Grandma's Cake
Torta Della Nonna – A Cake Full of Memories
Torta Della Nonna, or "Grandma's tart," is a recipe that takes us back to the warm and fragrant kitchen moments spent with our grandmothers. This delicious cake is perfect for enjoying with family and friends, bringing a touch of nostalgia and warmth. With a rich cream and a delicate crust, Torta Della Nonna is sure to impress anyone.
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 300 g flour
- 1/2 packet of baking powder
- 120 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g fructose (or sugar, to taste)
- 2 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- Grated zest of one lemon
For the cream:
- 750 ml milk
- 5 eggs
- 150 g fructose (or sugar)
- 100 g flour
- 50 g butter (at room temperature)
- Vanilla essence (or a vanilla pod, to taste)
- Grated zest of one lemon
- Powdered sugar for decoration
Preparation – Step by Step
1. Preparing the cream
The first step in making this cake is to prepare the delicious cream. Start by heating the milk in a saucepan, being careful not to let it burn. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the fructose (or sugar) until you achieve a smooth and slightly frothy mixture. Then, gradually add the flour, mixing continuously.
2. Combining the ingredients
When the milk is hot, gradually add it to the egg mixture, continuing to stir vigorously to avoid lumps. Put everything back in the saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring constantly. You'll notice that the cream begins to thicken. When it comes to a boil, remove it from the heat and add the butter, vanilla essence, and lemon zest. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Let the cream cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a crust from forming.
3. Preparing the crust
In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and salt. Add the butter and mix until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand. Add the eggs and lemon zest, kneading everything until a smooth dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
4. Assembling the cake
After the cream has cooled and the dough has been refrigerated, prepare a tart pan (with a removable bottom) greased with butter and dusted with flour. Divide the dough into two parts: a larger part for the base of the cake and a smaller part for decorations. Roll out the larger part of the dough into a round sheet about 3-4 mm thick and place it in the prepared pan, covering the edges as well.
5. Filling and decorating
Pour the cooled cream over the dough base. From the remaining dough, you can cut shapes, lines, or strips to place on top of the cream for a decorative look. Each shape will add character to your cake.
6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for about 40 minutes, until it turns golden and firm to the touch. Let it cool completely in the pan before removing it.
7. Serving
Once cooled, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top of the cake for an elegant touch. You can serve Torta Della Nonna plain or alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit for a delicious contrast. It is a perfect dessert for a family gathering or a party.
Nutritional Benefits
Torta Della Nonna is a healthier choice if you use fructose instead of sugar, as it has a lower glycemic index. The milk and eggs provide protein and calcium, contributing to a balanced diet. Additionally, the lemon zest offers a boost of vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of sweetener?
Yes, you can use sugar or another natural sweetener, according to your preferences. If you choose sugar, be sure to adjust the quantities according to taste.
2. How can I store the cake?
Torta Della Nonna keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days. You can serve it cold or at room temperature.
3. What other variations can I try?
You can experiment with different flavors, such as almond essence instead of vanilla, or you can add berries to the cream for an extra burst of flavor.
4. What drinks pair well with it?
Torta Della Nonna pairs perfectly with an espresso coffee or a herbal tea. Additionally, a sweet wine or sparkling white wine could complement the rich flavor of the cake beautifully.
Personal Note
This recipe has become a favorite in my family, not only for its delicious taste but also for the lovely memories it creates around the table. Each bite reminds us of the wonderful moments spent together. I recommend trying to make this cake over the weekend when you have time to enjoy the cooking process and savor it with loved ones.
Enjoy every step of this recipe and don't forget to put your own twist on it to make it truly unique!
Ingredients: 300g flour, 1/2 baking powder, 120g butter, 100g fructose, 2 eggs, a pinch of salt, lemon zest. For the cream: 750ml milk, 5 eggs, 150g fructose, 100g flour, 50g butter, vanilla essence, lemon zest, a bit of powdered sugar.
