Grandma’s Cake

Why make this recipe

Grandma’s Cake is a beloved family treat that carries the warmth of home and nostalgia. This cake is not just any dessert; it brings back sweet memories of gathering around the table with loved ones. Its delightful texture and rich flavors create a comforting dessert that everyone will enjoy. Furthermore, the gentle notes of lemon and vanilla make it a wonderfully refreshing option for any occasion. Whether you are celebrating a special day or simply enjoying time with family, Grandma’s Cake is sure to brighten the moment.

How to make Grandma’s Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour (00 flour or all-purpose (250g))
• ½ cup caster sugar (golden or white (80g))
• 8.5 tbsp cold butter (cubed (120g))
• 1 large egg
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• 5 egg yolks
• 2.5 cups milk ((590ml))
• ¼ cup cornstarch ((30g))
• ⅓ cup sugar ((70g))
• ½ tsp vanilla paste or 1 vanilla bean (*see notes below)
• ¼ cup pine nuts ((30g))
• Confectioners sugar (for dusting)

Directions:

1. To make the pastry cream filling: In a pot, heat the milk and stir in sugar and cornstarch. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with vanilla, a pinch of salt, and lemon zest until smooth. Gradually mix in the hot milk mixture into egg yolks and then return to the pot over low heat. Cook until thick, stirring constantly. Let it cool.

2. To make the pastry: Mix flour, caster sugar, and cold butter in a bowl until crumbly. Add in the egg, lemon zest, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.

3. To assemble: Roll out the pastry dough and line a cake tin. Spread the pastry cream filling evenly over the base then sprinkle pine nuts on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until golden.

How to serve Grandma’s Cake

Once the cake has cooled, dust it lightly with confectioners sugar. This adds a lovely touch and enhances its visual appeal. Grandma’s Cake is perfect on its own or can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

How to store Grandma’s Cake

You can store Grandma’s Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you may freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. These can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Tips to make Grandma’s Cake

• Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
• Do not overwork the pastry dough to keep it tender.
• Experiment with various nuts or even fruits (like berries) to change the flavor profile.
• For a richer taste, try adding a little more vanilla.

Variation

You can add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate version, or swap out pine nuts with almonds or walnuts for a different nutty taste. Some people even like to incorporate seasonal fruits like sliced strawberries or peaches into the cake for added sweetness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastry cream and dough in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble and bake when you are ready to serve.

What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute butter with margarine or a dairy-free alternative if necessary.

Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, while all-purpose flour is recommended, you can experiment with almond flour or whole wheat flour for a different texture and flavor. Just be aware that this may change the outcome of the cake slightly.

Grandma's Cake

A delightful cake that brings back sweet memories of home, featuring a creamy filling and a crispy buttery crust with refreshing lemon and vanilla notes.

Stampa ricetta Pin Recipe

Preparazione 1 ora h 30 minuti min

Cottura 35 minuti min

Tempo totale 2 ore h 5 minuti min

Porzioni: 8 servings

Portata: Dessert, Snack

Cucina: American, Baked Goods

Calorie: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredienti

  

For the Pastry Cream Filling

• 2.5 cups milk (590ml)
• ¼ cup cornstarch (30g)
• ⅓ cup sugar (70g)
• 5 egg yolks egg yolks
• ½ tsp vanilla paste or 1 vanilla bean *see notes below
• 1 pinch salt
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Pastry

• 2 cups flour (00 flour or all-purpose (250g))
• ½ cup caster sugar (golden or white (80g))
• 8.5 tbsp cold butter (cubed (120g))
• 1 large egg
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• 1 pinch salt

For Assembly

• ¼ cup pine nuts (30g)
• Confectioners sugar (for dusting)

Method

 

Make the Pastry Cream Filling

1. In a pot, heat the milk and stir in sugar and cornstarch.
2. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with vanilla, a pinch of salt, and lemon zest until smooth.
3. Gradually mix in the hot milk mixture into egg yolks and then return to the pot over low heat.
4. Cook until thick, stirring constantly. Let it cool.

Make the Pastry

1. Mix flour, caster sugar, and cold butter in a bowl until crumbly.
2. Add in the egg, lemon zest, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix until a dough forms and chill for 30 minutes.

Assemble the Cake

1. Roll out the pastry dough and line a cake tin.
2. Spread the pastry cream filling evenly over the base then sprinkle pine nuts on top.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until golden.

Serve the Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled, dust it lightly with confectioners sugar.
2. Serve on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Note

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results. Do not overwork the pastry dough to keep it tender. Experiment with various nuts or even fruits (like berries) to change the flavor profile. For a richer taste, try adding a little more vanilla. You can store Grandma's Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you may freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. These can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.