Here’s a classic Italian Grandma’s Cake recipe, also known as Torta della Nonna — a simple, comforting, and slightly rustic cake that many Italian families make from scratch. It’s soft, slightly dense, and often flavored with vanilla and a touch of lemon.
🍰 Ingredients (Serves 8)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, adds fragrance)
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
🥣 Instructions
1. Preheat oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
3. Combine dry and wet ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until batter is smooth.
4. Bake
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and serve
- Let cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
💡 Tips
- For extra Italian flavor, add a splash of anise or amaretto liqueur to the batter.
- You can fold in raisins or chopped nuts for a heartier cake.
- This cake is excellent served with espresso or tea, as is traditional in Italian households.
If you like, I can also give a version with a custard filling and pine nuts, which is closer to the traditional Torta della Nonna served in Italian bakeries.
Do you want me to share that enhanced version?
