How to Make Boston Cream Dessert Bars

Indulge in the beloved flavors of Boston cream pie with these delightful dessert bars. Featuring a tender vanilla cake base, a creamy custard filling, and a rich chocolate topping, this recipe delivers all the classic tastes without the fuss of layering a traditional cake. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a balanced and approachable dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Flavor Combo: Vanilla custard and chocolate come together perfectly in every bite.
Easy to Make: No need to bake separate cake layers or fuss with piping.
Balanced Sweetness: Uses lighter ingredients and portion control to keep it guilt-free.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for potlucks, family dinners, or dessert after a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar substitute
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup light butter, melted
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large egg whites

For the Custard Filling

• 1 cup low-fat milk
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar substitute
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Topping

• 3 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or sugar-free)
• 1 tsp coconut oil or light butter

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Base

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar substitute, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, applesauce, vanilla extract, and egg whites.
• Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until smooth.
• Spread the batter evenly in the baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Make the Custard Filling

• In a saucepan, whisk together milk, powdered sugar substitute, and cornstarch.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and begins to boil.
• In a small bowl, beat egg yolks and slowly add a few spoonfuls of hot milk mixture to temper.
• Pour tempered yolks back into the saucepan and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
• Let custard cool slightly, then spread evenly over the cooled cake base.

Prepare the Chocolate Topping

• Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil (or butter) in 20-second intervals in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
• Pour the chocolate evenly over the custard layer and spread carefully.

Chill and Serve

• Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour until the chocolate is set.
• Cut into 12 squares and serve chilled.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 180 | Carbs: 22g | Fat: 7g | Protein: 5g | Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Cool Completely: Ensure the cake base is fully cooled before adding custard to prevent melting.
• Temper the Yolks: Slowly add hot milk to egg yolks to avoid scrambling.
• Smooth Chocolate Layer: Stir chocolate well while melting to achieve a glossy finish.
• Store Properly: Keep bars refrigerated and consume within 4 days for freshness.

Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced Indulgence: Combines creamy custard and rich chocolate without excess sugar or fat.
• Simple Prep: Minimal steps and ingredients for an impressive dessert.
• Layered Texture: Soft cake, smooth custard, and firm chocolate create a delightful mouthfeel.
• Portion Control: Bars are perfect-sized to enjoy without overindulging.

These Boston Cream Dessert Bars capture all the beloved flavors of the classic cake in an easy, approachable format. With a tender cake base, silky custard, and luscious chocolate topping, they make a satisfying dessert any day of the week. Enjoy the richness and nostalgia with a lighter twist!