**Custard Cake with Almonds**

This image depicts a delicious **Custard Cake with Almonds**, which is a soft cake with a creamy custard layer and almond topping. Here’s how you can make this delightful dessert:

 Ingredients:

For the Cake Base:
– **Butter**: 1/2 cup (115g), softened
– **Granulated sugar**: 3/4 cup (150g)
– **Eggs**: 3 large
– **All-purpose flour**: 1 1/2 cups (190g)
– **Baking powder**: 1 1/2 teaspoons
– **Milk**: 1/2 cup (120ml)
– **Vanilla extract**: 1 teaspoon

For the Custard Filling:
– **Milk**: 2 cups (500ml)
– **Vanilla extract**: 1 teaspoon
– **Egg yolks**: 3 large
– **Granulated sugar**: 1/3 cup (70g)
– **Cornstarch**: 2 tablespoons
– **Butter**: 2 tablespoons

For the Topping:
– **Sliced almonds**: 1/4 cup (25g)
– **Powdered sugar**: for dusting (optional)

 Instructions:

Make the Custard Filling:
1. **Heat the Milk:**
– In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla extract over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.

2. **Prepare the Custard:**
– In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
– Gradually 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 custard thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
– Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and smooth. Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool completely.

Make the Cake Base:
3. **Prepare the Oven and Pan:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan.

4. **Make the Cake Batter:**
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
– Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
– Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two batches, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

5. **Assemble the Cake:**
– Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
– Spoon the cooled custard over the cake batter, spreading it out evenly.
– Top with the remaining cake batter, spreading it gently to cover the custard.
– Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top.

6. **Bake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. **Cool and Serve:**
– Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
– Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

This **Custard Cake with Almonds** is perfect for dessert or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. The combination of a soft cake, creamy custard, and crunchy almonds makes it a delightful and satisfying dessert. Enjoy! If you need more recipes or have any questions, feel free to ask.