Grandma's Cake
Grandma's cake, or Torta della nonna, is one of those recipes that reminds us of warm family moments, where delicious flavors intertwine with precious memories. This creamy tart, with a smooth texture and a sweet-sour taste, is sure to please everyone, especially the men in your life, just as it did in my case. Get ready to be impressed by the perfect combination of the crunchy dough and delicate cream!
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients
*For the dough:*
- 350 g flour
- 1 egg
- 1 yolk
- 1 pinch of salt
- ½ packet of baking powder
- 120 g butter (at room temperature)
- 170 g sugar
*For the cream:*
- 1 l milk
- 8 yolks
- 200 g sugar
- 50 g + 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla essence)
Step by step for a perfect Grandma's cake
1. Preparing the cream
Start with the cream, as this is the heart of the tart. In a medium bowl, whisk the yolks with a pinch of salt. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to whisk until the mixture turns white and doubles in volume, indicating that you have achieved a fluffy base.
Here comes the secret! Add the cornstarch and mix well, then slowly pour in the hot milk, stirring constantly to prevent the yolks from curdling. Place the resulting cream over low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens, having a consistency similar to pudding.
Once the cream is ready, set it aside and cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface of the cream. This step is crucial to prevent the formation of that unwanted skin. Let it cool completely.
2. Preparing the dough
While the cream cools, it’s time to focus on the dough. In a large bowl, add all the ingredients: flour, egg, yolk, salt, baking powder, softened butter, and sugar. Knead well until you obtain a homogeneous dough that no longer sticks to your hands. It should be elastic and easy to handle.
Once you have the ideal dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for one hour. This step not only improves the texture but also helps in shaping the dough more easily.
3. Assembling the tart
After an hour, take the dough out of the refrigerator. Divide it into two, keeping ¾ for the base of the tart. Roll out this portion on a lightly floured work surface, so that you get a sheet of dough large enough to cover the bottom and sides of a round baking pan with a diameter of 26 cm.
After placing the dough in the pan, pour in the cooled cream and smooth it out with a spatula. From the remaining dough, roll out another sheet and cut out fun shapes (stars, flowers, or whatever you like) to place on top of the cream.
4. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and place the tart inside. Bake for about 35 minutes or until the dough takes on a beautiful golden color. The tart will emit an irresistible aroma as it bakes, and you won’t be able to resist checking on it!
5. Cooling and serving
Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely. Then, dust with fine sugar for an elegant look. This grandma's tart is perfectly served as a dessert or snack, alongside a cup of fragrant tea or a glass of sweet white wine.
Helpful tips and variations
- If you want an even more intense flavor, experiment with flavors like almonds or add some pieces of fruit, such as caramelized pears or apples, to the vanilla cream.
- This tart can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but I’m sure it won’t last that long!
- It’s also a good idea to serve it with vanilla ice cream to create a perfect contrast between hot and cold.
Nutritional benefits
This tart contains basic ingredients that provide a good source of protein from eggs, calcium from milk, and carbohydrates from flour, offering a decent nutritional balance. However, since it is a sweet recipe, it’s best to consume it in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use plant-based milk instead of cow's milk?
Yes, you can experiment with almond or soy milk, but keep in mind that the flavor will vary.
2. How can I make the tart less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and dough, adjusting the proportions to taste.
3. Is it possible to make the tart without eggs?
You can use an egg substitute, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Grandma's cake is undoubtedly a recipe that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you prepare this delicacy for a special occasion or simply to pamper yourself, it is an inspired choice. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let yourself be inspired by grandma's culinary tradition!
Ingredients: Dough: 350 g flour, 1 egg, 1 yolk, a pinch of salt, 1/2 packet of baking powder, 120 g butter, 170 g sugar. Cream: 1 l milk, 8 yolks, 200 g sugar, 50 g + 2 tablespoons cornstarch, grated zest from 1/2 lemon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla essence).
