Parker House origins of Boston cream pie and the Parker House roll

The Parker House Hotel (now the Omni Parker House) opened in 1855 and is widely credited with inventing the Parker House roll and originating the dessert now known as the Boston cream pie. The Boston cream pie recipe was developed by the hotel's pastry chef in the late 19th century and the dessert was later designated the official state dessert of Massachusetts. The hotel has hosted many notable guests over its history, including Charles Dickens, and its culinary creations remain part of local Boston culinary identity. Local references to the Parker House often invoke these food-origin claims as part of Boston food lore.