Grandma's cake

Grandma's Cake - A Classic Recipe with a Flavor of Nostalgia

Grandma's cake, or "torta della nonna," is a dessert that evokes warm and loving memories. This recipe has been passed down through generations, representing a symbol of culinary tradition and family comfort. Each bite is like a warm hug, and the aroma of vanilla and lemon reminds us of moments spent with grandparents, when a similar recipe resonated in our kitchens. Let's discover together how we can recreate this masterpiece in the comfort of our homes!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 servings

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 300 g flour
- ½ packet baking powder
- 120 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 170 g sugar
- 1 whole egg + 1 yolk
- 1 pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon

For the cream:
- 750 ml milk (ideally whole milk for extra creaminess)
- 8 egg yolks
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g flour or cornstarch (a combination can be used, such as 80 g flour and 20 g cornstarch for a finer texture)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Zest of ½ lemon

Preparation of the cream:
1. Start by preparing the cream, as it is essential for this cake. In a large bowl, add the 8 egg yolks and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture for 5-7 minutes until it doubles in volume and becomes a light yellow color.
2. Add the grated lemon zest and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix.
3. In a saucepan, heat the milk, but do not let it boil. While the milk is heating, incorporate the flour or cornstarch into the yolk mixture to avoid lumps.
4. Once the milk is warm, gradually pour it into the yolk mixture, stirring constantly. Then transfer everything to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the cream thickens. This process will take about 10-15 minutes. Do not rush, as a well-cooked cream will have a perfect texture.
5. Once the cream has thickened, remove it from heat and let it cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming.

Preparation of the dough:
1. In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, powdered sugar, grated lemon zest, and salt.
2. Add the whole egg and yolk, then incorporate the soft butter. Knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth.
3. Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Leave it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to firm up.

Assembling the cake:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Choose a 24 cm diameter cake pan that you will grease with butter and dust with flour.
2. After the dough has rested, take it out of the refrigerator and divide it into two parts: ¾ for the base of the cake and ¼ for decoration.
3. Roll out ¾ of the dough on a lightly floured surface, ensuring an even thickness. Place it in the pan, covering both the bottom and the sides.
4. Pour the cooled cream over the dough in the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
5. Roll out the remaining dough and cut out decorative shapes (e.g., stars, hearts). Place these shapes on top of the cream, creating an artistic look.
6. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the dough turns golden. Check occasionally, as each oven is different.

Cooling and serving:
1. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
2. Once the cake has cooled, refrigerate it for at least 3 hours, ideally overnight. This step is crucial to allow the flavors to intensify and to achieve a better texture.
3. Before serving, dust the cake with powdered sugar and enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea.

Helpful tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially the eggs. Farm-fresh eggs with deep yellow yolks will provide a more flavorful and colorful cream.
- If you want to add an extra note of flavor, try adding a little almond extract to the vanilla cream.
- Instead of powdered sugar, try using a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for a more sophisticated taste and appearance.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use plant-based milk instead of cow's milk? Yes, but make sure to choose a plant-based milk that has a mild flavor so as not to alter the cake's flavors.
- How long can the cake be kept? The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to do so without decoration and to let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

This cake is a perfect choice for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself on the weekend. With each bite, you will feel the warmth and love of your grandmother, and each preparation will become a precious memory. Feel free to share this recipe with your loved ones to bring smiles and joy into their lives!