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Authentic Italian Torta della Nonna

Authentic Italian Torta della Nonna: A Slice of Italy Delight

Enjoy the comforting flavors of Authentic Italian Torta della Nonna, a creamy custard tart reminiscent of grandmother's cooking.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pastry
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Gluten-free option available
  • 1 cup unsalted butter Dairy-free substitute available
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Brown sugar adds depth
  • 1 large egg An egg substitute works for vegan options
  • 1 large egg yolk Omitting leads to lighter dough
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure extract for best flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Essential for balance of flavors
For the Custard
  • 2 cups whole milk Almond or oat milk for dairy-free
  • 4 large egg yolks Reserve egg whites for another recipe
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch Arrowroot powder can be used
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest Orange zest can be swapped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Replace with non-dairy butter if desired
For Topping
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts or sliced almonds Can be replaced with chopped hazelnuts

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • saucepan
  • tart pan
  • whisk
  • Rolling Pin
  • plastic wrap
  • spatula

Method
 

Make the Pastry
  1. Combine flour, butter, sugar, egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until coarse crumbs form. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Custard
  1. Heat whole milk in a saucepan until just steaming. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest. Gradually pour hot milk into egg mixture, whisking continuously.
Combine Mixtures
  1. Return mixture to saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the custard thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter.
Cool the Custard
  1. Transfer custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface. Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
Preheat Oven
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the rack is in the center position.
Roll the Dough
  1. Roll out chilled pastry dough on a floured surface to ¼ inch thick. Use a rolling pin to transfer to tart pan and press into edges.
Prepare Tart Pan
  1. Grease tart pan and line with rolled-out pastry, trimming excess. Prick the base with a fork.
Fill Tart
  1. Spread cooled custard into pastry shell, smoothing the top.
Add Toppings
  1. Sprinkle pine nuts or sliced almonds over the custard.
Bake
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and custard is set.
Cool Completely
  1. Remove tart from oven, cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with Sugar
  1. Before serving, dust the tart with powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill the dough well to prevent shrinking. Whisk custard constantly for a smooth texture. Do not overbake, the custard should have a slight jiggle in the center.

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