Homemade Mini Boston Cream Pies Recipe (2024)

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Indulge in the irresistible charm of Boston Cream Pie Mini Tarts with a delightful twist on this beloved classic dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these bite-sized treats will dazzle your taste buds with their creamy custard filling and decadent chocolate ganache topping.

Are you ready to elevate your dessert game to a whole new level of decadence? Look no further than this homemade Mini Boston Cream Pies recipe, guaranteed to satisfy even the most insatiable sweet tooth. In this blog post, I’ll take you through creating these irresistible treats, from mastering the perfect custard filling to assembling and decorating your mini pies. Get ready to impress your loved ones with a dessert that is as luxurious as it is delicious. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and dive into indulgent sweetness.

What is Boston Cream Pie?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of creating the perfect custard filling for your mini Boston cream pies, let’s first explore the origins and essence of the iconic Boston Cream Pie. Hailing from Boston, this delectable dessert is a classic combination of two layers of sponge cake sandwiching a rich, creamy custard filling, all topped off with a luscious chocolate glaze.

Despite its name, Boston Cream Pie is a cake rather than a pie, with its distinctive layers and decadent flavor profile making it a favorite among dessert enthusiasts. Stay tuned as we uncover the secrets behind this beloved treat and how to recreate it in miniature form with our homemade recipe.

Making the Perfect Custard Filling

Attention to detail is critical when making the perfect custard filling for your homemade mini Boston cream pies. The custard should be velvety smooth, rich in flavor, and thick enough to hold its own between the layers of sponge cake. To achieve this, it’s essential to heat the milk, sugar, egg yolks slowly, and cornstarch, stirring constantly until it thickens to the perfect consistency. Be sure to strain the custard before using it to remove any lumps and ensure a silky texture that will elevate your mini pies to gourmet status.

Homemade Mini Boston Cream Pies Recipe (2)

This creamy custard filling is the heart of your mini Boston cream pies, providing a luxurious contrast to the light sponge cake and decadent chocolate glaze. With patience and precision, you can achieve custard perfection that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Get ready to take your mini pies to the next level as we delve into the assembly and decoration process, putting the finishing touches on your culinary masterpiece.

Assembling and Decorating Your Mini Pie Tarts

Once you have crafted the perfect custard filling, it’s time to assemble and decorate your mini Boston cream pies. Start by carefully adding a generous dollop of the velvety custard to the mini pie tarts, ensuring an even distribution of the rich filling. Top each pie with a decadent drizzle of chocolate glaze, using a steady hand to create a flawless finish. These final touches will enhance the visual appeal of your mini pies and add an extra layer of indulgence to each bite. Get ready to impress your guests with these irresistible treats that will surely be the star of any gathering.

Next, we will share some tips for serving and storing your mini Boston cream pies to maintain their fresh and delicious flavor for as long as possible.

Tips for Serving and Storing

To ensure your mini Boston cream pies are served at their best, it’s essential to keep a few key tips in mind.

  1. When serving these delectable treats, consider allowing them to come to room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying them. This will help the flavors to develop fully and the filling to soften slightly, creating a more luxurious eating experience.
  1. When storing your mini Boston cream pies, it’s best to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to preserve their freshness and prevent them from drying out. If you plan on enjoying them over a few days, consume them within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.

By following these simple tips for serving and storing your mini Boston cream pies, you can ensure that they maintain their exquisite taste and presentation for as long as possible. Get ready to wow your guests with these irresistible homemade treats that delight all who partake.

In conclusion, mastering the art of creating Mini Boston Cream Pies is a delightful journey, from understanding the essence of this classic dessert to perfecting the custard filling and decoration. Following the steps outlined in this recipe, you can impress your loved ones with a decadent treat that is as visually stunning as delicious.

Pastry Cream filling adapted from The Kitchen

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I make these tarts in advance?

Absolutely! These mini tarts are a great make-ahead dessert option. You can prepare the pastry shells and custard filling ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble the tarts by filling the shells with the custard and topping them with the ganache. Chill until set, and they’ll be ready to enjoy.

Can I customize the flavors of these tarts?

Certainly! While the classic combination of vanilla custard and chocolate ganache is irresistible, you can get creative with flavors. Add a splash of almond extract to the custard for an almond-flavored twist, or infuse the ganache with a hint of coffee for a mocha variation. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate for the ganache, such as dark or white chocolate, to suit your taste preferences.

Is there an easier substitution for vanilla pastry cream in Boston Cream Pie Mini Tarts?

Yes, there is a simpler alternative to making homemade pastry filling for your Boston Cream Pie Mini Tarts. You can use instant vanilla pudding or custard mix as a convenient and time-saving option. Simply follow the instructions on the package to prepare the pudding or custard, then use it to fill the pastry shells instead of the homemade custard filling. This substitution reduces preparation time without sacrificing flavor, making it perfect for busy bakers or those looking for a shortcut. Allow the pudding or custard to chill and set before topping the tarts with chocolate ganache.

Similar Recipes

If you like this recipe, you will enjoy the recipes below:

  • Easy Fruit Parfaits with Homemade Custard
  • Mixed Berry Layered Dessert Cups
  • Creme Brulee Tarts
  • No-Bake Banana Pudding Parfaits
  • Quick and Easy No Bake Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits

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Homemade Mini Boston Cream Pies Recipe (4)

Boston Cream Pie Mini Tarts

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  • Author: Nicole Washington
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 mins
  • Yield: 32 1x
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Description

Indulge in our easy Boston Cream Pie Mini Tarts recipe – a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Units Scale

  • 1 1/2 c. whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/4 c. flour
  • 1/4 tsp. Salt
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 tsp. Vanilla extract
  • 1 c. semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 c. heavy cream
  • 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
  • 32 shortbread tart shells
  • Chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Combine the egg yolks, sugar, flour, and salt in a small bowl. It will look like a thick paste, but that’s okay.
  2. Warm the milk in a small saucepan on the stove until it steams. Very slowly, whisk in the warm milk into the egg yolk paste mixture to ensure the egg yolks don’t scramble. It will begin to look thin and frothy, but this, too, is okay.
  3. Turn the custard mixture back to the stove in the small saucepan on low to medium heat. Constantly stir the custard mixture as it begins to thicken. Once the custard looks like pudding, remove it from the heat and add vanilla extract. Pour into a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, allowing the wrap to be placed directly on top of the custard to prevent skin from developing. Chill in the refrigerator.
  4. Turn the chocolate chips to a small heat-safe bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a slight bowl. Pour the heavy cream on top of the chocolate chips and use a rubber spatula to stir them, allowing them to dissolve slowly. Once dissolved and smooth, add vanilla extract and allow to cool by placing it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  5. Place the shortbread tarts on a serving tray and spoon about ½ tbsp. Spoon the chocolate ganache on top of the custard in the shells. Top off the shells with chocolate shavings and serve or place back into the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Assemble
  • Cuisine: American
Homemade Mini Boston Cream Pies Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What thickens a cream pie? ›

Flour as Pie Filling Thickener

Teaspoon for teaspoon, you will need to use about twice as much flour as you would cornstarch or tapioca to achieve the same thickening effects. Adding too much flour to your pie filling will turn it cloudy and pasty, with a distinctly floury taste.

What is the difference between Boston cream pie and Boston cream cake? ›

A Boston cream pie is a cake with a cream filling. The dessert acquired its name when cakes and pies were cooked in the same pans, and the words were used interchangeably. In the late 19th century, this type of cake was variously called a "cream pie", a "chocolate cream pie", or a "custard cake".

Does Boston cream pie need to be refrigerated? ›

You should DEFINITELY refrigerate Boston Cream Pie. The pastry cream is highly perishable and will go bad if left out at room temperature for more than an hour or two and it will soften and not be able to support the heavy ganache on top especially after you've started cutting into it.

What is cream pie filling made of? ›

A cream pie, crème pie, or creme pie is a type of pie filled with a rich custard or pudding that is made from milk, cream, sugar, wheat flour, and eggs and typically topped with whipped cream.

What is the difference between Bavarian cream and Boston cream? ›

Bavarian cream involves milk, eggs, sugar, and often vanilla extract, the same as Boston cream. But then the two ingredient lists diverge: Bavarian cream includes heavy cream and gelatin, while Boston cream involves cornstarch.

Is cornstarch or flour better for pie filling? ›

Cornstarch makes for a shiny, glossy filling. A little goes a long way because it has twice the gelling power of flour. Flour thickens nicely but leaves more of a matte finish. You'll need to use twice as much as you would with cornstarch.

What causes a cream pie to get watery? ›

It may not have set properly if the custard wasn't cooked long enough or if it wasn't chilled adequately. Ensure you follow the recipe's instructions for both cooking and chilling times, and consider refrigerating the pie for a longer period if needed.

Which is better flour or cornstarch? ›

Cornstarch is a pure carbohydrate, but flour has more nutrients. Cornstarch is a common ingredient in a wide variety of foods and beverages. It's used by home cooks and in commercial settings. Cornstarch is not a very nutrient-rich food, though, so it's an open question whether or not cornstarch is bad for you.

What is another name for a Boston Cream Pie? ›

Other similar names were cream pie or custard cake. There are three parts to a Boston Cream Pie: the cake, the custard and the chocolate ganache. The Cake: This is a butter sponge, the same one that I use in this strawberry cake because of its versatility, classic flavour and lightness.

What is a fun fact about Boston Cream Pie? ›

It was first invented in 1856, by an Armenian-French chef named Sanzian. At the time, chocolate frosting was a fairly new idea, so the delicious dessert took the world by storm. And to this day, it remains a popular menu selection. It's even the official dessert of Massachusetts!

Is Bavarian and Boston Creme the same? ›

The doughnut adaptation of the pie is popular not only in Massachusetts but throughout the United States and Canada. Also filled with the same cream, the Bavarian cream doughnut differs from the Boston cream doughnut in that, instead of a chocolate glaze topping, the Bavarian cream doughnut is tossed in powdered sugar.

What restaurant invented the Boston Cream Pie? ›

The Boston Cream Pie is a timeless, culinary creation dating back to 1856. The dessert was first created and served at the grand opening of Boston's Parker House, now widely known as Omni Parker House, nestled in downtown Boston, MA.

Can you eat a day old Boston cream donut? ›

Donuts are always best served fresh but will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

Does Boston Cream Pie go bad? ›

Do You Refrigerate Boston Cream Pie? Yes, it must be refrigerated because it's filled with pastry cream. If you leave the cake out for too long, the pastry cream may go bad. You may refrigerate the cake for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

What does Boston cream have? ›

The Boston cream doughnut (or Boston cream pie doughnut, also spelled donut, or simply Boston Cream) is a round, solid, yeast-risen doughnut with chocolate frosting and a custard filling, resulting in a doughnut reminiscent of a miniature Boston cream pie.

What is Boston cream donut filling made of? ›

Boston cream donuts are always topped with chocolate and filled with pastry cream, just like a Boston cream pie or my Boston cream cupcakes.

Why is Boston cream so good? ›

Vanilla custard filling- these donuts are filled with a creamy and velvety smooth vanilla custard filling that melts in your mouth. Chocolate ganache topping- after every donut is filled with pastry cream, each donut is dipped in silky and rich chocolate ganache which takes these to the next level.

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