Torta della Nonna: A Slice of Italian Tradition

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Torta della Nonna

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Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Mixing bowls, rolling pin, tart pan, whisk, baking paper, and an oven.

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• For the Pastry:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water if needed
• For the Custard Filling:
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon optional, for flavor
• Pine nuts for topping
• For Garnish:
• Powdered sugar
• Lemon zest optional

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Make the Pastry
• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt together.
• Add Butter: Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough comes together. If it’s too dry, add a bit of cold water.
• Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling
• Heat Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s just about to simmer.
• Mix Sugar and Cornstarch: In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and eggs until smooth.
• Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Return this mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened, about 5-10 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
• Cool Custard: Once thickened, transfer the custard to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool.
• Step 3: Assemble the Torta
• Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pastry dough to fit your tart pan (about 1/8 inch thick).
• Line the Tart Pan: Place the rolled dough in the tart pan, trimming off any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
• Fill with Custard: Pour the cooled custard filling into the pastry shell and spread evenly.
• Add Toppings: Sprinkle pine nuts on top for added flavor and crunch.
• Step 4: Bake the Tart
• Bake: Place the tart in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the custard is set.
• Cool: Once baked, let the tart cool completely in the pan before removing.
• Step 5: Serve
• Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar and lemon zest before serving.
• Slice and Enjoy: Cut into wedges and enjoy this delightful Italian treat!
• Variations
• Chocolate Variation: Add melted chocolate to the custard for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Fruit Filling: Substitute half of the custard with fresh fruit like strawberries or peaches.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit the pine nuts or substitute with slivered almonds or pecans.

Torta della Nonna, or “Grandma’s Cake,” is a delightful Italian dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends. This custard-filled tart is not only rich in flavor but also easy to make, making it a perfect choice for both seasoned bakers and beginners. Let me show you how I make this delicious treat, from my own personal experience.

What to Expect

Torta della Nonna is a comforting dessert that combines the rich flavors of vanilla and lemon with a buttery, flaky crust. This cake can be served warm or chilled, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. From my own personal experience, it’s a great dish to bring to gatherings or simply enjoy at home with family. You’ll love how the flavors meld together, creating a delightful treat that’s sure to become a favorite.

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Time to Stand: 30 minutes (cooling)
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate
• Servings: 8-10
• Calories: Approximately 350 calories per slice
• Cost of Ingredients: $15-$20
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Dessert
• Equipment Needed: Mixing bowls, rolling pin, tart pan, whisk, baking paper, and an oven.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #Torta della Nonna here

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water (if needed)

For the Custard Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for flavor)
• Pine nuts (for topping)

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon zest (optional)
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #Torta della Nonna here

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pastry

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt together.
2. Add Butter: Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough comes together. If it’s too dry, add a bit of cold water.
4. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling

1. Heat Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s just about to simmer.
2. Mix Sugar and Cornstarch: In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and eggs until smooth.
3. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Return this mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened, about 5-10 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
4. Cool Custard: Once thickened, transfer the custard to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Torta

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pastry dough to fit your tart pan (about 1/8 inch thick).
3. Line the Tart Pan: Place the rolled dough in the tart pan, trimming off any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
4. Fill with Custard: Pour the cooled custard filling into the pastry shell and spread evenly.
5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle pine nuts on top for added flavor and crunch.

Step 4: Bake the Tart

1. Bake: Place the tart in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the custard is set.
2. Cool: Once baked, let the tart cool completely in the pan before removing.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar and lemon zest before serving.
2. Slice and Enjoy: Cut into wedges and enjoy this delightful Italian treat.

Variations

• Chocolate Variation: Add melted chocolate to the custard for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Fruit Filling: Substitute half of the custard with fresh fruit like strawberries or peaches.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit the pine nuts or substitute with slivered almonds or pecans.

Tips and Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #Torta della Nonna here

Nutritional Information (per slice)

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 6g
• Sugar: 14g

Troubleshooting Tips

• If the pastry is too crumbly: Add a tablespoon of cold water to bring it together.
• If the custard is too runny: Ensure to cook it long enough and constantly whisk while heating to prevent lumps.