A timeless Italian classic: Torta della Nonna
This beloved dessert, whose name means "grandmother's cake," is a staple in Italian homes. With its tender shortcrust pastry and smooth vanilla custard filling, it offers a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance. Its golden topping, sprinkled with pine nuts, adds a delightful crunch, making this cake as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
Served at a family meal or enjoyed as an afternoon treat, Torta della Nonna embodies rustic Italian comfort. Its creamy texture and buttery crust make it irresistible, while the subtle citrus notes from the lemon zest add a touch of freshness. This dessert is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.
Ingredients
For the shortcrust pastry:
250g all-purpose flour,
100g cold unsalted butter, diced,
75g granulated sugar,
1 whole egg,
1 tsp baking powder,
a pinch of salt,
zest of one lemon (optional but recommended).
For the pastry cream filling:
500 ml whole milk
, 4 egg yolks,
100 g sugar,
40 g cornflour,
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
. Optional toppings:
Pine nuts (traditional)
Icing sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Prepare the pastry:
In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Add the egg and lemon zest, then lightly knead until a dough forms.
Wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Prepare the custard:
Heat the milk in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
Return the pan to the heat and stir until thickened.
Remove from the heat, stir in the vanilla, and cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
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