure custard is fully chilled before assembling.
Brush cake layers with simple syrup (equal parts sugar + water) for moisture without sogginess.
4. Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prepare components separately:
Custard keeps for 2 days refrigerated.
Cake layers can be frozen for 1 month. Assemble the day of serving.
5. Why did my ganache crack?
Overheating or rapid cooling can cause cracks. Let ganache cool to 95°F (35°C) before pouring for a smooth finish.
Tools You'll Need
9-inch round cake pans
Parchment paper
Stand mixer or hand mixer
Saucepan and whisk
Fine-mesh strainer (for custard)
Offset spatula (for ganache)
Tips
Room-temperature eggs whip better for a lighter cake.
Chill custard thoroughly to avoid a runny filling.
Use high-quality chocolate (60–70% cacao) for ganache depth.
Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts.
Allergy Information
Contains: Gluten, dairy, eggs.
Gluten-Free: Substitute 1:1 GF flour blend.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and vegan butter (note: texture may vary).
Egg-Free: Replace custard with cornstarch-based pudding (adjust thickness).
Conclusion
This Boston Cream Cake is a celebration of contrasts—tender cake, silky custard, and glossy chocolate—uniting in every bite. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises impressive results with approachable steps. Share your creation with loved ones (or savor it solo!), and don’t forget to tag your photos online. Happy baking!
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