The History of Boston Cream Pie

In honor of National Boston Cream Pie Day, we are taking a look at the history behind this iconic dessert. The Parker House Hotel (now the Omni Parker House Hotel) claims to have served this dessert ever since they opened in 1856. French chef Sanzian was hired for the opening of the hotel and is credited with inventing Boston cream pie (although the dessert was originally referred to as either “chocolate cream pie” or “Parker House chocolate cream pie”). Interestingly, it is thought to have roots in an early American dish called “pudding-cake pie.” In 1879, Marion Cabell Tyree’s cookbook called Housekeeping in Old Virginia featured a recipe for “Boston cream cakes.” The dessert caught on quickly and has remained extremely popular over the years. In fact, in 1996, Boston cream pie was proclaimed the official Massachusetts State Dessert!