Torta della Nonna – Italian Grandma’s Cake

 

A beloved Italian classic, this rustic cake features a luscious vanilla pastry cream filling, a buttery crumbly crust, and a golden pine nut topping—just like Nonna used to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

 Silky pastry cream – Rich, velvety, and perfectly sweet.
 Tender, buttery crust – Delicate yet satisfying.
 Authentic Italian simplicity – Humble ingredients, unforgettable flavor.
 Versatile for any occasion – Perfect with coffee or as a celebratory dessert.

Ingredients 

For the Pastry Cream:

• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup (100g) sugar
• ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

For the Cake Dough:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) sugar
• ½ cup (115g) cold butter, cubed
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

For Topping:

• ¼ cup pine nuts (or sliced almonds)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
  

  Instructions:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Pastry Cream

• Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming.
• In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
• Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
• Return to the heat and cook, stirring, until thick and creamy.
• Stir in vanilla and lemon zest (if using). Cover with plastic wrap (directly on the surface) and chill.

2. Prepare the Dough

• In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, butter, egg, baking powder, and salt until crumbly.
• Press ⅔ of the dough into a greased 9-inch tart or springform pan.
• Spread the chilled pastry cream evenly over the crust.

3. Assemble & Bake

• Crumble the remaining dough over the filling and sprinkle with pine nuts.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, until golden.

4. Cool & Serve

• Let cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar before slicing.

Pro Tips for Perfection 

 Chill the pastry cream well – Ensures a firm filling and prevents a soggy crust.
 Keep butter cold – For a flakier, more tender dough.
 No food processor? Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour.

Final Verdict: A Slice of Italian Tradition!

Creamy, nutty, and delicately sweet, this Torta della Nonna is pure comfort—a nostalgic dessert that tastes like a warm hug from Grandma. Perfect with an espresso or as the star of your dessert table! Buon appetito!