Craving a classic American dessert with a touch of delicious nostalgia? Let me introduce you to Boston Banana Cream Pie —a luscious, multilayer cake featuring soft vanilla cake, rich banana cream filling, and a decadent chocolate glaze. Even though it’s called a pie, it’s technically a cake, one that beautifully marries the flavors of bananas and cream with velvety chocolate on top.
This is the perfect dessert to grace any celebration, or if you just want to treat yourself to a little slice of heaven. What’s more, this recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and delivers satisfying results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy: The flavorful banana filling offers a delicious contrast to the light, airy cake.
- Decadent Chocolate Glaze: A simple yet mouth-watering chocolate glaze brings it all together.
- Versatile: Perfect for any special occasion, from birthdays and holidays to weekend indulgences.
So, let’s dive in and get started on this iconic sweet treat!
Ingredients & Tools
Before we get started with the actual baking process, it’s important to gather all your ingredients and ensure you have the required kitchen tools on hand. Doing this prep work will make the process smoother and help you achieve the best results.
Ingredients
For the Cake :
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour – Gives structure to the cake.
- ¾ cup granulated white sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – Essential for a nice rise.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- ⅔ cup milk – Adds richness and makes your cake light and fluffy.
- ¼ cup shortening – Helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Elevates the flavor of the cake.
- 1 large egg – Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients.
For the Banana Cream Filling :
- ½ cup granulated white sugar – Adds the right amount of sweetness to the filling.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the cream filling.
- ⅛ teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to bring out flavors.
- 1⅓ cups milk – Gives the filling a rich, creamy texture.
- 1 large egg, slightly beaten – Enriches the filling and helps thicken it.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted – Adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the filling flavor.
- 2 large bananas – Sliced thin, they are the stars of the show, providing delightful banana flavor.
For the Chocolate Glaze :
- 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped – Brings the deep chocolate flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Ensures a smooth, shiny glaze.
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted – Adds sweetness and helps the glaze firm up.
- 1 dash salt – Balances the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to the glaze.
- 3 tablespoons milk – Adjusts the thickness of the glaze as you like.
Required Kitchen Tools :
- 9-inch round cake pan – To bake the perfect cake base.
- Mixing bowls – At least two: one for the cake batter and one for the filling.
- Hand or stand mixer – Helps with mixing the batter efficiently for a smooth texture.
- Saucepan – For preparing the filling.
- Whisk and spatula – Essential for mixing and folding ingredients.
- Wire cooling rack – To cool your cake evenly.
- Long knife or cake leveler – To split your cake horizontally for filling.
Having all these ingredients and tools ready will allow the assembly and execution of the Boston Banana Cream Pie to be a breeze. Now, let’s move on to actually baking the cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients and tools, we can embark on the fun part: baking and assembling your delicious Boston Banana Cream Pie . Below, I’ve broken down each step so you can confidently bring each element together!
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) . While it’s warming up, grease the bottom of a 9-inch round pan and line it with parchment paper. Spray the lined pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy release after baking. - Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1¼ cups all-purpose flour , ¾ cup granulated sugar , 2 teaspoons baking powder , and ¼ teaspoon salt . Add ⅔ cup milk , ¼ cup shortening , 1 teaspoon vanilla extract , and 1 large egg .
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for at least 2 minutes or until the batter is smooth and creamy. - Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the cake! - Cool the Cake
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes . Then, carefully remove the cake from the pan by inverting it onto a wire cooling rack . Peel off the parchment paper and let the cake cool completely before moving on to the next step. - Split the Cake
Once your cake is completely cooled, use a long, thin knife or a cake leveler to carefully slice the cake in half horizontally, creating two even layers. This step is crucial, so be patient and use a light hand.
Step 2: Make the Banana Cream Filling
- Cook the Filling Base
In a medium saucepan , combine ½ cup granulated sugar , 3 tablespoons flour , and ⅛ teaspoon salt . Gradually whisk in 1⅓ cups milk , ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until it thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Let it boil for one minute , continuing to stir constantly. - Temper the Egg
To avoid scrambled eggs in your cream filling, you’ll need to temper the slightly beaten egg . Take about ¼ cup of the hot filling mixture and slowly whisk it into the beaten egg, warming it up gradually. Then, whisk that mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the filling. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until bubbly, stirring constantly. - Finish the Filling
Finally, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract . Let the filling cool slightly, stirring occasionally to avoid a skin forming on top.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake and Filling
- Fill the Cake
Place the bottom half of your cooled, sliced cake onto a serving platter. Spread half of the banana cream filling evenly across the surface. - Layer the Banana Slices
Take your 2 large bananas , already sliced into ¼-inch rounds , and arrange them in a single layer over the filling. Be sure to place banana slices near the edges for a visually appealing presentation when the cake is sliced. - Top with Remaining Filling and Cake
Spread the rest of the banana cream filling over the banana slices, creating an even, luscious layer. Carefully place the second layer of the cake on top, with the cut side facing down.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Glaze
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a small saucepan set over low heat , combine 1 ounce of chopped unsweetened chocolate and 2 tablespoons butter . Stir frequently until both are melted and smooth, taking care not to overheat the mixture. - Add Remaining Ingredients
Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in 1 cup sifted powdered sugar , ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract , a small dash of salt , and 3 tablespoons milk . Stir until fully combined and smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add small amounts of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you achieve the perfect pourable consistency.
Finishing, Serving, and Storing (First Draft)
You’re almost there! Now, it’s time to add the final touch: that glossy, drool-worthy chocolate glaze . Once that’s done, your Boston Banana Cream Pie will be ready to serve!
Step 5: Glazing the Cake
- Pour the Glaze
Once your chocolate glaze is smooth and glossy, pour it gently over the top of the cake. You can use a spatula to evenly spread the glaze, allowing some of it to naturally drizzle down the sides (this gives it that beautiful, classic look).Tip: Don’t worry too much about perfection here—drips down the sides add to the charm of the dessert! - Let It Set
While the glaze will firm up on its own fairly quickly, if you want it fully set before serving, you can pop the whole cake in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes .
Step 6: Serve It Up
- Slice and Serve
Once the cake and glaze are set, it’s ready to be sliced and enjoyed! For a neat slice, it helps to use a sharp, non-serrated knife and carefully glide through the cake, wiping the knife between cuts if necessary. - Optional Garnishes
While the chocolate glaze is already a delightful finish, you can take it even further by topping the cake with extra banana slices, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream on each slice. This will add some more visual appeal for those Instagram-worthy slices!
Storage Instructions :
- Storing Your Boston Banana Cream Pie
Since this cake contains banana and an egg-based filling, it’s best stored in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight cake container. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days in the fridge. - Freezing Tips
If you’d like to freeze the cake, you can! Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month . When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the slices overnight in the fridge. However, freezing might slightly alter the texture of the banana filling.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve just mastered the art of creating a homemade Boston Banana Cream Pie ! It’s a true showstopper with its multiple layers of vanilla cake, rich banana cream, and a glossy chocolate finish. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or any time you’re in the mood for something indulgent, this cake not only tastes great but also has an impressive presentation.