Italian Grandma’s Cake

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
For the Pastry Cream:
2 cups (480ml) whole milk
4 egg yolks
½ cup (100g) sugar
¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
For the Cake Dough:
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (100g) sugar
½ cup (115g) cold butter, cubed
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
For Topping:
¼ cup pine nuts (or sliced almonds)
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳
Make the Pastry Cream
Heat milk until steaming. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch, then slowly pour in hot milk.
Return to heat, stirring until thick. Add vanilla & lemon zest. Chill.

  1. Prepare the Dough
    Pulse flour, sugar, butter, egg, baking powder, and salt in a food processor until crumbly.
    Press ⅔ dough into a greased 9-inch pan. Spread pastry cream over it.
  2. Assemble & Bake
    Crumble remaining dough on top, sprinkle with pine nuts.
    Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 mins until golden.
  3. Cool & Serve
    Dust with powdered sugar and slice when cooled.
    Pro Tips for the Best Cake 🔥
    ✔ Chill pastry cream – Prevents soggy crust.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *