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A slice of Grandma's cake, showcasing its rich texture and delightful frosting.

Grandma's Cake

A beloved family treat bringing warmth and nostalgia with its delightful texture and refreshing flavors of lemon and vanilla.
Stampa ricetta Pin Recipe
Preparazione 1 ora
Cottura 35 minuti
Tempo totale 1 ora 35 minuti
Porzioni: 8 servings
Portata: Dessert
Cucina: American
Calorie: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredienti
  

For the pastry cream filling
  • 2.5 cups 2.5 cups milk (590ml)
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup cornstarch (30g)
  • 1/2 cup ½ cup caster sugar (golden or white (80g))
  • 5 large 5 egg yolks
  • 1/2 tsp ½ tsp vanilla paste or 1 vanilla bean
  • 1 pinch 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 zest Zest of 1 lemon
For the pastry
  • 2 cups 2 cups flour (00 flour or all-purpose (250g))
  • 8.5 tbsp 8.5 tbsp cold butter (cubed (120g))
  • 1 large 1 large egg
  • 1/4 tsp ¼ tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch 1 pinch of salt
For assembly and topping
  • 1/4 cup ¼ cup pine nuts (30g)
  • to taste 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. 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.
Serving
  1. Once the cake has cooled, dust it lightly with confectioners sugar.
  2. Serve on its own or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Note

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results. Do not overwork the pastry dough to keep it tender. You can experiment with various nuts or fruits to change the flavor profile. For a richer taste, try adding more vanilla. You can add cocoa powder for a chocolate version or swap pine nuts for almonds or walnuts.