Explore the exquisite Modern Grandma Cake, a sophisticated Italian dessert perfect for various occasions.

Modern Grandma Cake

The Modern Grandma Cake is a dessert inspired by the beloved classic of Italian homemade pastries, the traditional Grandma Cake. While the traditional version signifies simplicity, this variant is much more elegant. What makes this cake unique is the harmonious combination of its main elements: the crumbly crust, fragrant with lemon, serves as the base for the frangipane cream and the elegant topping of dollops of pastry cream. This play of textures is the true highlight of this cake, which satisfies those who love genuine flavors as well as those who enjoy more refined sweets. The Modern Grandma Cake adapts to any occasion: for a buffet, as a dessert for special events, or simply enjoyed with a lovely cup of tea.

Ingredients

• 200g all-purpose flour
• 100g unsalted butter
• 100g powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• For the frangipane cream:
• 150g almond flour
• 100g sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 50g unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• For the pastry cream:
• 500ml milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 100g sugar
• 40g cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, powdered sugar, egg, lemon zest, and baking powder. Knead until soft.
3. Roll out the dough and place it in a greased tart pan, trimming the edges.
4. To prepare the frangipane cream, mix almond flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and almond extract until smooth. Spread evenly over the crust.
5. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden. Allow to cool.
6. For the pastry cream, heat milk until simmering. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch together. Gradually add hot milk to the yolk mixture, then return to the pan and cook until thickened.
7. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool.
8. Once the tart is cooled, pipe pastry cream on top in decorative dollops.
9. Serve and enjoy!

Cook’s Tip

This cake is ideal for celebrations or as a delightful accompaniment to tea time.