National Boston Cream Pie Day
October 23
About National Boston Cream Pie Day
National Boston Cream Pie Day is celebrated every year on 23 October. In 2026 it falls on Friday, 23 October. The day honours one of America’s most beloved desserts: two layers of sponge cake filled with rich custard and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze. Despite its name, Boston cream pie is actually a cake, and it has been the official state dessert of Massachusetts since 1996.
How to Celebrate National Boston Cream Pie Day
This is a day for indulging your sweet tooth and appreciating a true New England classic. Here are plenty of ways to take part:
- Bake one from scratch – Make a sponge cake, whip up a vanilla custard filling and finish with a smooth chocolate glaze for the full homemade experience.
- Buy a slice from a local bakery – Support an independent baker and pick up a freshly made Boston cream pie to enjoy at home.
- Visit the Omni Parker House – If you are in Boston, head to the hotel where the dessert was born and try the original recipe at its source.
- Host a dessert tasting – Invite friends round and compare different versions, from classic slices to cupcakes and doughnuts inspired by the flavour.
- Try a creative twist – Experiment with Boston cream doughnuts, cupcakes, trifles or even a Boston cream pie martini for something different.
- Share the history – Tell friends and family the surprising story of how a “pie” turned out to be a cake invented in the 1850s.
- Pair it with coffee – The custard and chocolate go beautifully with a strong cup of coffee, making for a perfect afternoon treat.
- Post your creation online – Snap a photo of your slice and share it to inspire others to join the celebration.
What is National Boston Cream Pie Day?
National Boston Cream Pie Day is an annual food holiday dedicated to the classic dessert of sponge cake, custard and chocolate. It celebrates a treat with genuine historical roots in Boston, Massachusetts, and is enjoyed by bakers, dessert lovers and anyone with a fondness for custard and chocolate. The day is especially popular in New England, where the dessert holds official state status.
When is National Boston Cream Pie Day?
National Boston Cream Pie Day takes place on 23 October every year. In 2026 that is a Friday, conveniently placed for a weekend baking project. The date is fixed and does not change. If you enjoy pie-themed food days, you might also like National Key Lime Pie Day, another celebration of a famous American dessert.
The History of National Boston Cream Pie Day
The dessert at the heart of this day was created at the Parker House hotel in Boston, now known as the Omni Parker House, which opened in October 1856. The recipe is credited to Augustine Francois Anezin, a chef of Armenian-French heritage hired by the hotel. He developed a “Chocolate Cream Pie” by combining layers of French sponge cake with custard and a chocolate topping, and it quickly became a signature dish.
The dessert’s name has long puzzled people. In colonial America, the words “cake” and “pie” were often used interchangeably, and cakes were frequently baked in pie tins, so the “pie” label stuck even though the dish is unmistakably a cake. The original Parker House version was more elaborate than many modern recipes, featuring layers brushed with rum syrup, a coating of vanilla custard and toasted almonds around the sides, and chocolate fondant on top.
In 1996, Boston cream pie was named the official dessert of Massachusetts, beating rivals including Toll House cookies, Fig Newtons and Indian pudding, with support from a Norton High School civics class that backed the bill. The dessert’s enduring popularity helped inspire the dedicated food day now marked each 23 October.
Fun Facts About National Boston Cream Pie Day
- Boston cream pie is technically a cake, not a pie, a quirk that dates back to early American baking habits.
- It has been the official state dessert of Massachusetts since 1996.
- The dessert was created at the Parker House hotel, which opened in 1856 and still serves it today as the Omni Parker House.
- The recipe is widely credited to chef Augustine Francois Anezin.
- It was one of the earlier American desserts to feature chocolate prominently.
- The original Parker House recipe was reportedly kept secret for decades.
Why National Boston Cream Pie Day Matters
Beyond the indulgence, the day celebrates a piece of American culinary heritage and the craft of baking. It supports local bakeries, keeps a 19th-century recipe alive and gives dessert lovers a cheerful excuse to gather, bake and share something sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Boston Cream Pie Day?
It is an annual food holiday on 23 October celebrating Boston cream pie, a dessert of sponge cake, custard and chocolate glaze that is the official state dessert of Massachusetts.
When is National Boston Cream Pie Day in 2026?
It takes place on Friday, 23 October 2026. The date is fixed and falls on 23 October every year.
Is Boston cream pie actually a pie?
No. Despite its name, Boston cream pie is a cake. The name comes from early American baking, when cakes were often made in pie tins and the words were used interchangeably.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best Boston cream pie photos on social media with #NationalBostonCreamPieDay and #NationalBostonCreamPieDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to bake or buy a slice!
Related Awareness Days
- National Key Lime Pie Day – Celebrates another iconic American dessert with a devoted following.
- National Cream Filled Donut Day – A day for custard and cream-filled treats, close cousins of the Boston cream.
- National Fried Clam Day – Another New England favourite with deep roots in the region’s food culture.
Links
Featured image: Photo by Douglas Lopez on Unsplash.
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