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Italian Grandma’s Cake (Torta della Nonna)

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Italian Grandma’s Cake (Torta della Nonna) is a classic Italian dessert made with a buttery shortcrust pastry filled with a smooth, lemon-infused custard and topped with pine nuts. It’s a comforting dessert that’s both rich and light, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Pastry: all-purpose flour, unsalted butter (cold and cubed), powdered sugar, egg, salt

Custard: whole milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, lemon zest, vanilla extract

Topping: pine nuts, powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shortcrust pastry by pulsing flour, butter, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Add the egg and pulse until dough comes together. Chill in plastic wrap for 30 minutes.
  2. While the dough chills, prepare the custard. Heat milk and vanilla extract in a saucepan until simmering.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and lemon zest until smooth. Gradually pour in hot milk, whisking to prevent curdling. Cook over medium heat, whisking until it thickens. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface and fit into a tart pan. Prick bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and add pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden.
  5. Pour custard into cooled crust and sprinkle pine nuts on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and set.
  6. Cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. Slice and serve.

Notes

Add almond extract for a deeper flavor.

Use pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts in place of pine nuts for variation.

Try adding a thin layer of raspberry or apricot jam for a fruity twist.

Chill before serving for best flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/italian-grandmas-cake-torta-della-nonna/