Heavenly Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Dessert Perfection
Boston Cream Pie, a classic dessert that has been a staple in American bakeries for over a century, has just been elevated to new heights. Introducing the Heavenly Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake, a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with the velvety smoothness of Boston cream pie filling and the crunch of a graham cracker crust. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making this heavenly dessert.
The Origins of Boston Cream Pie
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the origins of Boston Cream Pie. This iconic dessert was first introduced in 1856 by French chef, Monsieur Sanzian, at the Parker House Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. The original recipe consisted of two layers of sponge cake filled with a rich custard cream and topped with a layer of chocolate. Over the years, the recipe has undergone many variations, but the core ingredients have remained the same.
The Heavenly Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake Recipe
Now that we have a brief history of Boston Cream Pie, let’s move on to the main event – the Heavenly Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake Recipe. This recipe is a bit more involved than your average cheesecake recipe, but trust us, it’s worth the extra effort.
**For the Crust:**
* 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
**For the Cheesecake Filling:**
* 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 3 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
**For the Pastry Cream Layer:**
* 1 cup whole milk
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large egg yolks
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
**For the Chocolate Ganache:**
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparing the Crust
The first step in making this heavenly dessert is to prepare the crust. To do this, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
Once the crust is cool, it’s time to make the cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the heavy cream and cornstarch. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the cheesecake for 55-60 minutes or until the center is set. Let the cheesecake cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Preparing the Pastry Cream Layer
While the cheesecake is chilling, you can start preparing the pastry cream layer. In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Gradually add the warm milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook until it thickens, stirring constantly.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Let the pastry cream cool, then spread it evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
Making the Chocolate Ganache
The final step in making this heavenly dessert is to make the chocolate ganache. To do this, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Pour the cream over the chocolate chips and stir until smooth and glossy. Add the vanilla extract and let the ganache cool slightly.
Pour the ganache over the pastry cream layer and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to keep in mind when making this heavenly dessert:
* To ensure that the cheesecake sets properly, make sure to cook it until the center is set. You can check for doneness by gently shaking the pan. If the cheesecake is set, it should not jiggle.
* If you want to add some extra flavor to the cheesecake, you can stir in some melted chocolate or chopped nuts into the batter before baking.
* For a more intense chocolate flavor, you can use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
* To make individual servings, you can use mini springform pans or ramekins instead of a large springform pan.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for this heavenly dessert:
* Calories: 480 kcal
* Servings: 12 servings
Conclusion
The Heavenly Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake Recipe is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with the velvety smoothness of Boston cream pie filling and the crunch of a graham cracker crust. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends. So go ahead, give it a try, and indulge in a slice (or two) of this heavenly dessert.
**Recommended Serving Size:** 1 slice (12 servings)
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Cooking Time:** 60 minutes
**Total Time:** 5 hours (including chilling)
**Servings:** 12 servings
**Nutrition Information:** Calories: 480 kcal
