Italian Grandma’s Custard Tart (Torta della Nonna)
A true Italian classic, Torta della Nonna — meaning “Grandmother’s Cake” — is one of the most beloved desserts found in traditional Italian kitchens. This elegant tart combines buttery shortcrust pastry with a silky vanilla custard filling, finished with toasted pine nuts and a dusting of powdered sugar. Every bite is rich, creamy, and wonderfully comforting — the kind of dessert that feels like home.
Ingredients
For the Pastry
2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (100 g) sugar
1 tsp baking powder
A pinch of salt
½ cup (115 g) cold butter, cubed
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
For the Vanilla Custard Filling
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
4 egg yolks
½ cup (100 g) sugar
¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
Lemon peel strip
For the Topping
3 tbsp pine nuts
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Prepare the Custard
In a saucepan, heat the milk with the lemon peel until warm but not boiling.
In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
Return everything to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens. Remove the lemon peel, stir in the vanilla extract, and let the custard cool completely.
2. Make the Pastry
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles crumbs.
Add the eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix until a soft dough forms. Wrap the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Assemble the Tart
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other. Roll out the larger piece and line a greased tart pan with it.
Spread the cooled custard evenly over the base. Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filling, sealing the edges gently.
Sprinkle the pine nuts on top.
4. Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the tart is golden and beautifully set.
Allow it to cool completely before dusting generously with powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled or at room temperature with:
Fresh berries
Espresso or cappuccino
A drizzle of honey
Whipped cream on the side
A Sweet Taste of Italy
With its delicate pastry, creamy custard center, and nutty golden topping, Torta della Nonna is the perfect dessert for family gatherings, holidays, or cozy afternoons with coffee. Simple, timeless, and irresistibly delicious — just like an authentic Italian grandmother would make.
