Instructions:
Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Vanilla Cream Filling:
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until well combined and pale in color.
Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Pour the cream into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool to room temperature.
Assemble the Slices:
Once the cake is completely cooled, cut it into two equal halves. Spread the vanilla cream filling evenly over one half of the cake. Place the other half on top, pressing down gently to sandwich the cream.
Cut the cake into squares or rectangles.
Decorate:
Dust the top of each square with powdered sugar. If desired, pipe a swirl of whipped cream on top of each slice for an elegant finish.
Serve:
Serve chilled or at room temperature. These vanilla cream slices are perfect for a sophisticated dessert or a delightful afternoon treat.
This dessert is light, creamy, and delicious, with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
