Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsColumbus Park TrattoriaTorta Della Nonna Recipe

Torta Della Nonna Recipe

Time2h
Serves8

Delicate lemon custard pie

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Ingredients

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Crust

Lemon Custard Filling

Topping

Method

Crust Preparation

  1. 1

    Make the Dough

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the unsalted butter (cut into small pieces) and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  2. 2

    Add Egg Yolks

    In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

  3. 3

    Chill the Dough

    Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Lemon Custard Filling Preparation

  1. 4

    Heat the Milk

    In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it is warm but not boiling.

  2. 5

    Mix Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, lemon zest, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously.

  3. 6

    Cook the Custard

    Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and lemon juice.

Assemble and Bake

  1. 7

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. 8

    Roll out the Dough

    On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Line the pie pan with the rolled dough and trim the edges.

  3. 9

    Add the Custard

    Pour the lemon custard filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.

  4. 10

    Top with Pine Nuts

    Sprinkle the pine nuts evenly over the custard filling.

  5. 11

    Bake the Pie

    Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is lightly golden.

Finishing Touches

  1. 12

    Cool and Serve

    Allow the pie to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and garnishing with lemon zest. Slice and serve.

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