Oh my goodness this delicious

 

Torta della Nonna (Italian Grandma’s Cake) – Recipe

Ingredients 

For the pastry (crust):

2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour

½ cup (100g) sugar

1 stick (115g) butter, cold and cubed

2 eggs

1 egg yolk

Advertisement
1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For the custard filling:

2 cups (500ml) milk

4 egg yolks

½ cup (100g) sugar

¼ cup (30g) cornstarch

1 tsp vanilla extract

Lemon peel (optional for flavor)

For topping:

Pine nuts

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Make the custard

Heat the milk with lemon peel until warm (do not boil).

In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.

Slowly pour warm milk into the mixture while whisking.

Return everything to the pot and cook on low heat until thick.

Add vanilla, then let it cool completely.

2. Prepare the dough

Mix flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest.

Add cold butter and rub until crumbly.

Add eggs and vanilla, mix until a dough forms.

Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

3. Assemble the cake

Roll out half the dough and place it in a tart pan.

Pour the cooled custard inside.

Cover with the second layer of dough and seal edges.

Sprinkle pine nuts on top.

4. Bake

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 35–40 minutes, until golden.

Let it cool completely.

5. Finish

Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Result

A creamy, soft vanilla custard inside a buttery crust with a light crunch from pine nuts — a classic Italian homemade dessert.