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Authentic Italian Torta della Nonna

Delight in Authentic Italian Torta della Nonna Bliss

Experience the taste of Italy with Authentic Italian Torta della Nonna, a rich custard pastry delight.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pastry
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Can use gluten-free flour.
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Chilled and diced.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Brown sugar can be used.
  • 1 large Egg Can substitute with flaxseed meal for egg-free.
  • 1 Egg Yolk Alternatives available for eggless.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Fresh vanilla bean enhances aroma.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Sea salt is preferable.
For the Custard
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Almond milk can be used for lactose-free.
  • 4 large Egg Yolks Cornstarch can substitute for egg-free.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Adjust sweetness as needed.
  • 3 tablespoons Cornstarch Arrowroot powder serves as gluten-free alternative.
  • 2 teaspoons Lemon Zest Orange zest can be used for a twist.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Coconut oil is a dairy-free substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Consider fresh vanilla bean.
For the Topping
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts or Sliced Almonds Pecans or walnuts can be used.
  • powdered sugar to dust Optional for finishing.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Pastry cutter
  • Saucepan
  • tart pan
  • Whisk
  • Rolling Pin

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine chilled diced butter, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, one large egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until it resembles coarse crumbs. Knead gently until smooth.
  2. Wrap the prepared dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. In a saucepan, heat whole milk until just below boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest until smooth.
  4. Pour hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously, then return to saucepan over medium heat, stirring until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat, stir in unsalted butter and vanilla, and let the custard cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. On a floured surface, roll out chilled pastry dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
  8. Grease a tart pan, line it with the dough, prick the base, and let any excess hang over the edges.
  9. Pour the cooled custard into the pastry shell, leveling it out evenly.
  10. Sprinkle pine nuts or sliced almonds on top of the custard filling and lightly press them in.
  11. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and custard is set.
  12. Let the tart cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  13. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 7gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Best served chilled. Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

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