Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake Recipe
The Ultimate Dessert Fusion You Need to Try!
Boston Cream Pie is already a classic dessert beloved for its layers of sponge cake, rich pastry cream, and glossy chocolate ganache topping. Cheesecake, on the other hand, is creamy, indulgent, and one of the most popular desserts in the world. Now imagine what happens when you combine these two favorites into one show-stopping dessert: the Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake.
This recipe takes the elegance of Boston Cream Pie and the richness of New York–style cheesecake and brings them together in layers:
- A buttery graham cracker crust,
- A silky, rich cheesecake filling,
- A smooth layer of pastry cream, and
- A glossy chocolate ganache on top.
The result is a dessert that looks bakery-worthy but can easily be made at home. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you want to impress guests with a decadent homemade treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Pastry Cream:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even layer.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- Lower oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour.
- Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is best for flavor and texture).
3. Make the Pastry Cream
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth and pale.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs (this prevents scrambling).
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened (3–5 minutes).
- Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, then transfer to a bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface (to prevent a skin from forming) and let cool completely.
- Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, spread the pastry cream evenly on top.
4. Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
- Let it sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth and shiny.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the pastry cream layer.
- Smooth with a spatula, letting it drip slightly down the sides for a bakery-style look.
5. Chill, Slice & Serve
- Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the ganache.
- When ready to serve, run a knife under hot water, wipe dry, and slice for clean cuts.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the perfect combination of cheesecake, pastry cream, and chocolate!
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother cheesecake filling.
- Don’t skip the chilling time—both the cheesecake and pastry cream need proper cooling to set.
- For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water before each cut.
- You can prepare this dessert 1–2 days in advance, making it perfect for entertaining.
Variations You Can Try
- Fruit Twist: Add fresh strawberries or raspberries between the pastry cream and ganache.
- Cookie Crust: Use crushed Oreos instead of graham crackers for a richer flavor.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Make this recipe in muffin tins for individual servings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake isn’t just another dessert; it’s a true showstopper. The creamy cheesecake base balances beautifully with the light pastry cream, while the glossy chocolate ganache adds the perfect finishing touch. Every bite has layers of texture and flavor that make it unforgettable.