Italian classic: Torta della Nonna

Ah, Torta della Nonna — a beloved Italian classic! It’s a luscious custard tart with a crisp, buttery pastry crust, topped with pine nuts and a dusting of powdered sugar. Simple, comforting, and irresistibly delicious.

Here’s a traditional recipe to bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen:

🇮🇹🍮 Torta della Nonna (Grandmother’s Tart)

🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes

🕒 Chill & Bake Time: 1 hour
🍽️ Serves: 8

🧂 Ingredients

For the pastry (Pasta Frolla):

2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2 large eggs
Zest of 1 lemon
Pinch of salt

For the custard filling:

2 cups (500ml) whole milk
4 large egg yolks
2/3 cup (130g) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour (or cornstarch)
1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
Zest of 1 lemon

For the topping:

1/4 cup pine nuts
Powdered sugar, for dusting

🔥 Instructions

1. Make the pastry:

In a food processor or bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
Add cold butter and pulse or rub with fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add eggs and lemon zest, then mix until dough comes together (avoid overworking).
Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the custard:

In a saucepan, heat milk and lemon zest until just simmering.
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and flour until smooth.
Slowly pour hot milk into egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper eggs.
Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 5 minutes).
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool (cover with plastic wrap on surface to avoid skin).

3. Assemble the tart:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out 2/3 of the dough on a floured surface and line a 9-inch tart pan with it.
Pour cooled custard into the shell.
Roll out remaining dough and cover the custard, sealing edges.
Sprinkle pine nuts evenly over the top.

4. Bake:

Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown.
Let cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

💡 Tips & Variations

Add a thin layer of apricot jam under the custard for a fruity surprise.
Swap pine nuts for slivered almonds if preferred.
Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with a gluten-free mix.