National Boston Cream Pie Day

National Boston Cream Pie Day is celebrated every year on October 23. This delicious food holiday honors one of America’s best-known desserts: a light sponge cake layered with rich pastry cream and topped with a smooth chocolate glaze. Despite its name, Boston cream pie is actually a cake rather than a pie.

History of National Boston Cream Pie Day

Boston cream pie was created in 1856 by French chef Augustine François Anezin, who worked at Boston’s Parker House Hotel, now known as the Omni Parker House. He prepared two layers of sponge cake filled with vanilla custard and finished the dessert with a glossy chocolate icing, creating what would become one of New England’s signature treats.

The dessert became increasingly popular throughout the United States and was officially designated the state dessert of Massachusetts in 1996. Its unusual name comes from the 19th century, when cakes were often baked and served in pie tins, making the terms “pie” and “cake” somewhat interchangeable.

Interesting Facts About National Boston Cream Pie Day

• Boston cream pie has been the official state dessert of Massachusetts since 1996.
• The original recipe was created at Boston’s historic Parker House Hotel.
• The dessert inspired the popular Boston cream doughnut, which uses similar flavors.
• A record-setting Boston cream pie measuring 10 feet in diameter was created by students at Southern New Hampshire University in 2010.

How to Take Part in National Boston Cream Pie Day

Celebrate by baking your own Boston cream pie or visiting a local bakery to enjoy a freshly made slice. If you enjoy baking, experiment with homemade pastry cream and chocolate glaze to recreate the classic recipe.

You can also learn more about Boston’s culinary history, share your favorite dessert photos on social media, or organize a dessert tasting featuring different versions of Boston cream pie and Boston cream doughnuts.

When Is National Boston Cream Pie Day in 2026?

National Boston Cream Pie Day is observed on October 23 each year.

Observations