Classic Italian Torta della Nonna – Grandma’s Cake Recipe
There’s something magical about a recipe passed down through generations, isn’t there? The first time I tasted Torta della Nonna, or “Italian Grandma’s Cake,” I was sitting in a sun-dappled kitchen in Tuscany, sipping espresso while my hostess—a silver-haired nonna with flour-dusted hands—pulled the golden pie from the oven. The scent of citrus and vanilla filled the air, and with one bite of that buttery crust and silky custard, I knew I’d found a dessert worth cherishing. Today, I’m sharing my version of this classic, a tribute to those kitchen matriarchs who turn simple ingredients into love.
The Ingredients (and Why They Matter)
Like all great Italian desserts, Torta della Nonna relies on humble, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Step-by-Step: Baking with Heart
This cake is a labor of love, but I promise—every minute is worth it. Here’s how to bring it to life:
Now, the hardest part: letting it cool completely before slicing. But oh, the reward—a forkful of creamy, citrus-kissed bliss that tastes like a hug from Nonna herself.
PrintItalian Grandmas Cake Torta della Nonna
A classic Italian custard-filled tart with a crispy crust and pine nut topping.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, butter, egg, egg yolk, vanilla, baking powder, and salt. Pulse until dough forms.
- Wrap dough in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
- For the custard: Heat milk until warm. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, flour, vanilla, and lemon zest in a bowl. Gradually whisk in warm milk.
- Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out 2/3 of dough and line a tart pan. Fill with custard.
- Roll remaining dough into a circle, place over custard, and seal edges. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle pine nuts.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden. Cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.
Get our 10 best recipes — free
Join the Receipster newsletter and we’ll send you Dorothy’s 10 most-loved recipes as a free PDF.
Free PDF + new recipes every week. Unsubscribe anytime.
