Italian Grandma’s Cake (Torta della Nonna) 🍰🇮🇹


This classic Italian dessert is a simple, rustic cake filled with sweet vanilla pastry cream and topped with pine nuts and powdered sugar—just like Nonna used to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

✅ Creamy, custardy filling – Light but decadent.
✅ Buttery, crumbly crust – The perfect texture.
✅ Authentic Italian flavor – Simple ingredients, big taste.
✅ Great for any occasion – From coffee time to celebrations.


Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

For the Pastry Cream:

  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk

  • 4 egg yolks

  • ½ cup (100g) sugar

  • ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For the Cake Dough:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup (100g) sugar

  • ½ cup (115g) cold butter, cubed

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • Pinch of salt

For Topping:

  • ¼ cup pine nuts (or sliced almonds)

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting



Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳