A timeless Italian classic: the Torta della Nonna

For a nut-free version, omit the pine nuts and decorate the pie with a lattice pattern. You can also sprinkle with powdered sugar for extra crunch. For a lighter filling, replace half of the custard with whipped cream incorporated into the cooled custard.

For a festive touch, decorate the pie with edible flowers or candied citrus peel. You can also experiment with different extracts: almond or orange are a great substitute for vanilla. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a creative playground.

Tips

To avoid a soggy crust, blind bake the base for 10 minutes before adding the custard. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour as a thickener, but the texture may be slightly denser.

For an extra glossy finish, brush the top crust with an egg wash before baking.

If your custard is curdling, don’t panic! Blend it briefly with an immersion blender to smooth it out. When rolling out the dough, work it quickly to keep it cool; If it becomes too soft, put it back in the fridge before continuing. For even baking, flip the pie halfway through baking.

For optimal puff pastry, make sure all ingredients are cold and handle the dough as little as possible.

If the edges are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil. Allow the pie to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean cuts and a well-set custard.

Storage

Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The flavors blend harmoniously overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

To freeze, wrap the individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil; they will keep for up to a month.

For best reheating, thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them briefly in a low oven (150°C/300°F) for 10 minutes if desired, but they are just as tasty cold. Avoid the microwave, as this may soften the dough.

If you make the pie ahead of time, you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. The custard can also be made 2 days ahead; Just keep it covered in the fridge until needed.

Conclusion