Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with foil.
2. Sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat egg yolks with ⅓ cup sugar until light and ribbony (about 5 minutes). Stir in vanilla.
4. Fold in the sifted flour mixture, then mix in melted butter.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites 5. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. 6. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. 7. Gently fold egg whites into the batter and spread evenly in the prepared pan. 8. Bake for 13–15 minutes, then let cool.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer 9. Beat one package of cream cheese with ⅓ cup sugar and cornstarch until creamy. 10. Add remaining cream cheese, followed by the rest of the sugar and vanilla. 11. Blend in eggs one at a time, then mix in heavy whipping cream. 12. Pour over the cooled cake layer.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake 13. Place the pan in a water bath and bake for 75–85 minutes until the center barely jiggles. 14. Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool inside for 10 minutes before removing. 15. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Step 5: Prepare the Pastry Cream 16. Beat heavy cream, pudding mix, and milk on high speed until thick. 17. Spread evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer.

Step 6: Create the Chocolate Glaze 18. Combine chopped chocolate, corn syrup, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. 19. Microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve 20. Pour the slightly cooled chocolate glaze over the pastry cream layer. 21. Slice, serve, and enjoy!