Golden Torta della Nonna – A Timeless Italian Custard Tart
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a traditional Italian dessert made from simple ingredients and generations of love. Torta della Nonna, which means “Grandmother’s Cake,” is a beloved classic from Tuscany featuring a buttery pastry crust filled with silky vanilla custard and topped with toasted pine nuts and powdered sugar. Every bite feels rich, delicate, and beautifully homemade.
Perfect with coffee, tea, or served as a sweet ending to a family dinner, this elegant tart is both rustic and unforgettable.
Ingredients
For the Pastry
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 pinch salt
½ cup cold butter, cubed
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
For the Custard Filling
2 cups whole milk
4 egg yolks
½ cup sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
For the Topping
3 tbsp pine nuts
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the pastry dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Rub in the cold butter until crumbly. Add eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest, then mix until a soft dough forms. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Make the custard
Heat the milk in a saucepan until warm but not boiling. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thick and creamy. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest. Let cool slightly.
Assemble the tart
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide the dough into two portions. Roll out one piece and press it into a greased tart pan. Pour in the custard filling evenly.
Add the top layer
Roll out the remaining dough and gently place it over the custard. Seal the edges carefully. Sprinkle pine nuts over the top.
Bake until golden
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden. Allow the tart to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestion
Serve chilled or at room temperature with espresso, cappuccino, or fresh berries for an authentic Italian dessert experience. The creamy filling and buttery crust make this cake impossible to resist!
