Torta della Nonna – Italian Grandmother’s Cake

This Torta della Nonna is a comforting, custard-filled treat encased in a buttery shortcrust pastry, topped with pine nuts for a delightful crunch, and dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

Ingredients:

For the Shortcrust Pastry:

• 2 1/3 cups wheat flour
• 7 ounces cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 large eggs
• Zest of 1 lemon
• A pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 3 heaping tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or seeds of 1 vanilla pod
• 2 strips of lemon peel

For the Topping:

• A handful of pine nuts

For Dusting:

• Powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Begin by making the shortcrust pastry. In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in sugar and lemon zest. Mix in the eggs until the dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) with the convection setting on. Prepare your tart pan with a removable bottom by lightly greasing it.
3. On a floured surface, roll out the pastry dough to fit the tart pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork and set aside.
4. For the filling, whisk the cornstarch, egg yolks, and sugar with some of the milk to create a smooth paste. Heat the remaining milk with the vanilla and lemon peels until just boiling. Remove the lemon peels.
5. Slowly pour the hot milk over the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Pour the custard filling into the pastry shell. Sprinkle the top with pine nuts.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the pine nuts are golden.
8. Let the tart cool in the pan, then remove and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Slice this delectable Torta della Nonna and serve as a special dessert at any gathering. Its classic flavors and textures are a tribute to the timeless recipes passed down through generations in Italian kitchens. Buon appetito!