Skip to main content

The Best Chocolate Boston Cream Pie You'll Ever Taste

Boston cream pie is a favorite dessert in my family.  If you were to ask Hubby, he'd say I don't make it nearly enough.  This chocolate Boston cream pie came about for that reason.  

The other day I noticed I still had a chocolate layer cake in my freezer from a chocolate mousse cake I had recently made.  The texture of the chocolate cake from that recipe was one I thought would work well with the pastry cream of a Boston cream pie.  I was right.

Chocolate Boston Cream Pie

Chocolate cake filled with pastry cream
Chocolate Boston Cream Pie

This chocolate Boston cream pie is made completely from scratch but don't let that scare you away. The only difference between this cake and a traditional Boston cream pie is the substitution of chocolate cake, drizzled with a vanilla syrup, in place of a yellow cake.

There are three easy steps to this cake.  Consider making the cake ahead of time.  You can make the cake in advance and freeze it like I did.  The cake thaws quickly and you'll find it easier to cut the chilled cake in half before adding the pastry cream filling.

I have to tell you that I love this cake.  I also have to warn you that like me, you may end up eating more of it than you should.  

This chocolate Boston cream pie is an addictive cake.  I think I may like this chocolate version better than the traditional Boston cream pie.  I know that's heresy, but this is one darn-delicious cake!
Chocolate Boston Cream Pie

Chocolate Boston Cream Pie

Printer Friendly Recipe

To Make the Cake

Chocolate Boston Cream Pie
Chocolate Boston Cream Pie
Makes one 9" round layer cake

  • 2/3 cup cake flour
  • 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 3/4 teaspoon Kahlua

Syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar 
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom of the pan with waxed paper and grease the paper. Sift the flour, cocoa, and baking soda into a small bowl. Using your electric mixer, beat the egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar together in a medium bowl until very thick and light in color, about 3 minutes. Add the vanilla and Kahlua.  Stir to combine. 

In a separate bowl, using clean beaters beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, beating until stiff.  Fold 1/3 of the egg whites into the yolk mixture.  Alternate folding in the flour and egg whites, ending with the egg whites. Spread the batter evenly in the cake pan.

Bake the cake until puffed and the tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Cool in the pan on a rack.  Cut around the pan to loosen the cake. Turn the cake out onto your work surface.   Remove the paper. Using a long, serrated knife, cut the cake in half, horizontally.  Place half of the cake, cut side up, on your cake dish.  Drizzle half of syrup (about 3 1/2 tablespoons) over each side of the cake.

  1.  The Pastry Cream

  • 1 1/3 cups heavy cream
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • 4 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 2 pieces
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
Bring the heavy cream to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  While the cream is heating, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and salt together in a medium bowl until combined.  Whisk the cornstarch into the egg mixture until pale yellow and thick, about 30 seconds.

Slowly whisk half of the hot cream into the egg mixture to temper, then return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick and glossy, about 1 1/2 minutes. You'll want the mixture to come to a boil.  Be sure the pastry cream is very thick before you take it off the heat.  Off the heat, whisk in the butter and vanilla. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl, press plastic wrap directly on the surface, and refrigerate until chilled and set, about 2 hours.

The Ganache Topping

  •  4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1/8 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Place all of the ingredients in a microwaveable bowl and microwave the ingredients together at 50% power, whisking often, until melted and smooth, 2 to 4 minutes. Let the glaze cool, uncovered, until it is thickened but spoonable, about 20 minutes.

The Cake Assembly

Spoon the pastry cream onto the bottom half of the cake.  Spread evenly to the edges.  Top with the other half of the cake.  Pour the warm ganache over the top of the cake spreading to the edges and dripping down the sides, if desired.  Chill cake until ready to serve.

Get more yummy cake recipes from my Cakes Pinterest board.




Before you go...Never miss a Just One Donna post by signing up to receive posts in your email or your favorite RSS feed.  Links are in the sidebar.


Comments

  1. This looks so good. I just pinned it to make it this week!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I just tried to make the cake. After 18 minutes it is still wobbly and liquid in the middle. I'm going to let it bake some more. Fingers crossed!!!!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Talk to me. I welcome your comments. (These comments are strictly moderated. Spammers take note.)

More Popular Posts

Coffee and Dessert-A Perfect Pairing

Coffee and dessert go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly, night and day, or Thelma and Louise. I've teamed up with three blogging friends who love coffee and dessert as much as I do to bring you three of their favorite fall desserts to pair with three specialty coffee drinks I've made in the Ninja Coffee Bar System. I was very excited to receive this Ninja Coffee Bar System (Model CF092) to review.  I am by no means a coffee snob but I do like a good cup of coffee.  I also like a coffee maker that is easy to use and can be depended on to produce a consistent cup of coffee day in and day-out.  In the past few years, I have used a Keurig single-serving system, a French press, and a Cuisinart drip coffee maker. The Keurig is sitting on a shelf in my basement, the French press is on a high shelf in the kitchen and the Cuisinart sits in my beverage center waiting for me to return to it while I take the Ninja Coffee Bar System for a test drive.   I have...

How to Make a Perfect Bacon and Eggs Breakfast

In my opinion, the best breakfast consists of two perfectly fried eggs, crispy bacon, and toast made with hearty bread. This bacon and eggs recipe delivers. Bacon and eggs or eggs and bacon? No matter, it is definitely the breakfast you want on those lazy mornings when you have time to relax around the kitchen table, drinking a cup of coffee or two. The Best Bacon and Eggs Breakfast (This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience.  When you make a purchase using these links you help support this blog.) How to Cook Bacon and Eggs My technique was learned from my mom, by watching her make our family's breakfast over and over again, year after year.  This is a basted egg recipe which means the eggs are cooked in bacon grease. Cooking eggs in bacon fat is easy and takes just a little practice to perfect. All you really need for a great bacon and eggs breakfast is a good nonstick skillet and a good toaster . If you want to make your own bre...

The Best Asian Dipping Sauce You'll Ever Taste

If you're looking for a versatile, easy-to-make Asian dipping sauce perfect for sushi and dumplings, then you've come to the right place. This recipe for the best Asian dipping sauce is perfect for any time you want a  kick of delicious Asian flavor. An Asian Dipping Sauce for Sushi and Dumplings Try this if you are looking for a dipping sauce that is a little more flavorful than you typically get with your takeout order. You'll love it with dumplings, too!

Five Keys to Growing A Healthy Ficus Tree

Have you ever wondered how a single Ficus benjamina tree could become a beloved part of your home for decades, thriving and growing alongside your family?  If you haven’t yet, you might consider the addition of this living, air-purifying companion in your home that not only beautifies your space but also stands the test of time.  You may know this tree as either a Ficus benjamina or a weeping fig.   I have loved growing a ficus tree in my home for 36 years. It’s remarkable that I've had this tree for so long.   How to Grow A Ficus Tree Inside for Decades This post includes affiliate links. I may receive compensation when you use these links. When thinking about how I managed to keep this indoor ficus tree happy, healthy, and growing strong all these years it boiled down to five key Ficus benjamina plant care tips. Follow these tips and you can have a happy, healthy ficus tree in your home for many years, too.

Lemon Yogurt Cake

A Lemon Cake to Delight Lemon Lovers Something happens to my taste buds as soon as spring hits each year.  I start to crave lemon.  It seems like I can't stop thinking about lemon squares, lemon meringue pie, and lemon cake.  Does this happen to any of you?  It seems that my taste buds have seasons too!  Today I'm making a lemon yogurt cake to satisfy my desire for anything lemon and to use some of the slow cooker yogurt I have in the refrigerator. Lemon Yogurt Cake This is another Ina Garten recipe, from the Barefoot Contessa At Home.   It's a favorite because it is moist and lemony.  You'll like this recipe because it is really easy to make by hand.  No electric mixer is required.  So, when you are in the mood for a little sweet something you'll be able to whip this cake up in a snap. Lemon Yogurt Cake Printer Friendly Recipe Makes 1 loaf cake Ingredients Lemon Yogurt Cake Ingredients 1 1/2 cups all-p...

How to Trap and Get Rid of Fruit Flies

Fruit flies can be a huge annoyance at certain times of the year. What can you do to kill fruit flies? We've all been there wondering how to get rid of fruit flies.  Fruit flies in the kitchen.  Fruit flies in the bathroom.  Fruit flies buzzing around everywhere in your home.   It's a frustrating problem that happens to everyone at one time or another.  If you are a fresh fruit and produce lover you certainly know what I mean. How to Kill Fruit Flies with Two Ingredients Those pesky little buggers can often be brought into your home on the vegetables and fruit you buy. You don't have to tolerate the annoyance.  This homemade fruit fly trap is one I have been using for many years and it works every time. 

Traditional New England Whoopie Pies

Are you searching for the ultimate, classic New England whoopie pie recipe? Look no further! Whoopie pies are a beloved treat, a nostalgic dessert that evokes childhood memories and continues to delight today. My mom would make them for us every once in a while. Oh, what a treat to come home from school to a platter of chocolate whoopie pies! This recipe, inspired by traditional Maine-style whoopie pies, comes from my family recipe box. It delivers soft, chocolatey cakes with a rich, creamy cooked filling – no marshmallow fluff needed! The Best Whoopie Pies Recipe without Marshmallow Fluff This post includes affiliate links. Whoopie pies are essentially handheld cake sandwiches: soft, round, cake-like cookies embracing a luscious, creamy filling.  While their origin is debated, New Englanders proudly claim them as their own. This recipe focuses on the traditional Maine-style filling, a cooked flour and milk mixture that creates a uniquely satisfying t...

Grandma's Soft and Chewy Date-Filled Cookies

One of the things I can count on as the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons arrive each year is a feeling of nostalgia. The traditional foods we serve at our family's holiday tables can sure bring out all the feels. Now that it is officially cookie season, we should kick it off with an old-fashioned homemade date-filled cookie recipe. This is a soft, tender cookie with dates that is a special, nostalgic, family recipe.   An Old-Fashioned Date Cookies Recipe This old-fashioned, date-filled cookie was my dad's favorite cookie from his childhood. My dad was born in 1932 so this recipe has been around for quite a while. 

How to Care for African Violets

The burst of color from African violet flowers can really brighten up your home and perk up your spirits.  Is your thumb more brown than green?  Not to worry, African violet care is very easy. Read on to learn the best tips to care for African violets. How to Grow Beautiful African Violets (This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.  I will be compensated when you make a purchase using these links.) My African Violet Pin This Post For Later:   Seven Tips for African Violet Care Here's a nine-minute video that will show you how I care for my African violets. Watch My African Violet Care Video Seven Tips for African Violet Care African violets like diffused, bright light.   I have them in rooms with either a southern or a western exposure.  That's not to say that you can't grow them in other sunlight exposures, but these work beautifully for me.  It's best not to put your plants on a window sill.  Try ta...

Bread Machine Dinner Rolls

Are you looking for an easy dinner roll recipe? The easiest way to make fresh dinner rolls is with your bread machine. Relax while you use the dough setting of your bread machine to get the time-intensive steps out of the way. You'll be delighted with the results of this easy bread machine dinner roll recipe. The best bread machine dinner rolls are the ones you make yourself. How to Make Bread Machine Dinner Rolls This post contains Amazon affiliate links. When you use your bread machine to make dinner rolls most of the work is done by the machine.  You'll be delighted with how easy it is to make fresh rolls. While most of the work is being done by the bread machine you can be doing something else.