Overhead view of a three-layered Boston Cream Cake on a white ceramic stand, featuring glossy chocolate ganache, rich yellow custard filling, and rose petals on a dark marble surface, with dramatic lighting and a vintage silver cake server nearby.

Classic Boston Cream Birthday Cake: A Slice of Sweet Tradition

Classic Boston Cream Birthday Cake: A Slice of Sweet Tradition

Quick Facts:

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling)
Servings: 16 slices
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: Approximately $12

Why You’ll Love This Cake

This isn’t just any birthday cake – it’s a legendary Boston classic that combines tender yellow cake, silky vanilla custard, and rich chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrations that demand something extraordinary!

Kitchen Gear You’ll Need:
Ingredients Lineup
For the Cake:
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
Custard Filling:
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 5 egg yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons cold butter
Chocolate Ganache:
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup
Pro Baking Tips:
  • Room temperature ingredients are KEY
  • Don’t overmix your cake batter
  • Strain custard for ultimate smoothness
  • Silicone baking mats make cleanup a breeze
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare Cake Layers
  • Close-up of hands creaming butter and sugar in a stainless steel stand mixer bowl, surrounded by fresh ingredients like eggs and flour on a marble countertop, with soft natural lighting creating a warm kitchen atmosphere. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy
  • Add eggs one at a time
  • Mix dry ingredients separately
  • Combine wet and dry, mix until just combined
  • Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes
  • Cool completely
2. Make Custard Filling
  • Whisk egg yolks with sugar
  • Heat milk, temper eggs
  • Cook until thick
  • Strain and chill for 2 hours
3. Create Chocolate Ganache
  • Heat cream
  • Pour over chocolate
  • Whisk until smooth
  • Let cool slightly
4. Assemble the Cake
  • Split cake layers
  • Spread custard between layers
  • Dramatic overhead shot of a Boston cream cake on a vintage white cake stand, featuring chocolate ganache drizzling down layers, golden custard visible, and decorated with rose petals and gold leaf accents, enhanced by moody lighting. Pour ganache over top
  • Chill for 1 hour before serving
Troubleshooting:
  • Custard too runny? Cook longer
  • Ganache splitting? Whisk more
  • Cake dry? Check oven temperature
Storage Secrets:
  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cover loosely with plastic wrap
  • Best served chilled
Fun Variations:
  • Cupcake version
  • Gluten-free adaptation
  • Add fresh berries for pop
Dietary Heads Up:
  • Contains: Wheat, Eggs, Dairy
  • Not vegan or gluten-free

Cake Stand for Presentation Pro Tip: Elevate your cake game with a stunning display!

Enjoy your Boston Cream masterpiece!

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