Boston Cream Pie is a dessert shrouded in mystery, mainly because many wonder why it is called a pie. The dessert features two layers of white cake with custard cream between the two and a chocolate topping. There is nothing pie-like about it. So why is it called a pie?
Well, no one really has the answer, but one possibility is that in the New England area, during the mid-19th century, many cakes were baked in pie tins. That could be why early variations of the recipe resembled pies. Although no one can be sure of why the dessert is called a pie, the association with the city of Boston is pretty clear.
The Parker House Hotel, located in Boston, lays claim to being the first to serve the cake dating back to its opening in 1856. Its creation is credited to their in-house Chef Sanzian. The first versions of the dessert were called the Chocolate Cream Pie or Parker House Chocolate Cream Pie.
In 1879, the recipe for Boston Cream Cakes appeared in the cookbook Housekeeping in Old Virginia. It was written by a woman named Marion Cabell Tyree.
In 1996, a bill was proposed by a civics class from Boston’s Norton High School to make the Boston Cream Pie the state’s dessert. The bill passed on Dec. 12 of that year. The dessert beat out other desserts like Indian pudding and the Toll House Cookie that also originated in the state.
Over the years, Boston cream has become a flavor in and of itself. Its primary ingredients have been used to make donuts, cupcakes, pastries, ice cream, and more. Boston cream has an almost tangy flavor to it that almost always pairs nicely with fried dough.
Our recipe is pretty simple and basic and uses a store-bought cake mix. However, those who want to spend time making a dessert with a more homemade taste can try their hand at creating a cake from scratch.
Either way, this is sure to be a favorite with friends, family, and loved ones no matter what state you live in! A fun cultural fact is that Boston Cream Pie is actually more popular outside of Boston nowadays.
This Boston Cream Pie recipe uses fluffy yellow cake filled with luscious layers of vanilla pudding then enrobed in a dark hot fudge topping. Decadent and delicious!
Boston Cream Pie
Ingredients:
1 box yellow cake mix
1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
2 3/4 cups cold milk
16 ounces hot fudge topping, warmed
maraschino cherries (for garnish)
whipped cream (one can)
Directions:
1. Prepare yellow cake mix according to package directions.
2. Bake in two round cake pans, cool.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the pudding mix and milk at low speed for 2-3 minutes. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
4. Place firm, chilled pudding between layers of cake. Top with fudge topping, and pipe whipped cream around the edges. Garnish with maraschino cherries if desired.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©maxfeld/Shutterstock.com.