From Paris to Parker House 🇫🇷 The Intriguing Journey of Boston Cream Pie

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The origin of Boston cream pie can be traced back to, naturally, Boston. Despite its name though, Boston cream pie is not actually a pie but rather a cake. It is a layered dessert consisting of two round sponge cake layers with a creamy custard filling and a chocolate glaze on top.

The exact origins of the Boston cream pie are a subject of some debate, but it is widely believed to have been created by a French chef named M. Sanzian at Boston's Parker House Hotel (now known as the Omni Parker House) in the mid-19th century. The hotel, established in 1855, was known for its culinary excellence and innovative dishes.

The Parker House as it looked in 1866, eleven years after opening

Originally called "Parker House Chocolate Cream Pie," it quickly gained popularity and became a signature dessert of the hotel. The recipe was published in the hotel's cookbook, "The Cook's Own Book," in 1856. Over time, it became known as Boston cream pie and gained recognition as a classic American dessert, worldwide.

The combination of the light sponge cake, smooth custard filling, and rich chocolate glaze proved to be a winning combination, and Boston cream pie has since become a beloved dessert across the United States. In 1996, it was officially declared the official dessert of Massachusetts through a unanimous vote by the Massachusetts legislature.

Do you like Boston Cream Pie? Let us know in the comments!