You’ve heard of Torta della Nonna, the classic Italian “Grandma’s cake” filled with custard and topped with pine nuts. But now there’s a new twist that’s taking over the internet — the Chocolate Torta della Nonna.
This isn’t your average chocolate cake. It’s a buttery pastry crust filled with luxuriously rich chocolate custard, topped with a delicate layer of pine nuts and powdered sugar. Sweet, smooth, and sophisticated, this dessert is a viral masterpiece that’s comforting and elegant.
Whether you’re baking for guests or just want to indulge in an Italian classic with a cocoa upgrade, this version of Nonna’s torta will win hearts (and go viral doing it).
🇮🇹 What Is Chocolate Torta della Nonna?
A Classic Italian Dessert — Reinvented
Traditional Torta della Nonna is a Tuscan treat known for its crisp pastry shell and lemony pastry cream filling. This chocolate version is a rich and modern twist, combining everything you love about the original — but swapping the vanilla cream for a dark chocolate custard that melts on your tongue.
Topped with toasted pine nuts and dusted with powdered sugar, it’s the perfect marriage of old-world charm and modern dessert dreams.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the pastry (pasta frolla):
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2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
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½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a traditional touch)
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1 pinch salt
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1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
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½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the chocolate custard filling:
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2 cups (480ml) whole milk
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3 tbsp (25g) cornstarch
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½ cup (100g) sugar
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2 tbsp cocoa powder
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3.5 oz (100g) dark chocolate, chopped
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3 egg yolks
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For topping:
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¼ cup pine nuts
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
👩🍳 How to Make Chocolate Torta della Nonna — Step-by-Step
1. Make the Pastry Dough
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In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, lemon zest, and salt.
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Add cold butter and rub it into the flour with your fingers or use a pastry cutter.
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Add egg and yolk, mix until the dough comes together.
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Wrap in plastic and chill in the fridge for 30–60 minutes.
2. Prepare the Chocolate Custard
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In a saucepan, whisk sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
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Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
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Place over medium heat and cook until thickened, stirring constantly (about 5–7 mins).
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Remove from heat, stir in egg yolks, vanilla, and chopped dark chocolate.
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Mix until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Torta
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Roll out 2/3 of the pastry dough and press into a greased 9-inch tart pan.
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Pour in the chocolate custard and smooth the surface.
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Roll out the remaining dough and cut into strips or cover fully (your choice).
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Sprinkle pine nuts on top.
4. Bake
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is set.
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Cool completely before removing from the pan.
5. Finish & Serve
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Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
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Best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
🍴 Serving Tips
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Pair with a shot of espresso or vin santo.
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Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for extra decadence.
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Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or romantic nights in.
💡 Tips to Make It Go Viral
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Use a stencil and powdered sugar for a stylish finish.
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Slice while cold, then bring to room temp for the creamiest texture.
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Use high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70%) for best flavor.
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Capture the wobble of the filling in a slow-mo video — dessert gold on TikTok.
🔎 SEO Keywords to Use in Blog or Video Content
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“Chocolate torta della nonna recipe”
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“Italian chocolate tart with custard”
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“Torta della nonna with chocolate filling”
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“Easy Italian custard tart”
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“Dark chocolate Italian dessert”
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“How to make torta della nonna from scratch”
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“Viral chocolate tart recipe 2025”
💬 Final Thoughts: A Dessert Nonna Would Be Proud Of
If you're looking for a dessert that's deeply comforting but still sophisticated, this Chocolate Torta della Nonna is your new obsession. It's everything you love about traditional Italian sweets — buttery crust, silky filling, nostalgic vibes — with the richness of dark chocolate to bring it all home.
Whether you're an Italian food purist or a chocolate lover looking for your next wow-worthy recipe, this torta belongs on your table and your feed.
