From Fenway Franks to Boston Baked Beans, Massachusetts certainly has its share of iconic regional foods. I’ve lived in Massachusetts for more than half of my life and spent most of my earlier years in neighboring New Hampshire, and by now, I consider myself to be a Bay Stater. Over the years, I’ve sampled many of Massachusett’s iconic foods, but have somehow never gotten around to trying the legendary Boston Cream Pie.
I’m not sure if it’s because I don’t really enjoy cream-filled pastries or if I just prefer other desserts like cookies and cake, but I have to admit that I’ve never really had the urge to order a Boston Cream Pie or Boston Cream Donut.
However, I do recognize that many people enjoy this popular sweet treat made up of vanilla cake, creamy vanilla pastry, and chocolate ganache.
Local lore says that the Boston Cream Pie was invented at the Parker House Hotel (now the Boston Omni Parker House) back in 1856. The chef credited with creating this masterpiece was named Chef Sanzian (sometimes written as Chef Anezin).
Advertisement
There is a lot of debate about whether this treat is actually a pie or a cake. If you have never ordered a Boston Cream Pie before, you may be surprised at what arrives at your table. It turns out that cakes were once baked in pie tins, giving the Boston Cream Pie its interesting (and often confusing) name.
Like many Boston legends, the Boston Cream Pie has gone by several aliases over the years, including American Pudding Pie and Chocolate Cream Pie. It may have also been called American Pudding Cake Pie at one point.
No matter if you consider it a cake or a pie, there is no disputing the popularity of this iconic dessert. It is not only a favorite with the tourists, but also with local Bostonians. To this day, the Boston Cream Pie continues to be a best-seller at the Parker House, where they even serve up in martini form!
And if that alone doesn’t speak volumes about the pie’s popularity, this fun fact sure does: in 1996, state officials declared the Boston Cream Pie the “Official Massachusetts State Dessert.”
I guess this many people can’t be wrong. I may have to try one and decide for myself!
Do you love Boston Cream Pie? You can order the original Boston Cream Pie at the Parker House or try one at these other local restaurants.
Are there other iconic foods that locals rave about but you have yet to try? Check out our list of 14 Iconic Foods In Massachusetts That Will Have Your Mouth Watering and see how many you have eaten.
If you consider yourself a proud Bay Stater and want to show off your Massachusetts pride, these fantastic products from Wear Your Roots will be right up your alley! Use our special code Massachusetts10 to get an exclusive discount on your purchase!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The women said they were frightened, but they didn’t show it Wednesday in a Massachusetts courtroom as they watched the teacher who allegedly preyed on them when they were students at the posh Miss Hall’s School plead not guilty to rape.
There is a heavy police presence in a section of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, on Wednesday afternoon due to what authorities are describing only as an “ongoing incident.”
“There is currently a heavy police presence on Salem Road due to an ongoing incident,” Tewksbury police said in a social media post just before 1 p.m. “Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes if possible. Please allow emergency personnel the space they need to respond safely and efficiently”
No further details were released. Police said they will provide updates as more information becomes available.
CHELMSFORD, MASS. (WHDH) – A wrong-way driver crashed into another vehicle on I-495 in Chelmsford Tuesday night, shutting down the soundbound lanes in that area, according to Massachusetts State Police and The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
State police said Troopers from the Concord Barracks responded to a two-car crash on I-495 at the Hunt Road overpass shortly before 10 p.m. They said preliminary information indicates the crash happened as a result of a wrong-way driver striking a vehicle traveling in the correct direction.
Chelmsford Fire and EMS responded to the scene, and the driver was taken to the hospital by MedFlight. State police said they suffered life-threatening injuries.
MassDOT said the highway southbound is currently closed at exit 88 due to the crash, and is expected to remain closed for several hours.
Advertisement
Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes at this time.
This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest details.
(Copyright (c) 2026 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox
