Peanut Butter Boston Cream Pie
This peanut butter Boston cream pie is a light and spongy vanilla genoise layered with a peanut butter pastry cream and topped with a rich chocolate ganache.
Usually, on Father’s Day, I try to keep my focus on my hubby and his dad, a.k.a.: Pop, and his brother, Gunkle Mike. It always makes for a happy day.
This year, I made peanut butter Boston cream pie in honor of my late father, for Father’s Day. He loved peanut butter, and Boston cream pie, so I know my dad would have loved it. I hope you do as well!
You see, my own father, who was also probably the best friend I have ever known, passed away six years ago, just before the birth of my first child. I still cannot even type those words without crying, but since I am strive to be the eternal optimist, I often remind myself of what I’ve come to see as the silver lining: if there is ever a good time to lose a loved one, that time is shortly before that completely life-altering moment where you become a parent for the first time.
I had a few months to grieve, to feel angry and sorry for myself, and for my father, what he suffered through and the battle he ultimately lost, how unfair that I finally made the leap to start a family, not because I was necessarily “ready” for it, but because I wanted to give my dad the experience of being a grandfather, and he came so close, yet missed…. It was what it should have been: a sad time in my history.
Once my son was born, it put an abrupt end to the wallowing. It’s simply not possible any more, once a helpless seven-pound round-the-clock-wailing infant is handed over to your care.
There is no choice but to leave that sadness behind you, and focus instead on attending to the task at hand, and on that warm, glowing seed of all-consuming love that has taken root in that empty place….
I try not to look backward. My love for my father will always be there, and not a day goes by that I don’t reflect upon it. But with a life so abundant in blessings, I have no right to feel down.
This post is dedicated to all of the fathers I’m grateful to have in my life: David, Alan, Michael, and Jared….
….to my two beautiful children, who fill my every day with love and gratitude….
….and in the memory of my own father, Tom, who loved peanut butter, and Boston cream pie.
….thanks, Dad, for always reminding me about silver linings.
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Peanut Butter Boston Cream Pie
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Pastry Cream
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (31.25 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups (354.88 ml) milk, (whole, 2%, or 1%)
- 6 egg yolks, (large)
- 1/2 cup (129 g) smooth peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Genoise
- 3 tablespoons (44.36 g) unsalted butter,, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 g) cake flour
- 2/3 cup (133.33 g) granulated sugar,, divided
- 4 eggs, (large)
For the Ganache
- 1/2 cup (118.29 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces (113.4 g) semisweet chocolate, or chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (59.15 ml) corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
To make the Peanut Butter Pastry Cream:
- In a medium pot, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, then cook the mixture over medium-high until bubbling and thick.
- Whisk some of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, to warm them, then add the warmed yolks into the pot, and cook over medium-low flame, whisking, until bubbling and thick.
- Stir the peanut butter and vanilla extract into the pastry cream, then strain into a heat-safe bowl, place plastic wrap over the surface, and chill.
To make the Genoise:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Combine the warm melted butter and vanilla extract; set aside.
- Sift the flour together with 3 tablespoons of the sugar.
- Combine the eggs and the remaining sugar in a mixing bowl, and set over a large bowl of very hot water.
- Mix with your hand until warm to the touch, then remove from the heat and whip on high speed until very fluffy, and batter falls from the beater in long, thick ribbons.
- Fold the flour mixture carefully into the egg mixture, in three additions.
- Mix a little of the batter into the melted butter, and then pour back into the mixing bowl and fold until combined, taking care not to deflate the air from the batter.
- Bake in an ungreased 8- or 9-inch round cake pan for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the thickest part of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool completely and cut horizontally into two layers.
To make the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat the cream in a small pot over medium low heat, until simmering.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate (or chips).
- Whisk in the the corn syrup and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle while warm.
To assemble the Peanut Butter Boston Cream Pie:
- Place one (fully cooled) genoise layer on a serving plate.
- Spread the peanut butter pastry cream filling all over the cake in an even layer.
- Top with the remaining genoise layer, and drizzle with chocolate ganache.
- Serve immediately.
Too much corn syrup in this recipe. Ganache came out too runny.
You need to let it cool more. It becomes thicker as it cools.
Your story was so touching, thank you for sharing! I adore your blog and I LOVE the idea of pb boston cream pie!!! YUM
Thank you, Kayle. It means so much to me that you felt touched by the post, and I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe. So pleased to have you stop by and leave such a sweet comment. <3
i had the same experience years ago with both of my kids..Dad passed first,,and 2months later,, i found out i was pregnant…yay,, i was preggers,,sad it was not to be for Dad to see him..3 years later..Mom passed,, and my daughter was only 3 months old…but….my Momma got to be there with me when she was born..and hold her and whisper to her..(tears still) after 34 years.(sigh)…and yes my children were my joy,, after my sorrow…they now tell me things i have forgotten about Mom and Dad..lol..by the way,, just found your site,, and i,m lovin it already…
Wow… so sad, yet there are blessings there to be thankful for. I know just how it feels. Bittersweet. We also lost my mother-in-law when my first son was not quite a year old. It’s hard to understand why these things happen, but I do believe there is a reason for everything. God bless you and your children, and thank you so very much for the sweet compliment, it means so much to me! xoxo
Your Boston cream pie looks amazing!! And I love the addition of the peanut butter, it sounds divine!
Thank you, Maria! It is really good, that peanut butter pastry cream gives it a nice twist!
I can totally, totally relate to the feelings of loss. My mom passed away almost 6 years ago and I still tear up every time I think about it. This pie is simply gorgeous. Truly. My husband would go absolutely crazy for this. In fact, his birthday is Saturday and this very well may be on the menu 🙂 Just pinned and shared on Facebook!
Trish, I am so very sorry for your loss. Losing a loved one is so heartbreaking. I’m sure your mom must have been so proud of you, your talents, and your beautiful family. I’m so happy you liked the post, and I hope your husband enjoys the recipe! Be sure to wish him a happy birthday from me! 😀 …and thank you so much for sharing!
It looks absolutely delicious !!
I’ve already saved this recipe, and I’d looooooooove to make this cake
Thank you for sharing it 🙂
That’s great Winnie! I hope you do make it! Let me know how it turns out if you do! Thank you for reading and for commenting. <3
i absoloutly love this blog. my partner would love this cake and i must admit it does look yummy.
im going to have to give it a try =)
Thanks so much for the positive feedback, Danielle! I’m glad you liked the recipe; you’ll have to let me know how it comes out when you make it. Good luck! 🙂
Oh Allie, I can’t even begin to imagine just how hard Father’s day is for you, your sister and your Mum each year, and nothing anyone says will ever take the pain away. 🙁 He must have been so incredibly proud of you. And despite that fact that he never met your little ones, he was technically already a grandfather the moment you got pregnant.
Your PB boston pie looks amazing and such a wonderful tribute to a great man with great taste, obviously. That heart shaped cloud photo is beautiful too. Big hugs.
And that ganache topping? Yes please!
Thanks, Lisa! Your kind words mean so much… it can be hard but I am so lucky to be surrounded by so much love- that is my focus. So happy you liked the the cake! Thanks for checking out my post 🙂
I love peanut butter and boston cream pie. I can’t wait to try this combo.
I thought your post was very touching and thank you for sharing.
Now following via Bloglovin’
Hi, Victoria! Thanks so much for the nice comment. I have to admit, I thought twice about publishing this post! I know it’s a little sad, and personal (!), and I didn’t want to be a downer, lol! But the cake was so delish I just had to share! I’m glad you liked it and I promise future posts will be on a happier note! Thanks again for reading and for reaching out. Ps- your pb chocolate banana cookies sound awesome & I can’t wait to make them!!!
*droooool* I should not be look at this before I eat dinner, that sounds incredible!
Happy Blogging!
Happy Valley Chow
Thanks, Eric! It did turn out to be pretty tasty! Thanks for commenting and Ps- I’m loving your link party!!!
I have pinned this to make for my husband on Father’s Day ! He will adore it! Thank you for sharing
Thanks, Kim! If your husband likes peanut butter and chocolate, this one’s definitely a winner! I hope you both enjoy. Thanks for reading and commenting <3
Wow Allie, it must have been hard for you to think your father never got to be a grandfather, but u know what? Your dad got to be one the moment u realised u were gonna have a baby! I’m pretty sure he would love your kids and I’m very sure he would be proud u are making such delish deserts! Keep calm and get out your rolling pin! Xoxoxo
Thank you so much Corrina!