There’s a certain comfort that comes from sharing recipes passed down through generations, a heritage tucked into whispers of flour and sugar. Grandmother’s Cake is like a warm hug on a chilly day, filled with memories of family gatherings and sweet days spent in the kitchen. Every bite carries the essence of love and tradition, evoking a sense of belonging that can only come from time-tested recipes.
Why make this recipe
Imagine your loved ones gathered around the table, laughter dancing through the air as the enticing aroma of warm custard fills the kitchen. Grandmother’s Cake is perfect for those special moments, be it a Sunday afternoon or a holiday feast. It’s simple enough to whip up, yet its rich flavor and delightful texture make it a showstopper. Plus, you can almost hear the stories of your grandparents sharing their little secrets as you prepare this scrumptious treat.
How to make Grandmother’s Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 cups milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), letting the warmth of the oven fill the room with anticipation.
- Fit the pie crust into a tart pan, a sweet little cradle for the delicious custard, and prick the bottom with a fork. This helps the crust bake perfectly golden.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it gets hot but doesn’t boil — you’ll want to coax it gently.
- Over in a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt. It’s a lovely mix of colors and sweet promise.
- Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture until smooth, as if bringing together two long-lost friends.
- Return this creamy mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. You’ll know it’s ready when it thickens beautifully, like the warm embrace of a grandmother’s love.
- Pour the custard into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top with a gentle touch, then let the pine nuts sprinkle joy over the custard.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges of the crust turn a lovely golden, alerting you that something delightful is on the way.
- Allow it to cool – patience, my friend – then dust with powdered sugar, transforming it into a snowy delight before serving.
How to serve Grandmother’s Cake
Serve Grandmother’s Cake with a warm smile and perhaps a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a slice of nostalgia that pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of sweet tea or coffee, making every gathering a little brighter and a lot sweeter.
How to store Grandmother’s Cake
Once you’ve savored the initial thrill of this cake, store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Just cover it gently, cradling it as you would a treasured family heirloom. It should stay fresh for about three days, though it’s unlikely to last that long with how delightful it is!
Tips to make Grandmother’s Cake
- For a special touch, roast the pine nuts lightly in a dry pan before sprinkling them on. This brings out their nutty flavor beautifully.
- Don’t rush the thickening process; stir it steadily to get that perfect custard consistency.
- Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for an added layer of warmth and coziness.
Variations
If you want to add a bit of fruitiness, consider folding in some blueberries or peaches before baking. They’ll bring a delightful pop of flavor and beautiful color to your Grandmother’s Cake.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just make sure to dust it with powdered sugar right before serving!
2. What can I substitute for pine nuts?
If you’re looking for alternatives, chopped pecans or walnuts work wonderfully, adding their own distinctive flavor to the cake.
3. Can I use a homemade pie crust?
Of course! If you’ve got a cherished pie crust recipe, feel free to use it. The love infused into a homemade crust will only enhance the overall warmth of this dessert.
As you put your heart into baking Grandmother’s Cake, remember that it’s more than just food; it’s a way to connect with your roots, to evoke those cherished memories of family gatherings, and to share warmth with those you love. So gather your family, pour a glass of sweet tea, and let the stories unfold over a delightful slice of this timeless treasure. Happy baking, y’all!
Grandmother's Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fit the pie crust into a tart pan and prick the bottom with a fork.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt.
- Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture until smooth.
- Return this mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.
- Pour the custard into the prepared pie crust and sprinkle the pine nuts on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges of the crust are golden.
- Allow to cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.