La Torta Nua, a cake with custard cream, is a very delicious dessert that originated on the web years ago and has become popular for its goodness! It is a soft and fragrant base to which tufts of custard cream are added in the dough. Once baked, serve dusted with powdered sugar or glazed with honey! Imagine it very soft, sometimes creamy, with a caramelized and slightly browned topping. After searching for the original version and trying to understand the name "Torta Nua," one finds that it is a very easy preparation, but you will need to follow a few rules to avoid mistakes!
The Origins and Mystery of the Name
The Torta Nua emerged from the creative minds of home pastry chefs, quickly spreading its delightful influence across the web. The name "Nua" remains shrouded in mystery, with no definitive explanation of its origin. Some speculate it might refer to the inventor of the recipe, while others suggest it describes the cake's simplicity and nakedness, adorned only with dollops of custard cream.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
The beauty of the Torta Nua lies in its simple and genuine ingredients:
- Eggs: Present in both the dough and the cream, providing structure and richness.
- Milk: Used in both the dough and the cream, adding moisture and flavor.
- Sugar: Used in both the dough and the cream, providing sweetness and contributing to the cake's texture.
- Corn Starch and Potato Starch: Used as thickening agents in the cream.
- Flour: Provides the structure for the cake.
- Lemon: Adds a touch of citrus brightness to the cake.
Secrets to a Perfect Torta Nua
- Cream Consistency: The secret to a successful Torta Nua lies in making a cream that is not too firm; otherwise, it will dry out in the oven.
- Baking with Coverage: Bake in the oven with a cover so that not only the inside but also the surface remains moist.
- Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Proper Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough cake.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Here's how to make this delightful cake:
Step 1: Preparing the Custard Cream
- Whip the egg yolks with sugar and vanilla for 3 minutes until the mixture is very fluffy and foamy.
- Add the cornstarch and flour, continuing to whip. The mixture should be velvety.
- Separately, heat the milk with vanilla. When it comes to a boil, pour it over the whipped eggs.
- Lower the heat slightly. Only when the milk pierces the eggs, quickly stir the cream and simultaneously turn off the heat.
- Immediately pour the custard cream into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap in contact, and let it cool.
Step 2: Preparing the Cake Dough
- In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the sunflower seed oil while continuing to beat.
- Add the sifted flour, sifted yeast, and grated lemon zest.
- Add the flour to the egg mixture, alternating with spoonfuls of yogurt at room temperature.
- Mix at medium speed until all ingredients are incorporated.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking the Cake
- Pour the batter into a springform pan, previously buttered and floured.
- Level the batter so that there are no bumps.
- Add dollops of custard cream over the surface of the batter.
- With a wooden skewer, make 4 - 5 concentric circles as if to marble the mixture.
- Bake in a preheated static oven at 170°C (340°F) for 45 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool before removing it from the mold, transfer it to a serving dish, and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Variations and Customizations
The Torta Nua is an extremely versatile recipe and lends itself to numerous variations:
Leggi anche: Torta alle Pesche Estiva
- Chocolate Torta Nua: Add chopped chocolate to the custard cream for a richer flavor.
- Lemon Torta Nua: Enhance the lemon flavor by adding lemon zest to both the dough and the cream.
- Fruit Torta Nua: Incorporate fresh berries or other fruits into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Vegan Torta Nua: Substitute eggs with alternatives such as vegetable yogurt, coconut oil, or mashed banana.
Serving and Storage
- Serving: The Torta Nua is perfect to enjoy warm, at breakfast or as a snack!
- Storage: If you want to keep it longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To enjoy the Torta Nua in all its freshness and softness, it is recommended to consume it on the same day or at most the next day.
Tips and Tricks
- Cream Consistency: Make sure the custard cream is smooth and lump-free before adding it to the batter.
- Even Distribution: Distribute the custard cream evenly over the surface of the batter to ensure a consistent texture.
- Don't Overbake: Be careful not to overbake the cake, as it can become dry. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
Why Torta Nua is a Crowd-Pleaser
The Torta Nua is a refined but not pretentious cake, suitable for any occasion and that satisfies everyone's palate. Very soft and creamy, it has been fully promoted by those who have tasted it at my house! This is one of the cakes that I prepare when I am invited and it is up to me to bring the dessert. It always makes a great impression.
Leggi anche: Torta da Colazione: Ricette Genuini
Leggi anche: Varianti Torta da Colazione
tags: #torta #nua #morbidissima