This Italian Grandma’s Cake , or Torta della Nonna , is a classic Tuscan dessert that captures the essence of homemade Italian baking. With its rich pastry cream filling, buttery shortcrust pastry, and fragrant pine nuts, this cake is simple yet utterly irresistible. Perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat, it’s a timeless recipe passed down through generations.
Prep Time
- 30 minutes
Cook Time
- 45–50 minutes
Cooling Time
- 1 hour
Total Time
- 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings
- 8–10 servings
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, but highly recommended for a fragrant touch)
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 if preferred)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pastry Cream
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale yellow.
- Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until it thickens and comes to a boil (about 5–7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest. Transfer the pastry cream to a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface (to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool completely in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and pinch of salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat the egg lightly and add it to the mixture. Mix until the dough comes together into a soft ball. If needed, add a teaspoon of cold water to help it bind.
- Divide the dough into two portions: one slightly larger than the other. Flatten each portion into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger dough disc into a circle large enough to fit the bottom and sides of the pan. Press it gently into the pan, trimming any excess dough.
- Spread the cooled pastry cream evenly over the dough in the pan.
- Roll out the smaller dough disc into a circle large enough to cover the top of the cake. Place it over the pastry cream and press the edges to seal. Trim any excess dough.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- Brush the top of the cake lightly with water or a beaten egg wash (optional, for browning).
- Sprinkle the pine nuts evenly over the top of the cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes , or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 6: Dust and Serve
- Once the cake has cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
- Slice and serve at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days .
Pro Tips
- Pastry Cream Consistency: For an extra-smooth pastry cream, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking.
- Dough Tip: Handle the dough as little as possible to keep it tender and flaky.
- Alternative Toppings: Substitute pine nuts with sliced almonds or crushed hazelnuts for a different texture and flavor.
- Make Ahead: The pastry cream can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The dough can also be prepared ahead and chilled overnight.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 10 servings)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Italian Grandma’s Cake is a celebration of simplicity and tradition. The buttery pastry, creamy filling, and nutty topping create a harmony of textures and flavors that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering or indulging in a slice with coffee, this cake is sure to transport you to the heart of Italy.
Ready to bake this timeless Italian classic? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a slice of sweet nostalgia—it’s like a warm hug from Nonna herself!
