Massachusetts law officially names the Boston cream pie as the state dessert, and a separate law makes the Boston cream donut the official state donut.
It’s true. Chapter 2 of the Massachusetts General Laws, the part of the statute books that lists our state symbols, says in Section 41 that “the Boston cream pie shall be the official dessert or dessert emblem of the commonwealth.” Section 51 adds that “the Boston Cream Donut shall be the official donut of the commonwealth.”
The pie got its honor in 1996, after a civics class at Norton High School found lawmakers to sponsor the bill. Not a bad way to learn how a bill becomes a law. And yes, the official state “pie” is really a cake: sponge layers, custard filling and chocolate on top. Boston’s Parker House hotel claims to have invented it in the 1800s.
No, you can’t get a ticket for preferring apple pie. But next time someone asks what Massachusetts law says about dessert, you’ll have the answer.
Source: M.G.L. c. 2, § 41 (Official dessert of the Commonwealth)
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This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, Larson Law offers free consultations: 508-888-8888.
