Boston cream pie

File:Boston cream pie with chocolate drizzle.jpg

Boston cream pie with chocolate drizzle

The Boston cream pie is a classic American dessert that consists of a yellow butter cake filled with custard or cream and topped with a chocolate glaze. Despite its name, it is not a pie but a cake. The dessert is a staple in American cuisine and is particularly associated with the city of Boston, Massachusetts.

History

The Boston cream pie was created in the mid-19th century at the Parker House Hotel in Boston. The hotel, now known as the Omni Parker House, claims that the dessert was invented by its French chef, Sanzian, in 1856. Originally called "Chocolate Cream Pie," the dessert gained popularity and eventually became known as the Boston cream pie.

Composition

Boston cream pie with heavy filling

The traditional Boston cream pie consists of two layers of sponge cake filled with a thick layer of pastry cream. The top of the cake is coated with a chocolate glaze, typically made from chocolate and cream. Some variations of the dessert may include additional layers or different types of chocolate toppings.

Cake

The cake used in a Boston cream pie is typically a sponge cake or a butter cake. The cake is light and airy, providing a delicate base for the rich filling and topping.

Filling

The filling is a pastry cream, which is a type of custard made from milk, sugar, eggs, and cornstarch. The cream is thick and smooth, providing a rich contrast to the light cake.

Topping

The chocolate glaze is made by melting chocolate with cream to create a smooth, glossy finish. Some recipes may add a touch of vanilla or butter to enhance the flavor.

Cultural Significance

The Boston cream pie holds a special place in American culinary history. It was declared the official dessert of Massachusetts in 1996. The dessert is celebrated annually on October 23rd as National Boston Cream Pie Day.

Variations

While the classic Boston cream pie remains popular, there are several variations of the dessert. Some versions use chocolate cake instead of yellow cake, while others incorporate additional flavors such as coffee or rum. Miniature versions of the dessert, known as Boston cream pie cupcakes, are also popular.

Related Pages

• Custard
• Sponge cake
• Chocolate glaze
• American cuisine

Boston cream pie