National Boston Cream Pie Day

National Boston Cream Pie Day, observed each year on October 23, is a sweet celebration of the beloved dessert known as the Boston Cream Pie. Despite its name, this treat is actually a cake: two layers of moist sponge cake, filled with creamy custard and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze. The day offers a delightful excuse to enjoy a slice — or two — of this decadent confection.

History of National Boston Cream Pie Day

The creation of the Boston Cream Pie dates back to the mid‑19th century at the Omni Parker House in Boston, Massachusetts, where French‑Armenian chef Auguste François Anezin developed the dessert for the hotel’s restaurant. At a time when pie pans and cake pans were often interchangeable in commercial kitchens, what began in a pie‑tin came to be called a “pie” even though it had the structure of a cake.

In 1996, Massachusetts declared the Boston Cream Pie its official state dessert, recognizing the dish’s cultural and culinary importance. Over time, the observance of National Boston Cream Pie Day evolved as food lovers and dessert fans began marking October 23 as a chance to honor and enjoy this iconic American treat.

Why is National Boston Cream Pie Day important?

It might seem lighthearted to devote a day to a dessert, but National Boston Cream Pie Day gives us an occasion to reflect on how food connects us to place, innovation, and shared memories. The Boston Cream Pie was born in a hotel kitchen in Boston but has since become a comfort stop in many bakeries far beyond New England. Each slice carries with it layers of culinary history and personal nostalgia — perhaps reminding someone of a first bakery visit, a special celebration, or a lazy weekend treat.

At the same time, the day underscores the playful side of food traditions. That the “pie” is not a pie, but a cake, reminds us how language, tradition and invention intertwine in the kitchen. It invites curiosity about how everyday objects — pans, terms, recipes — evolve and how they reflect the communities around them. Here are some reasons I personally think this holiday holds significance:

• A reminder that comfort food often carries meaningful memories
• An invitation to try something sweet and share it with others
• A nod to culinary craftsmanship (custard, sponge cake, chocolate glaze)
• A celebration of regional identity (Massachusetts’ official dessert!)
• A simple reason to pause, savour something and smile

How to Celebrate National Boston Cream Pie Day

Celebrating this day doesn’t require elaborate planning — just a bit of intention, a slice of dessert and good company. You might decide to bake your own Boston Cream Pie at home: even if you aren’t a pastry chef, a basic sponge cake, vanilla custard and chocolate glaze can create something delightful. Doing this invites you to engage with the textures and flavours of the dessert, and maybe even tweak the recipe with friends or family.

Alternatively, you could visit a local bakery or coffee shop and treat yourself to a professionally made slice. Share it with someone, pair it with a cup of coffee or tea, and linger. Use the moment to talk about where you first encountered the dessert, or what childhood treats you remember. The communal act of sharing dessert makes the day more than just eating — it becomes connecting.

• Bake a simple version of Boston Cream Pie and invite a friend over
• Visit a bakery that offers Boston Cream Pie and take a slice to share
• Try a variation (mini pies, cupcakes, vegan version) just for fun
• Pair a slice with a favourite drink and savour it slowly
• Snap a photo of the slice and share it on social media with the hashtag #BostonCreamPieDay

National Boston Cream Pie Day Dates Table