Grandmother's cake

Grandma's cake - a classic delicacy that carries warm memories and moments spent with family. This vanilla cream tart will delight your taste buds and bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Let's discover together how to prepare this simple yet flavorful recipe, step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 420 g flour
- 225 g sugar
- 6 egg yolks
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 packet baking powder
- Grated zest of one lemon
- Vanilla essence

For the vanilla cream:
- 1 l milk (or 800 ml, depending on preference)
- 6 egg yolks
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g starch (or flour, if you don't have starch)
- Grated lemon zest
- 1 packet vanilla essence (preferably Finesse from Dr. Oetker)

A Brief History

Grandma's cake, also known as "tarta bunicii", is a traditional Italian dessert that symbolizes the love and care grandmothers put into every dish. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, becoming a symbol of family reunions around the table. The tart is often associated with special moments, and its inviting aroma of vanilla and lemon reminds us of days spent with loved ones.

Preparing the Dough

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the egg yolks with the sugar and soft butter. Use an electric mixer to achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. This step is important as the butter will add a tender texture to the dough.

2. Adding the flour: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and grated lemon zest. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the egg composition, mixing with a spatula or by hand until you achieve a compact dough. If the dough sticks to your hands, feel free to add a little extra flour.

3. Chilling the dough: Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and leave it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step is essential for achieving the perfect consistency of the dough, making it easier to roll out later.

Preparing the Vanilla Cream

1. Preparing the ingredients: In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the starch and a little milk, just enough to obtain a liquid composition. This step will help prevent lumps from forming in the vanilla cream.

2. Boiling the milk: In a saucepan, combine the remaining milk with the sugar, grated lemon zest, and vanilla essence. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

3. Incorporating the egg yolks: When the milk starts to boil, pour the egg yolk mixture in a thin stream, continuously whisking to avoid curdling the eggs. Reduce the heat to medium and continue stirring until the cream thickens, resembling a pudding. Once you achieve the desired consistency, remove the cream from the heat and let it cool completely.

Assembling the Tart

1. Preparing the dough: Take the dough out of the refrigerator and divide it into two parts, one slightly larger than the other. On a floured surface, roll out the larger dough into a round shape, being careful not to stick.

2. Placing in the pan: Roll the dough onto a rolling pin and carefully place it in the tart pan, allowing the edges to hang over slightly. This will prevent the cream from spilling out.

3. Filling with cream: Pour the completely cooled vanilla cream over the dough, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

4. Covering with dough: Roll out the remaining dough just like the first and carefully place it over the cream. Press the edges to seal and, using a fork, gently poke the dough in several places to allow steam to escape during baking.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the tart for about 40 minutes or until the dough turns golden and crisp. In the meantime, the aroma of vanilla and lemon will fill the kitchen, making you eager to savor it.

Serving and Variations

Once the tart has completely cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look. It is served plain, but it also pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement its flavor. If you want a more exotic version, try adding a bit of cocoa to the dough or replacing some of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the tart will have a denser texture. It is recommended to mix whole wheat flour with white flour for a more balanced result.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Make sure it is not exposed to moisture.

3. What drinks pair well with this tart?
A cup of green tea or a strong espresso are ideal to contrast the sweetness of the tart. Additionally, a sweet white wine could perfectly complement the flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

Grandma's cake is a good source of calcium due to the milk and egg yolks. It also contains healthy fats from the butter, contributing to a balanced diet, but it is important to consume it in moderation as it is calorie-rich.

Conclusion

Now that you have discovered the delicious recipe for Grandma's cake, don't hesitate to try it at home! It is a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also brings precious memories. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a sweet moment, this tart will surely become a favorite in your family. Enjoy!