Torta della Nonna, meaning “Grandmother’s Cake,” is a traditional dessert from Italy made with a buttery pastry crust filled with smooth vanilla custard and topped with pine nuts and powdered sugar. This classic Italian treat is rich, creamy, and perfect with coffee or tea.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Bake Time: 40 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 slices
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch tart pan
- Plastic wrap
- Fine sieve
Ingredients
For the Pastry Dough
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Custard Filling
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Lemon peel strip
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Ingredient Notes
- Lemon Zest: Adds fresh Italian-style flavor.
- Pine Nuts: Traditional topping for authentic texture and taste.
- Whole Milk: Creates a rich, creamy custard.
- Cold Butter: Helps produce flaky pastry.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add eggs and lemon zest, mixing until dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard
Heat milk with lemon peel until warm.
In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly whisk warm milk into the egg mixture.
Return to saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened. Stir in vanilla extract and cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Divide dough into two portions. Roll out one portion and press into a tart pan. Spread custard filling evenly over the crust.
Roll out remaining dough and place over the filling. Seal edges gently.
Step 5: Add Topping
Sprinkle pine nuts over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow tart to cool completely. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)
- Calories: 380
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
Tips
- Chill the dough well for easier rolling.
- Stir custard constantly to avoid lumps.
- Let the tart cool completely before slicing.
- Toast pine nuts lightly for deeper flavor.
Variations
Chocolate Torta della Nonna
Add chocolate chips to the custard filling.
Berry Version
Layer fresh berries over the custard before topping.
Almond Tart
Replace pine nuts with sliced almonds.
Citrus Twist
Use orange zest instead of lemon zest.
Mini Tartlets
Make individual tartlets for elegant serving portions.