Description
Delightful Boston cream dessert bars merge classic New England pastry charm with irresistible creamy indulgence. Silky vanilla custard and rich chocolate glaze create a perfect harmony that will enchant dessert enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated sweet experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Base:
- 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams) salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
Pastry Cream Filling:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 cup (170 grams) dark chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare a perfectly sized 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper and heating the oven to a precise 350F (175C).
- Create a smooth cake base by combining dry ingredients, then integrate softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
- Transfer the batter carefully into the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution, and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean from the center.
- Allow the cake to cool completely, providing ample time for temperature reduction and structural stabilization.
- Craft the custard by gently heating milk and sugar until the sugar dissolves, avoiding excessive boiling.
- Develop the custard’s texture by whisking cornstarch and egg yolks, then gradually incorporating the heated milk while maintaining constant movement.
- Continue cooking the custard mixture over medium heat, stirring consistently until it thickens and reaches a gentle boiling point.
- Remove from heat and enhance the custard’s richness by incorporating butter and vanilla extract, then blend until smooth.
- Delicately spread the custard over the cooled cake base, creating an even layer, and refrigerate to set the creamy filling.
- Prepare the ganache by heating cream until it reaches a simmering state, then pour over chopped dark chocolate.
- Allow the chocolate to melt for 2-3 minutes before whisking into a glossy, uniform chocolate coating.
- Elegantly pour the ganache over the set custard layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to solidify the ganache and enhance flavor melding.
- Slice into precise squares and serve chilled for an exquisite dessert experience.
Notes
- Choose a high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache to enhance the rich, deep flavor profile of the dessert bars.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, more consistent cake base.
- Whisk the custard constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy texture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 231 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg