Italian Grandma’s Cake (Torta della Nonna)

🍰 Italian Grandma’s Cake (Torta della Nonna)

Ingredients:

For the Pastry (Pasta Frolla):

• 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 2 large eggs
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Custard Filling (Crema Pastiera):

• 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
• 5 large egg yolks
• ⅔ cup (135 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour or cornstarch
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for extra creaminess)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup pine nuts
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions:

1. Make the Pastry Dough:

• In a large bowl or food processor, mix flour, sugar, lemon zest, and salt.
• Add cold butter and blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing just until dough comes together.
• Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

2. Make the Custard Filling:

• In a saucepan, heat milk and lemon zest until just about to boil.
• In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and flour/cornstarch until smooth.
• Slowly pour hot milk into egg mixture, whisking constantly.
• Return mixture to saucepan and cook on medium-low heat, stirring until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
• Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter, and let cool.

3. Assemble the Cake:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Roll out two-thirds of the dough on a floured surface and line a 9-inch tart pan (with removable bottom if possible).
• Pour cooled custard into the crust.
• Roll out remaining dough and place it over the custard to cover, sealing edges well.
• Sprinkle pine nuts evenly on top.

4. Bake:

• Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden and set.
• Cool completely, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

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Tips:

• You can brush the top crust with egg wash (1 egg beaten with a little water) before baking for a shiny finish.
• Let the tart chill for a few hours to let flavors meld.
• Pine nuts add that classic crunch, but chopped almonds or hazelnuts can work too.