Genoise Layer Cake with Rum Syrup and Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe - (4.5/5)

Ingredients

• Pastry Cream:
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus more, softened, for pans
• 9 large eggs, separated
• 1 1/2 cups sugar, plus 1 cup for syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising), sifted
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons light rum
• 3 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and scraped
• 4 large egg yolks
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• Pesticide-free fern and geranium leaves, for decorating (optional)