Daisy cake with custard and apples

🍎 PART 1: Apple Preparation

Ingredients:

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Pink Lady)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Peel and thinly slice apples.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
3. Cook until softened and lightly golden (about 5–7 minutes). Set aside to cool.

🍰 PART 2: Light Vanilla Cake

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Mix in vanilla.
4. Combine dry ingredients and add alternately with milk. Mix until just combined.
5. Pour into pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and springy.
6. Cool completely before assembling.

🍮 PART 3: Vanilla Custard (Crème Pâtissière)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480ml) milk
• 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup (100g) sugar
• ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming.
2. In a bowl, whisk yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale.
3. Gradually whisk hot milk into yolks, then return to saucepan.
4. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
5. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter.
6. Chill with plastic wrap touching surface.

🧁 PART 4: Assemble the Daisy Cake

Option 1: Single-layer Decorative Cake

1. Spread cooled custard over the top of the cake.
2. Arrange caramelized apple slices in a daisy pattern: place a central apple “bud” and surround with overlapping “petal” slices.
3. Optional: Use piped whipped cream or fondant daisy flowers as accents.

Option 2: Layer Cake

• Slice cake horizontally.
• Spread custard and a layer of apples between layers.
• Top with more custard and apple flower decor.

✨ Finishing Touches:

• Dust with powdered sugar for a soft look.
• Drizzle honey or apple glaze on top for shine.
• Add edible daisy flowers or fondant petals for a spring-themed effect.