In the realm of Italian pastries, few desserts are as iconic and beloved as the Torta della Nonna, a rustic yet refined tart that embodies the essence of Tuscan culinary heritage. This delectable treat, also known as Grandma's Cake, consists of a crisp and buttery pastry crust filled with a velvety custard filling, then adorned with pine nuts and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. While the traditional Torta della Nonna holds a special place in Italian hearts, its variations offer a delightful exploration of flavors and textures. From the zesty lemon filling of the Torta della Nonna al Limone to the rich chocolate ganache of the Torta della Nonna al Cioccolato, each recipe promises a unique taste adventure. This article presents a curated collection of Torta della Nonna recipes, each offering a distinct culinary experience while staying true to the classic's spirit. Whether you prefer the traditional custard filling, crave a burst of citrusy freshness, or desire the indulgence of chocolate, these recipes will guide you in crafting this Italian masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
PASTA FROLLA (ITALIAN PASTRY DOUGH)
This simple recipe for Italian sweet dough is used for torte, crostate, or even plain for cookies. It has a bit of baking powder which makes it light and fluffy. Italians love their lemon zest and it really shines in this dough. Make sure your lemon is organic and/or states that the peel is edible. The dough can be frozen for up to one month.
Provided by Buckwheat Queen
Categories Desserts Pies Pie Crusts Pastry Crusts
Time 30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Put the flour in a mixing bowl. Make a well in the center. Add eggs, 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar, and lemon zest. Mix by hand, working in circles, pulling in the flour little-by-little until all the ingredients are incorporated into a dough.
- Add 1 stick plus 5 tablespoons cubed cold butter and baking powder. Quickly work the dough with your hands until a smooth ball is formed.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before rolling out.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 487.2 calories, Carbohydrate 67 g, Cholesterol 96.1 mg, Fat 21 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 9.1 g, SaturatedFat 12.4 g, Sodium 82.6 mg, Sugar 22.2 g
TORTA CRUST: PASTA FROLLA
Yield 5 torta crusts
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease 5 deep pie dishes. Beat eggs and salt with hand mixer. Add sugar while continuing to beat. Add butter and vanilla. Add flour and baking powder and mix just to incorporate the flour. Remove from bowl and gently knead. Roll out to make 5 torta crusts. Fill with torta filling. Bake at 350ºF for 45 minutes.
PASTA FROLLA
Pasta frolla (Italian for "short pastry") is the basic pastry dough of Italy. Our recipe yields enough dough for two desserts.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Pie & Tarts Recipes
Yield Make 2 disks
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Pulse flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor just until combined. Add butter; pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal, 6 to 8 times.
- Whisk together egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and lemon zest. With processor running, add egg mixture; process just until dough begins to come together. Turn dough out onto a floured work surface; lightly knead to form a ball.
- Divide dough into 2 pieces, and gently press into flat disks. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
Tips:
- Chilling the dough: Before baking, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This will help prevent the dough from spreading too much in the oven.
- Blind baking: If you are using a filling that is not baked, such as a fruit filling, blind bake the crust before adding the filling. To blind bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the tart pan with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are golden brown and the center is set.
- Brushing the crust with egg wash: Before baking, brush the crust with egg wash (an egg beaten with a little water). This will help the crust to brown evenly and give it a shiny finish.
- Using a variety of fillings: Torta della Nonna can be filled with a variety of different fillings, such as custard, fruit, or jam. Get creative and experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
Conclusion:
Torta della Nonna is a delicious and versatile Italian tart that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dessert. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is a great choice for beginner bakers. So next time you are looking for a sweet treat to share with your friends and family, give Torta della Nonna a try!
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