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A slice of Grandma's homemade cake on a plate.

Grandma's Cake

A beloved family treat that combines the delightful textures of a cake with the rich flavors of lemon and vanilla, creating a comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.
Stampa ricetta Pin Recipe
Preparazione 1 ora
Cottura 35 minuti
Tempo totale 1 ora 35 minuti
Porzioni: 8 servings
Portata: Bakery, Dessert
Cucina: American, Family
Calorie: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredienti
  

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
  • 1 pinch salt
  • Zest of 1 lemon
Pastry Dough
  • 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
Topping
  • 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. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Chill for 30 minutes.
Assemble and Bake
  1. Roll out the pastry dough and line a cake tin.
  2. Spread the pastry cream filling evenly over the base and sprinkle pine nuts on top.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until golden.
Serve
  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. Experiment with various nuts or fruits to change the flavor profile.