Italian Cake Torta Nonna: Delightful Grandma’s Recipe

Name: Italian Cake Torta Nonna: Delightful Grandma's Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups whole milk; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 4 large egg yolks; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional); Powdered sugar for dusting

by Jannet Lisa

11 de August de 2025

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Italian Cake Torta Nonna has been my go-to dessert for bringing a little slice of Italy into my kitchen. I remember the first time my own Nonna made it for me – the aroma of sweet pastry and vanilla filling her cozy kitchen instantly transported me. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of tradition, a comforting hug in cake form. This Italian grandmother’s cake features a tender shortcrust filled with luscious pastry cream, often adorned with delicate pine nuts. It’s surprisingly simple to make, and the resulting Torta Nonna dessert is always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get baking this classic Italian treat!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Cake Torta Nonna

You’re going to adore making and tasting this Italian Cake Torta Nonna! It’s a dessert that truly embodies comfort and tradition.

It’s a remarkably easy dessert to master, even for beginners.
The combination of flaky pastry and creamy filling is simply divine.
This Torta Nonna recipe is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
You’ll experience the genuine taste of an Authentic Torta Nonna without needing a plane ticket!
The aroma that fills your home while it bakes is pure bliss.
It’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed any time of year.
Impress your friends and family with this classic Italian treat.
It’s a delightful way to connect with traditional Italian baking.

Ingredients for Authentic Torta Nonna

Gathering the right Torta Nonna ingredients is the first step towards this delightful Italian treat. For the pastry dough, you’ll need 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed for that perfect flaky texture, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. For the luscious Torta Nonna pastry cream filling, grab 2 cups whole milk, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 4 large egg yolks for richness, 1/4 cup cornstarch to thicken it beautifully, and another 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Don’t forget 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional) for that classic topping, and a dusting of powdered sugar.

How to Make Torta Nonna

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Torta Nonna that will transport you straight to Italy!

Step 1: Let’s start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, prepare your pastry dough. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Step 2: Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is key for a flaky crust!
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add this to the flour mixture and mix until just combined, forming a cohesive dough. Don’t overmix!
Step 4: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it into the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
Step 5: Now for the creamy filling! In a saucepan, heat 2 cups whole milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over.
Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 4 large egg yolks, and 1/4 cup cornstarch until it’s smooth and pale yellow.
Step 7: Carefully temper the egg mixture by slowly whisking in about half of the hot milk. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
Step 8: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the pastry cream thickens. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon – you’ll know it’s ready!
Step 9: Remove the thickened pastry cream from heat and stir in another 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. To prevent a skin from forming, cover the surface directly with plastic wrap and let it cool completely.
Step 10: On a lightly floured surface, roll out two-thirds of the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Gently press the dough into the pan.
Step 11: Spread the cooled pastry cream evenly over the dough base. You want a nice, thick layer of that luscious cream.
Step 12: Roll out the remaining dough and carefully place it over the pastry cream. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal everything together. These Simple Torta Nonna instructions are designed for success!
Step 13: If you’re using pine nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the top crust. They add a wonderful nutty crunch and classic visual appeal.
Step 14: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is a beautiful golden brown. The kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 15: Allow the Torta Nonna to cool completely on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar. This ensures clean slices and the best texture. Enjoy your homemade creation!

Torta Nonna Baking Tips

To ensure your Italian Cake Torta Nonna is absolutely perfect, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way:

Keep your butter and egg for the pastry dough ice cold. This is crucial for achieving that signature flaky and tender crust.
Don’t be tempted to overmix the pastry dough; just bring it together until it forms a cohesive ball. Overworking develops gluten, which can make the crust tough.
When making the pastry cream, whisk continuously and patiently. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety filling.
Always let your Torta Nonna cool completely before slicing. This allows the pastry cream to set fully, giving you clean, beautiful slices.

What’s the secret to perfect Italian Cake Torta Nonna?

The real secret to a perfect Italian Cake Torta Nonna lies in the quality of your pastry cream and the chilling time for your dough. Using good quality ingredients and allowing the dough to rest ensures the best texture and flavor, making it the Best Torta Nonna recipe.

Can I make Homemade Torta Nonna ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can make your Homemade Torta Nonna ahead of time! You can prepare the dough and pastry cream up to a day in advance. Assemble the cake and bake it the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Torta Nonna pastry cream?

To avoid common mistakes with Torta Nonna pastry cream, make sure to temper your eggs slowly to prevent scrambling. Also, continue whisking after thickening to ensure it’s perfectly smooth, and cover it with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming. For more baking tips, check out these focaccia bread secrets and recipes.

Best Ways to Serve Torta Nonna Dessert

Serving this delightful Torta Nonna dessert is almost as enjoyable as making it! I love presenting it simply, letting its natural beauty shine. A light dusting of powdered sugar is all it really needs, but for a truly special touch, you could pair a slice of this Classic Italian Torta Nonna with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a small scoop of classic vanilla ice cream. It’s also wonderful alongside a strong espresso or a sweet dessert wine, like a Vin Santo, which complements the almond and pastry notes beautifully. For a more elaborate presentation, a few fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, can add a lovely pop of color and a hint of tartness.

Italian Cake Torta Nonna: Delightful Grandma's Recipe - Italian Cake Torta Nonna - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Italian Cake Torta Nonna

Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for a slice of this delicious Italian Cake Torta Nonna, perfect for understanding what you’re enjoying.

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 150mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact serving sizes. For more delicious Italian-inspired dishes, explore our latest recipes.

How to Store and Reheat Your Torta Nonna

Properly storing your delicious Torta Nonna ensures you can enjoy its delightful flavors for days to come. After baking, always let your Torta Nonna recipe creation cool completely on a wire rack. This is super important to prevent the delicate pastry cream from becoming soggy. Once fully cooled, you can store it in an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you find yourself with extra cake, don’t worry! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then foil, to protect it from freezer burn.

To reheat, simply bring your Torta Nonna to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. If it was frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. A brief warming in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-10 minutes can also revive its pastry freshness, making it taste almost as good as when it was first baked.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traditional Italian Desserts

What is Torta Nonna?

What is Torta Nonna? It’s a beloved Italian cake, translating to ‘Grandmother’s Cake.’ This classic features a sweet shortcrust pastry filled with a rich, creamy custard, and is often topped with pine nuts. It’s a quintessential example of comforting Italian baking, a true taste of tradition passed down through generations. Learn more about the history of Italian pastries and their cultural significance.

Is Torta Nonna the same as Crostata?

While both are Italian baked goods featuring pastry, Torta Nonna vs Crostata are distinct. A Crostata is typically a more rustic, free-form tart, often with jam or fruit filling and a lattice crust. Torta Nonna, on the other hand, is a double-crust pie with a smooth, luscious pastry cream filling, more refined in its presentation. For a similar rustic charm, try our apple cider donut cake recipe.

Can I make Torta Nonna with different nuts?

Absolutely! While pine nuts are traditional for that classic Pine nut tart Italian experience, you can certainly experiment. Sliced almonds or chopped hazelnuts work wonderfully as a topping for your Almond Torta Nonna variation. Just be sure to toast them lightly before adding for extra flavor! If you enjoy nutty flavors, you might also like our nutter butter bars.

What makes this Italian Cake Torta Nonna so special?

This Italian Cake Torta Nonna is special because it captures the heart of Traditional Italian desserts. It’s the combination of the tender, buttery crust with the smooth, vanilla-infused pastry cream that’s truly irresistible. Plus, knowing it’s made from an Italian grandmother’s cake recipe adds a layer of warmth and authenticity that’s hard to beat.

Variations of Italian Cake Torta Nonna You Can Try

While the classic Torta Nonna is divine, don’t be afraid to explore variations! It’s a wonderfully adaptable dessert. For a delightful twist on the traditional, consider an Almond Torta Nonna by adding a layer of almond paste or chopped toasted almonds beneath the pastry cream. This enhances the nutty flavor beautifully. If you love the idea of a Pine nut tart Italian experience without the cream, you could even adapt this recipe to be more like a classic Italian pine nut tart, perhaps with a thinner layer of pastry cream or a different jam filling. For a lighter version, experiment with a dairy-free pastry cream using almond milk and a vegan butter substitute. You can also try adding a hint of lemon zest to the pastry cream for a brighter flavor profile. For other delightful Italian-inspired treats, check out our churro saltine toffee recipe.