Best 2 Torta Della Nonna Grandmas Cake Recipes

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**Torta della Nonna: A Classic Italian Ricotta Cake with a Custard Filling**

Torta della Nonna, also known as "Grandma's Cake," is a traditional Italian cake that combines a tender, crumbly shortcrust pastry with a creamy custard filling. This classic dessert is often served at family gatherings and celebrations and is loved for its simplicity and comforting flavors. In this article, we'll explore the origins of Torta della Nonna, provide a detailed recipe for making it from scratch, and offer variations and tips for customizing this delightful cake to your liking. From the buttery pastry to the velvety custard filling, every bite of Torta della Nonna is a taste of Italian culinary heritage. So, let's embark on a sweet journey as we uncover the secrets of this beloved cake and create a masterpiece that will impress your family and friends.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

TORTA DELLA NONNA (GRANDMA'S CAKE) RECIPE



Torta Della Nonna (Grandma's Cake) Recipe image

Get the recipe for an Italian pine nut custard tart, or torta della nonna, from blogger Skye McAlpine's new cookbook, A Table in Venice.

Provided by Tasting Table Staff

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 12

:::For the Pastry: :::
7 tablespoons (200 grams) salted butter
3 cups plus 3 tablespoons (400 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1½ cups (170 grams) confectioners' sugar
4 large egg yolks
:::For the Filling: :::
2 cups (500 milliliters) whole milk
5 large egg yolks
¾ cup (125 grams) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (40 grams) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (120 grams) pine nuts

Steps:

  • Make the pastry: Process the butter and flour in a food processor until you have a mixture the consistency of grainy sand. (If you don't have a food processor, rub the butter into the flour with your thumb and forefinger in a bowl.) Remove the blade, then sift the confectioners' sugar in with the flour and butter. Add the egg yolks, and use your hands to bring the dough together. If it feels too dry and crumbly, add 1 to 2 tablespoons cold water. Roll the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 400˚F.
  • On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough using a rolling pin into a large disk that is roughly ⅛ inch (3 to 5 mm) thick. Gently lift the dough using the rolling pin and lay it into a 10-inch (27 cm) tart pan. Gently press it down into the nooks and crannies, then roll over the top of the pan with the rolling pin to cut away excess pastry. Prick the bottom of the tart all over with a fork. Cover the pastry with parchment paper and fill with baking beans or weights.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, or until dry to the touch, then remove the parchment paper and weights, put the tart shell back in the oven, and bake for 5 to 7 minutes more, or until the pastry is lightly golden. Remove and let cool briefly. Reduce the oven temperature to 350˚F.
  • Make the filling: Add the milk to a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, and slowly heat until it starts steaming and little bubbles start rising around the edges. Take care not to let it boil.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Sift in the flour and slowly, while continuously whisking the eggs, gradually pour in the hot milk. Whisk in the vanilla. Return the mixture to the saucepan over gentle heat and simmer, whisking, until it thickens to a rich custard consistency, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Pour the custard into the pastry shell and top with the pine nuts. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden and just set in the middle. Let cool briefly, then remove the rim of the tart pan. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 717 calories, Carbohydrate 96 g carbohydrates, Cholesterol 214 mg cholesterol, Fat 31 g fat, Fiber 3 g fiber, Protein 14 g protein, SaturatedFat 13 g saturated fat, ServingSize 0 g, Sodium 160 mg, Sugar 33 g, TransFat 1 g

TORTA DELLA NONNA (GRANDMA'S CAKE)



Torta Della Nonna (Grandma's Cake) image

Make and share this Torta Della Nonna (Grandma's Cake) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by dev_carlsen

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg, plus
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups low-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup sugar
1 lemon, juice and zest of
3 eggs

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • To make the pastry, make a well in the flour, and place egg, yolks, sugar, butter and olive oil mixture in the center and proceed as you would with fresh pasta, i.e. bring flour in bit by bit until the liquid in the well is thick enough to bring together with your hands. Knead until the dough is smooth, then allow to rest 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the filling by mixing together the cream cheese, pine nuts, sugar, lemon zest, juice and eggs in a bowl until creamy.
  • To assemble, roll out the pastry to form 2 (12-inch) circles. Place one circle down to line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pan. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over this layer. Place the remaining circle of dough over the top and pinch together the edges. Place in the oven to bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Remove and serve warm or at room temperature with vin Santo from Cappezzana.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 731.9, Fat 43, SaturatedFat 17.9, Cholesterol 276.6, Sodium 393, Carbohydrate 70, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 34.3, Protein 18.5

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. This means using fresh butter, eggs, and milk, as well as good-quality vanilla extract and pine nuts.
  • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
  • Bake the cake until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool completely before serving. This will help the flavors to develop.
  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Torta della Nonna is a delicious and classic Italian cake that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a special dessert, give Torta della Nonna a try. You won't be disappointed!

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