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

Italian Cuisine

For Topping:

¼ cup pine nuts (or sliced almonds)

Powdered sugar, for dusting

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 DoughBaked Goods

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.

Dairy & Eggs

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! 🇮🇹