Description
Torta della Nonna is a beloved Italian classic — a golden, buttery pastry filled with silky lemon-scented custard and topped with pine nuts and powdered sugar. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm embrace from Nonna herself — rustic, elegant, and irresistibly comforting. Perfect for special occasions or a refined weekend treat.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Frolla (Pastry Dough):
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp lemon zest
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Pinch of salt
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 stick (½ cup) cold unsalted butter, cubed
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1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
For the Lemon Custard Filling:
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2½ cups whole milk
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½ cup granulated sugar
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Zest of 1 lemon
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4 large egg yolks
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⅓ cup cornstarch
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
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2 tbsp pine nuts
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
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1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
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Make the Pastry Dough:
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg and yolk, mixing just until a dough forms. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes. -
Prepare the Lemon Custard:
In a saucepan, heat milk and lemon zest until steaming. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale. Slowly add hot milk to the yolks while whisking. Return to saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in vanilla. Cool completely. -
Assemble the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out two-thirds of the dough and line a 9-inch tart pan. Fill with custard. Roll out remaining dough and place on top. Seal edges and trim. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with pine nuts. -
Bake and Finish:
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden. Cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
The dough and custard can be made a day ahead.
For extra lemon flavor, add a splash of limoncello to the custard.
Refrigerate leftovers; best enjoyed within 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Chill Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~340 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 125mg