Italian Grandma’s Cake (Torta della Nonna) 🍰🇮🇹

recip


This Torta della Nonna , or "Grandma’s Cake," is a beloved Italian classic that embodies the warmth and simplicity of homemade Italian desserts. With its tender pastry layers, rich vanilla custard filling, and signature sprinkle of pine nuts on top, this cake is a celebration of humble ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Traditionally served at family gatherings and special occasions, this dessert is a tribute to Italian grandmothers everywhere—simple yet unforgettable. Let’s bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen with this timeless recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like flour, eggs, sugar, and milk.
  • Rich and Creamy: The vanilla custard filling is velvety smooth and indulgent.
  • Perfectly Balanced: Not too sweet, with a hint of citrus and nutty crunch from pine nuts.
  • Versatile: Serve as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pastry Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean pod, seeds scraped
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For Assembly and Topping:

  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Optional: 1–2 tbsp melted butter for brushing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Pastry Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, lemon zest, softened butter, eggs, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth.
  3. Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Vanilla Custard

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat until warm but not boiling.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth.
  3. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
  4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens and comes to a boil (about 5–7 minutes).


 

تعديل المقال