Boston cream pie

Boston Cream Pie, despite its name, is not a pie at all but a delectable cake with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Combining layers of tender sponge cake, velvety vanilla custard, and a smooth chocolate ganache, it’s a dessert that never goes out of style. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a classic Boston Cream Pie that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

For the Sponge Cake:

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Equipment:

• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Offset spatula

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Sponge Cake:

• In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
• In another mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in thirds, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

3. Bake the Sponge Cake:

• Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with an offset spatula.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cakes are golden brown.
• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Vanilla Custard Filling:

• In a saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar and cornstarch. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth.
• Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
• In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in a small amount of the hot milk mixture to temper the yolks, then return the yolk mixture to the saucepan.
• Continue cooking and stirring until the custard thickens further, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract.
• Transfer the custard to a clean bowl, cover it with plastic wrap (making sure the wrap touches the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until cool.

5. Assemble the Boston Cream Pie:

• Place one of the cooled sponge cakes on a serving plate.
• Spread the chilled vanilla custard evenly over the top of the first cake layer.
• Gently place the second cake layer on top of the custard.

6. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

• In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, heat the heavy cream until it’s hot but not boiling.
• Pour the hot cream over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and shiny.

7. Coat the Cake with Ganache:

• Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to flow down the sides.
• Use an offset spatula to smooth the ganache evenly over the cake’s top and sides.

8. Chill and Serve:

• Refrigerate the Boston Cream Pie for at least an hour to allow the ganache to set.
• Once set, slice and serve your classic Boston Cream Pie, showcasing the exquisite layers of sponge cake, luscious custard, and decadent chocolate ganache.

9. Enjoy Your Homemade Masterpiece:

• Revel in the delightful combination of flavors and textures that make Boston