Bavarian cream pie is a light, silky dessert that sits somewhere between a custard and a mousse. National Bavarian Cream Pie Day, on November 27, celebrates this elegant pie made with a vanilla custard set with gelatine and lightened with whipped cream. It's a classic of American diners and bakeries, and it's a wonderful make-ahead dessert, especially in a season full of heavy pies. Despite the name, its history leads to classic French cooking.
History of National Bavarian Cream Pie Day
Bavarian cream, known in French as 'crème bavaroise' or simply 'bavarois', is a classic dessert from French cuisine. It's made from crème anglaise, a cooked custard of milk, egg yolks and sugar, which is set with gelatine and folded with whipped cream before chilling.
The dessert is often associated with the great 19th-century French chef Marie-Antoine Carême, who helped define classic French pastry, though food historians debate exactly who created it. The name may refer to Bavaria in southern Germany, perhaps honoring a Bavarian visitor or a French chef working for Bavarian nobility, but no one knows for certain.
Traditionally, Bavarian cream was set in decorative molds and served with fruit sauce. American bakers adapted it by spooning it into a pie crust, sometimes topping it with fruit or chocolate. Bavarian cream also became a popular filling for doughnuts, often confused with Boston cream, which uses a custard filling and chocolate glaze. Who created National Bavarian Cream Pie Day isn't known.
Why National Bavarian Cream Pie Day Matters
Bavarian cream pie is lighter than many holiday pies, which makes it a welcome option after a big meal.
It's also a lesson in classic technique: making a custard, using gelatine and folding in whipped cream. Master it, and you can make mousses, charlottes and many other desserts.
How to Celebrate National Bavarian Cream Pie Day
- Bake the classic: fill a pre-baked crust with vanilla Bavarian cream and chill until set.
- Top with fruit: add fresh berries or a raspberry sauce for color.
- Try chocolate: fold melted chocolate into the custard for a chocolate version.
- Make a mold: set Bavarian cream in a decorative mold and unmold it to serve.
- Compare fillings: taste Bavarian cream and Boston cream doughnuts side by side.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a chilled Bavarian cream pie is an easy dessert for a post-Thanksgiving team lunch, since it can be made a day ahead. Pastry enthusiasts can share tips on tempering eggs. In culinary or home economics classes, Bavarian cream is a great way to teach how gelatine sets liquids and how whipped cream adds air and volume. At home, the pie is a good project for older children who are ready to try stovetop cooking with supervision. Use a store-bought crust to keep it simple, and let younger children decorate the top with berries. Serve slices with coffee for a relaxed weekend dessert.
Fun Facts About National Bavarian Cream Pie Day
- Bavarian cream is called 'bavarois' in French.
- It's set with gelatine, unlike most custard pie fillings.
- Bavarian cream and Boston cream are similar but not identical fillings.
National Bavarian Cream Pie Day FAQs
When is National Bavarian Cream Pie Day?
It's celebrated on November 27 each year.
Is Bavarian cream German?
Despite its name, Bavarian cream is a classic of French cuisine.
What's the difference between Bavarian cream and Boston cream?
Bavarian cream is set with gelatine and lightened with whipped cream. Boston cream is a thicker pastry cream, usually paired with chocolate glaze.
How long does Bavarian cream pie last?
Keep it refrigerated and eat it within two to three days.