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
  
  

  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!