Boston Cream Cake – Soft, Creamy, and Indulgent

Boston Cream Cake is a decadent dessert that layers fluffy sponge cake with smooth vanilla pastry cream and finishes with a rich chocolate glaze. This classic treat is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and indulgent. Every slice delivers the perfect balance of light cake, creamy filling, and glossy chocolate topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Combination – Soft cake, creamy custard, and chocolate glaze in one dessert.
Luscious Cream Filling – Smooth vanilla pastry cream adds richness.
Decadent Finish – Topped with a glossy chocolate glaze for an elegant touch.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be chilled and served later for convenience.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Pastry Cream:

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Bake the Cake
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing until just combined. Divide batter between pans and bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
2. Prepare the Pastry Cream
   In a saucepan, heat milk until steaming but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly whisk in hot milk. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and chill until set.
3. Make the Chocolate Glaze
   In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream until simmering. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl and stir until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Cake
   Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread pastry cream evenly over the top. Place second cake layer on top. Pour chocolate glaze over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
5. Chill and Serve
   Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the cream to set. Serve chilled.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~380
Protein: 6g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 30g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Chill Pastry Cream Well – It needs to be thick and cold before assembling.
• Smooth Glaze – Let the chocolate cool slightly so it spreads without running off completely.
• Even Layers – Trim cake tops if needed for a smooth, even finish.

Why This Recipe Works

The light sponge layers pair beautifully with the creamy custard, while the glossy chocolate glaze ties everything together. Each bite is indulgent without being overly heavy, making it a dessert that feels both special and timeless.

Boston Cream Cake is a rich, creamy, and classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With fluffy cake, luscious pastry cream, and a decadent chocolate glaze, it’s a showstopping treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.