Torta della Nonna (Tuscan Grandma's Cake)

Tuscan Grandma's Cake, also known as Torta della Nonna, is a classic dessert from the Tuscan cuisine. This delightful cake is filled with creamy custard and topped with pine nuts and powdered sugar, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Vegetarian Dessert Tuscan Italian Dessert Custard Cake Pine Nuts
Torta della Nonna (Tuscan Grandma's Cake)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Add the eggs and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out two-thirds of the dough on a floured surface and line a 9-inch tart pan with the dough, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
  4. In a saucepan, heat the milk until hot but not boiling. In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Pour the custard into the tart shell. Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the top of the tart. Sprinkle the pine nuts on top.
  6. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden. Allow the cake to cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
40 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Oven

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Carbohydrates
45g
Protein
6g
Fat
16g

Supplies

9-inch tart pan Pastry cutter or fork Rolling pin Saucepan

Tools

Oven

Serving suggestions

Serve the Tuscan Grandma's Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla gelato for a delightful dessert experience.

Tips & tricks

For a richer flavor, you can add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the custard filling.

Cost

$12