Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 2

Spray (8” square or 9” round cake pans with nonstick baking spray. Line bottoms of pans with parchment paper.

Step 3

Using a medium mixing bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; stir until well combined. Set bowl aside.

Step 4

Using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (~3-4 minutes on medium speed).

Step 5

Add eggs, egg yolks and vanilla extract; mix on low speed until well combined.

Step 6

Add half of the dry ingredients; mix on low speed until well combined.

Step 7

Add buttermilk; mix on low speed until well combined.

Step 8

Add remaining dry ingredients, mix on low speed until well combined.

Step 9

Divide batter equally into the two pans. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out mostly clean.

Step 10

Let cakes cool in pans for 15 minutes before transferring cakes to a cooling rack until completely cool.

Step 11

Using a medium saucepan, add milk and sugar; stir until well combined. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture begins to simmer.

Step 12

Meanwhile, using a separate heatproof bowl, whisk together egg, egg yolks and cornstarch. Once milk is hot, slowly pour into the bowl with eggs, stirring constantly while you pour.

Step 13

Return mixture to the saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until mixture thickens and begins to boil. Continue cooking for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.

Step 14

Pour mixture through a fine-meshed strainer into a clean mixing bowl. Add vanilla extract and unsalted butter; stir until well combined and butter has completely melted.

Step 15

Cover with plastic wrap, pressing wrap directly to the surface of the pastry cream. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until cool.

Step 16

Using an electric mixer, add all ingredients (butter, powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, whipping cream and vanilla extract).

Step 17

Beat on low speed until well combined and then increase speed to medium-high. Beat for 2-3 minutes, or until light and fluffy.

Step 18

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Step 19

Using a large bowl, add sliced almonds and water; toss until well coated.

Step 20

Add sugar; toss until well coated.

Step 21

Spread almonds evenly onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Bake for 10 minutes, stir and continue baking for 5 more minutes. Set almonds aside until cooled.

Step 22

Place one layer of cake on a large plate. Spread pastry cream on top, leaving ~½” border around edges. Place second layer of cake on top.

Step 23

Using an offset spatula, frost edges and top of cake with frosting.

Step 24

Using a cupped hand, carefully press toasted almonds into sides and top of cake.