Imagine diving your spoon into a perfectly layered dessert that combines the classic flavors of Boston cream pie, but with a modern twist that'll make your taste buds dance! These Individual Boston Cream Pies in a Jar are not just a dessert - they're a portable party of creamy, chocolatey, cakey goodness that will transform your ordinary dessert experience into something extraordinary. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a gourmet dessert that's both stunning and delicious, these jar-packed delights are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup pastry cream
- 1 cup chocolate ganache
- 4 jars for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the vanilla cake mix box. Typically, this will be around 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions. This usually involves mixing the cake mix with eggs, water, and oil in a large mixing bowl until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake in the preheated oven for the time specified on the box, usually about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the pastry cream if you are making it from scratch. In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, and vanilla extract over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Prepare the chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool slightly until it thickens a bit.
- Once the cake is completely cool, cut it into small squares or circles that will fit into your jars. You can use a cookie cutter for uniform shapes or simply cut squares with a knife.
- To assemble the individual Boston cream pies, start by placing a layer of cake at the bottom of each jar. Use about 1-2 pieces of cake per jar, depending on the size of your jars.
- Next, add a layer of pastry cream on top of the cake layer, filling the jar about halfway up.
- Add another layer of cake on top of the pastry cream, gently pressing it down.
- Finally, top each jar with a generous drizzle of chocolate ganache, allowing it to flow down the sides of the jar for a beautiful presentation.
- Repeat the layering process until the jars are filled, finishing with a layer of chocolate ganache on top.
- Cover the jars with lids or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious Individual Boston Cream Pies in a Jar!
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth cake batter and even baking.
- For uniform layers, use a piping bag or zip-lock bag with the corner cut off to add pastry cream and ganache neatly.
- Choose wide-mouth mason jars for easier layering and a more attractive presentation.
- Chill the jars for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and layers to set perfectly.
- For a gourmet touch, garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
- If making pastry cream from scratch seems daunting, high-quality store-bought vanilla pudding can be a quick substitute.
- These desserts can be made a day ahead, making them perfect for entertaining!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 675kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
