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Boston Cream Pie. Who’s a fan? If I’m being truthful, I’m neutral on the dessert. While it isn’t my favorite, I don’t hate it either. But, when in Rome…right? With that philosophy in mind, I was determined to find the best Boston Cream Pie in Boston. After all, it’s where the sweet treat was invented and a part of Boston’s history, not to mention its yummy culinary scene.
So, where should you go for the best Boston Cream Pie in Boston? Let’s find out!
Best Boston Cream Pie in Boston
1 | Omni Parker House
The first stop on my quest was the Omni Parker House (formerly Boston’s Parker House) where the Boston Cream Pie originated.
As the story goes, the then-named Parker House opened in 1855. During those times, the people of New England were already enjoying a dessert called the “American pudding-cake pie”. Since America’s first chocolate mill opened in 1765 in Dorchester, a suburb of Boston, chocolate was plentiful.
The Parker House’s Chef Anezin decided to combine chocolate with the pudding-cake pie by drizzling chocolate icing onto the custard-filled sponge cake. This was a hit and the “Parker House Chocolate Cream Pie” later became the “Boston Cream Pie”!
Fun Facts
In 1958, the original recipe was so popular that it became a Betty Crocker boxed mix.
In 1996, the Boston Cream Pie became the official Massachusetts State Dessert.
Honestly, the Original Boston Cream Pie was totally different than what I was expecting. Why? I’m not sure. I think it might have been the consistency or maybe the almonds. However, I will say it was creamy, fluffy, and yummy!
This sweet, pretty thing was my surprise on the side. This is the Cherry Blossom Martini with 2 frozen grapes I requested from the Prickly Martini. I also added a sugar rim. AMAZING. That’s all I have to say!
I love martinis but they must be creative. I don’t like regular, dirty or dry martinis. I’m over cosmos, lemon drops, and sour apple martinis. My favorite is a rare grape martini I’ve only found in one location EVER. I also love strawberry martinis which aren’t rare but aren’t exactly common.
At Omni Parker House, you can get just about any martini your heart desires as they have a most creative owner who creates all his own masterpieces, some of which, are based on his travels!
TRAVEL TIP
You have to order a martini with your Original Boston Cream Pie. The Omni Parker House has the best martini list of ANY I’ve seen around the world. It’s creative and original and they are super fantastic!
2 | Stephanie’s On Newbury
Admittedly, I didn’t go to Stephanie’s On Newbury for Boston Cream Pie. My friends and I headed there to grab dinner one night and since I saw it on the menu, I had to order it of course!
As you can see, it is very untraditional in appearance and comes with the chocolate on the side so you can add the amount you desire.
This worked well for me because I like lots of chocolate which is quite evident in the photo! 🙌
Travel Tip
Stephanie’s On Newbury stays busy (the food is spectacular) so to avoid a wait, make a reservation before you go.
3 | Mike’s Pastry
Mike’s Pastry is located in Boston’s North End and known for its cannolis. Obviously, I skipped the cannolis in favor of the Boston Cream Pie to continue with my quest.
Founded in 1946, Mike’s stays busy as you can see. Its rival Modern Pastry is basically across the street but more on that in a moment.
Michael “Mike” Mercogliano moved to the North End from Italy when he was only 12 years old. He started working in his cousin’s bakery, fell in love with baking and started crafting his one-of-a-kind cannoli. Today, the shop is run by his stepson, Angelo Papa.
So, Mike’s Boston Cream Pie is very basic and looks more like a piece of pie (even though the dessert has always been more of a cake than a pie). It was very moist, the custard was dense and the chocolate was creamy. Great combination for me!
Travel Tip
Although Mike’s is quite busy, they have a lot of people working the counter and the line moves fast. CASH ONLY (3 USD as of 2019). Also, the slices are extremely large so I asked for a smaller cut/slice. Extremely limited to almost no seating available.
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4 | Modern Pastry
Also located in Boston’s North End, Modern Pastry is known for their cannolis as well. Once again, I was there for something different and I found a cute surprise!
Modern Pastry has a slight variation on the Boston cream pie. They have the Boston Cream Pie Cupcake! It is the size of a regular cupcake and is a vanilla cake filled with vanilla cream and topped with chocolate ganache. The design of the ganache is gorgeous!
I am a huge cupcake lover so I enjoyed the creative take on the traditional Boston Cream Pie. My favorite parts were the chocolate and the cream. The cake wasn’t quite as moist as I like, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it enough to recommend it!
Travel Tip
In addition to the cupcake, they also have full Boston Cream Pie Cakes, but slices aren’t available. CASH ONLY (3.75 USD as of 2019). The line can be long and moves slowly. There is limited seating.
5 | Flour Bakery & Cafe
I had read in a few places that Flour Bakery & Cafe should be on my list for Boston Cream Pie so I added it to my own list. This turned out to be a very good decision.
However, it took determination. The first time I went, they were out of it altogether. That, my friends, is a good sign. Upon my return (take two), I was successful!
Flour Bakery’s Boston Cream Pie was really what I picture when I think of the dessert. I thoroughly enjoyed its multi-layers of moist cake and creamy filling. And yes, that ganache situation is as heavenly as it looks!
Travel Tip
Go earlier in the day because they will run out especially on busier days or during busier seasons. Cash and cards are accepted.
Best of the Best Boston Cream Pie
So, which won my vote for favorite? First, let’s be clear. I loved all of them or they wouldn’t be on this list. But if I HAD to choose…
Boston Cream Pie from Left: Flour Bakery & Cafe Right: Omni Parker House
Flour Bakery & Cafe was my favorite for all-around taste and texture. It just had the “it” factor for me! A very close second was the original at Omni Paker House.Omni Parker House won (hands down over anywhere I’ve been) best martini list EVER!
Where To Stay in Boston
Found Hotel Boston is where I stayed my first two nights. A great mid-range option, it is located in the theater district close to Boston Gardens and has great amenities.
Westin Copley Place is where I stayed the next several nights. It is luxury-range and located right in Copley Square not far from Boston Gardens or Fenway Park. The amenities are fabulous here as well.
MAP IT!
PIN IT!
While I’m sure there are many other places to get the local dessert, these places came highly recommended on where to find the best Boston Cream Pie in Boston. I was surprised at which one won my vote for favorite, but that is obviously opinion-based. Definitely try these out and more when you visit Boston!
Have you been to Boston? What is your pick for the best Boston Cream Pie in Boston?
‘Til next time…
Trimm Travels,
