Bavarian Cream vs Boston Cream
Difference between Bavarian cream and Boston cream is very subtle thus confusing as the world of pastries and desserts is indeed a vast one. When it comes to making pastries and desserts, not only there are various methods of preparing each and every dish, there also exists a variety of frostings and fillings that would further enhance the taste of these dishes. Sometimes these desserts are so similar that unless one is well versed in the culinary arts, it is easy to get lost between the different types of dishes available in the world today. Here, what is a Bavarian cream (Crème Bavaroise, Bavarois), what is Boston cream, their ingredients, how they are prepared, and what makes the difference between both creams are highlighted.
What is Bavarian Cream?
Also known as Crème Bavaroise or simply Bavarois, Bavarian cream is a dessert that is flavoured with liqueur and thickened with gelatine or isinglass. It is a classic dessert that is rumoured to have been invented by chef Marie-Antoine Carême. It is said to have been named thus in the name of a distinguished visiting Bavarian, such as a Wittelsbach in the 19th century.
The ingredients used for the Bavarian cream are heavy cream, gelatine, sugar, vanilla bean, whipped cream and eggs. After the combination of these ingredients, the Bavarian cream is usually filled into a fluted mould and chilled till firm and turned into a serving plate just before serving. Sometimes the mould is coated with a fruit gelatine to get a glazed effect on the dessert. Bavarian cream is usually served with a fruit sauce or fruit puree such as apricot, strawberry or raspberry can be used as a filling for elaborate charlottes, donuts or pastries. However, it must be noted that The American Bavarian Cream doughnuts are filled with pastry cream instead of the actual Bavarian cream which has caused quite a confusion among food aficionados around the world.
What is Boston Cream?
Boston cream is a popular cream filling that is used in pies, cakes and pastries. Boston cream filling requires milk, eggs, cornstarch, sugar and vanilla which is to be combined to produce a thick cream. Boston cream is popularly used in Boston Cream Pie, Boston cream donuts as well as Boston cream cakes, which in addition to the cream filling, is also accompanied by a chocolate ganache as well.
The Boston cream pie was named as the official dessert of Massachusetts in 1996.
What is the difference between Bavarian Cream and Boston Cream?
Bavarian cream and Boston cream are two components that are often confused with one another, mostly owing to the many variations of dishes in which they are being used today. Although quite hard to discern the differences between one another, there are certain unique characteristics which set Bavarian cream and Boston cream apart.
• Bavarian cream while can be used as a filling of sorts, is a dessert in itself. Boston cream is essentially a cream filling used in pies, pastries, donuts, etc.
• Bavarian cream uses gelatine as the setting agent. Boston cream uses cornstarch.
• Bavarian cream is more solid in texture while Boston cream takes on a creamy nature.
• Bavarian cream uses heavy cream and whipped cream. Boston cream mainly uses milk and eggs and is a sort of custard.
• Bavarian cream is usually served with fruit puree or a fruit sauce. Boston cream is served mostly with chocolate.
Photos By: Rubyran (CC BY-SA 2.0), mroach (CC BY-SA 2.0)