Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake

Section: Indulgent Desserts for Sweet Endings

This dessert perfectly balances rich, creamy cheesecake with a light sponge cake and is crowned with a silky blanket of chocolate ganache. A graham cracker crust forms the base, while layers are carefully prepared and assembled for stunning presentation. Each bite delivers layers of texture and flavor, from the smooth filling to the tender sponge and glossy chocolate topping. Ideal for special occasions or indulgent treats, this American classic can be made ahead and is best served chilled, sliced clean for beautiful servings shared with friends and family.

A woman wearing a pink apron is cutting a cake.
Published By Evelyn
Updated as of Thu, 09 Oct 2025 22:03:03 GMT
A slice of Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake. Bookmark
A slice of Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake. | foodbymary.com

This Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who adores the classic flavors of Boston cream pie but cannot resist a creamy cheesecake. With a buttery graham cracker crust, luxuriously smooth cheesecake, delicate sponge cake, and a glossy chocolate ganache, it is an impressive centerpiece for holidays, celebrations, or any time you want to create something unforgettable.

I first made this for my sister's birthday and watched every guest sneak back for a second slice. It felt like a bakery treat right from my own kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Graham cracker crumbs: These add a perfect texture and buttery crunch to the base. Choose fresh crumbs without any staleness for best results
  • Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetening every layer. For the best taste use pure white sugar
  • Unsalted butter: Adds richness and binds the crust. Make sure your butter is fresh and unsalted so you control the flavor
  • Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake. Choose a full-fat block style cream cheese for the creamiest texture
  • Eggs: Help set the structure. Use large eggs at room temperature for even mixing
  • Vanilla extract: Gives a warm depth of flavor. Pure vanilla extract makes all the difference
  • Sour cream: Keeps the cheesecake silky. Use full fat for the smoothest bite
  • All-purpose flour: For the sponge cake. Make sure it is fresh and measured accurately
  • Baking powder: Lifts the cake so it stays light. Double check freshness for a fluffy result
  • Salt: Balances the sweet elements. Fine sea salt works beautifully here
  • Milk: Moistens the sponge. Whole milk creates a rich and tender crumb
  • Semisweet chocolate chips: For the luscious ganache. Choose a good quality chocolate for a glossy finish
  • Heavy cream: Makes the ganache silky and pourable. Use heavy not light cream

Selecting high quality and fresh ingredients is key to getting the dreamy texture and flavor in each layer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust:
Mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar together. Melt the butter and stir in until the crumbs resemble wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased nine-inch springform pan using the bottom of a measuring cup for an even surface. Bake in a preheated oven at three hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit for eight minutes. Let the crust cool on a wire rack
Make the Cheesecake Layer:
In a large bowl beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition so the batter stays lump free. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream just until combined. Do not overmix. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the surface with a spatula
Bake the Cheesecake:
Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for about fifty to fifty five minutes until the edges are set but the center is still slightly wobbly. Turn off the oven leave the door ajar and let the cheesecake cool for one hour inside. This gentle cooling helps prevent cracks. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least four hours or overnight
Make the Cake Layer:
In a bowl whisk flour baking powder and salt together. In another bowl beat eggs and sugar until they are thick pale and doubled in volume. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients being careful not to deflate the batter. Warm milk and butter together then mix into the batter with vanilla extract. Pour into a greased and floured nine inch round pan and bake in a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for twenty to twenty two minutes. Cool completely
Assemble the Cheesecake:
Once the cheesecake is chilled carefully release it from the springform pan. Gently lay the sponge cake on top of the cheesecake
Make the Chocolate Ganache:
Warm heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for two minutes then stir until you have a glossy smooth ganache
Top with Ganache:
Pour the chocolate ganache over the sponge cake layer letting it flow gently and drip down the edges. Use a spatula to coax it to the edge if needed. Refrigerate the whole cake for thirty minutes to set
Slice and Serve:
Run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe dry. Cut clean slices and serve your Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake slightly chilled or at room temperature for the dreamiest creamy texture
A slice of Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake. Bookmark
A slice of Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake. | foodbymary.com

Chocolate ganache is my personal favorite part of this recipe. Pouring it over the cake was so satisfying and reminded me of helping my grandmother decorate cakes on special occasions. Watching my family savor those glossy bites brought back sweet memories.

Storage Tips

Store your cheesecake covered well in the refrigerator for up to five days to keep it fresh and creamy. For longer storage wrap individual slices tightly in plastic and foil before placing in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best taste and texture. Cheesecake is always best served cold but a few minutes at room temperature softens the chocolate ganache for an even silkier bite

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to save time you can use a boxed yellow cake mix for the sponge layer just bake a single round. For the crust try vanilla wafers or chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers for a twist. If you want a sweeter chocolate ganache milk chocolate can be used in place of semisweet. Always use full fat dairy for the smoothest and most flavorful result

A slice of Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake. Bookmark
A slice of Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake. | foodbymary.com

Serving Suggestions

This cheesecake pairs beautifully with fresh berries for a pop of color and brightness. It is extra decadent with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a cloud of whipped cream. Serve with strong coffee or espresso if you want a true bakery experience. It is the perfect ending to a holiday meal birthday celebration or anytime you want to show off a special dessert

A Little History

Inspired by the original Boston cream pie this dessert swaps the traditional pastry cream for a velvety cheesecake layer. Boston cream pie dates back to the 1800s and remains a beloved American treat. By adding a cheesecake base the recipe becomes even richer and more memorable

Common Recipe Questions

→ What makes this dessert unique?

Combining creamy cheesecake with light sponge cake and rich chocolate ganache makes it a true celebration of textures and flavors.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, chilling overnight is recommended for easy slicing and the best flavor, making it perfect for entertaining.

→ How do I achieve a smooth cheesecake layer?

Ensure that the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature and mix just until combined to avoid cracks.

→ Can the cake layer be simplified?

Absolutely! You can use a packaged cake mix to save time—just bake a thin single layer as directed.

→ Is it necessary to use semisweet chocolate for ganache?

No, you can substitute with milk chocolate chips for a sweeter ganache if preferred—both work well.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to five days, or freeze individual slices for up to two months.

Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake

Smooth cheesecake with sponge cake layers, topped with glossy chocolate ganache. Perfect for any celebration.

Prep Time
40 minutes
Cooking Time
75 minutes
Complete Time
115 minutes
Published By: Evelyn

Recipe Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Moderately Challenging

Cuisine Type: American

Total Portions: 12 Serves How Many (1 large cheesecake (23 cm))

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

Required Ingredients

→ Graham Cracker Crust

01 180 g graham cracker crumbs
02 50 g granulated sugar
03 85 g unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Layer

04 680 g cream cheese, softened
05 200 g granulated sugar
06 3 large eggs
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 120 g sour cream

→ Sponge Cake Layer

09 125 g all-purpose flour
10 1 teaspoon baking powder
11 0.25 teaspoon salt
12 2 large eggs
13 100 g granulated sugar
14 60 ml whole milk
15 28 g unsalted butter, melted
16 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Chocolate Ganache

17 170 g semisweet chocolate chips
18 120 ml heavy cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 160°C. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press firmly into the base of a greased 23 cm springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then cool completely.

Step 02

Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream just until combined. Pour over cooled crust and smooth the top.

Step 03

Bake at 160°C for 50–55 minutes, until center is slightly set. Turn off oven, crack door, and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Chill in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 04

Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease and flour a 23 cm round cake pan. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale. Gently fold dry mixture into wet. Heat milk and butter just to melt, stir in with vanilla. Pour into pan and bake 20–22 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Cool completely.

Step 05

Remove chilled cheesecake from pan. Place the cooled cake layer on top of cheesecake.

Step 06

Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl, let stand 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 07

Pour chocolate ganache evenly over the sponge cake layer, allowing it to drip down the sides. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Step 08

Slice using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry for clean cuts. Serve chilled or allow to slightly soften at room temperature.

Handy Cooking Tips

  1. Allow all dairy ingredients and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing for a smoother cheesecake texture.
  2. Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent cracks.
  3. Gradually cool the cheesecake to maintain structural integrity and avoid sinking.
  4. Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache to achieve a glossy finish and superior flavor.

Necessary Kitchen Tools

  • 23 cm springform pan
  • Standard mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • 23 cm round cake pan
  • Small saucepan

Allergy Details

Always check ingredient packaging for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional when in doubt.
  • Contains milk and milk-derived ingredients.
  • Contains eggs.
  • Contains wheat gluten.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These nutrition details are for guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Fat: 40 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 46 grams
  • Proteins: 9 grams