Classic Boston Cream Pie

Instructions

Bring 1-1/4 cups of the milk, along with the sugar, gelatin, and salt, to barely a simmer over medium heat, whisking well to dissolve the sugar and gelatin completely.

Meanwhile, in a medium-size bowl, whisk together the yolks, cornstarch, and remaining 1/4 cup of milk.

Pour 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture and whisk to combine; then strain this mixture back into the remaining hot milk.

Whisk the egg/milk mixture continuously over medium heat until thickened and bubbling in the center, about 5 minutes.

Remove from the heat and strain again into a medium-size bowl; then add the butter and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth; then cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin forming.Chill the pastry cream thoroughly, preferably overnight.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°. Butter and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

Add the eggs to the butter/sugar mixture one at a time, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula after each addition. Add one-third of the dry ingredients to the butter/egg mixture and stir until just moistened; then add one-third (¼ cup) of the milk. Repeat until all ingredients are combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Rotating halfway through, bake until tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Let the layers cool 10 minutes in their pans; then remove them from their pans and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

To assemble, place one layer top side down onto a large cake plate. (If the cake has a domed top, use a serrated knife to gently remove the dome first so that the cake will sit flat on the plate.) Spoon the chilled pastry cream onto the center of the cake and spread evenly until the cream just barely reaches the edge of the cake.

Gently place the other cake, dome side up, on top of the pastry cream. Store the cake in the refrigerator while you make the glaze.

Instructions

In a medium-size saucepan over medium heat, combine the chocolate chips, 3 tablespoons of cream (use more for a thinner glaze), and corn syrup, stirring occasionally.

When the chocolate is completely melted, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour over the top of the chilled cake, letting the glaze drizzle down the sides.

Let the glaze firm up; then serve immediately. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.