Running from 04 June to 03 October, the NGV will present a major exhibition in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, featuring more than 100 masterworks of French Impressionism by artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Mary Cassatt and more.

Inspired by Claude Monet's Bouquet of Sunflowers, painted in his garden in Vetheuil 1881, the exclusive Black Star Pastry cake is a sumptuous salute to French Impressionism. A delicate, tri-colour buttercream sunflower sits atop layers of basil sponge, honeycomb mousse, chocolate and sunflower seed sponge, and Mandarin marmalade.

Head Pastry Chef at Black Star Pastry, Arnaud Vodounou, says "the Black Star Pastry Sunflower Cake adds to the sensory experience that customers enjoy at the NGV Winter Masterpieces. Influenced by the sunflower fields in France, Black Star Pastry’s Sunflower Cake pays tribute to one of the style's most iconic works.”

The sunny, vibrant colours used in the cake reference the sunflower, with each layer incorporating a sunflower element. Sunflower honey was used to make a honeycomb mousse. We also incorporated sunflower seeds and sunflower oil to add texture and a burst of flavour. Finally, the addition of the mandarin adds complexity and a touch of acidity to cut through the sweetness.

This collaboration with the NGV is the second in a series of art projects where Black Star Pastry creates edible adaptions of famous works. Last year, Black Star Pastry created a Rain Cake to mark Rain Room’s record-breaking season at The Jackalope Pavilion in St Kilda.