Here’s a classic Torta della Nonna recipe—an Italian “Grandma’s Cake” filled with creamy custard and topped with pine nuts 🍮🌰
🍰 Torta della Nonna (Grandma’s Cake)
Ingredients
Pastry (Frolla)
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces
- 2 egg yolks
- 2–3 tbsp cold water (if needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 tsp lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
Custard Filling (Crema Pasticcera)
- 2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or lemon zest
Topping
- 2–3 tbsp pine nuts
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Pastry
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla (or lemon zest). Mix to form a dough. Add cold water if necessary.
- Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate 30–60 minutes.
2️⃣ Make the Custard
- Heat milk in a saucepan until hot but not boiling.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and flour until smooth.
- Slowly pour hot milk into egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Stir in vanilla or lemon zest, then let cool.
3️⃣ Assemble the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out 2/3 of dough into a circle and line a greased tart pan (about 9–10 inches).
- Pour cooled custard into the shell.
- Roll out remaining dough to cover custard; pinch edges to seal.
- Brush top lightly with milk or egg wash, sprinkle pine nuts evenly.
4️⃣ Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar.
✨ Tips
- Custard flavor: add a splash of rum or Limoncello.
- Texture: chill custard before assembling for easier handling.
- Variation: add a thin layer of pastry cream or chocolate on the base before filling for extra richness.
If you want, I can also give you:
- Mini Torta della Nonna (individual tarts)
- Gluten-free version
- Modern twist with berries or chocolate drizzle
Do you want the traditional version or a modern twist?
