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Torta Nua

17/11/2023

Torta Nua is a soft and delicious dessert from Campania. It is characterized by the addition of custard, which is baked together with the batter, creating a “naked” and delightful effect. Here is how to prepare it.

Ingredients

For the base:

  • 3 eggs
  • 150 g of sugar
  • 150 g of plain yogurt
  • 75 ml of seed oil
  • 300 g of type 00 flour
  • 1 packet of baking powder
  • A pinch of salt

For the custard:

  • 500 ml of milk
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 100 g of sugar
  • 40 g of cornstarch (cornflour)
  • The zest of 1 untreated lemon

Preparation

  1. Start by preparing the custard. In a saucepan, heat the milk with the lemon zest until it almost boils. In a bowl, whisk the yolks with the sugar until you have a light and fluffy mixture, then add the cornstarch and stir until the lumps are gone.
  2. Remove the lemon zest from the milk and pour the hot milk little by little onto the yolk mixture, stirring continuously. Put everything back on the heat and, still stirring, let the cream thicken. Then take it off the heat and let it cool, covering it with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

For the base of the cake: 3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. Add yogurt and oil, gently mixing. 4. Then add the sifted flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt, folding in the dry ingredients gently to not deflate the mixture. 5. Pour the batter into a previously greased and floured cake tin (or lined with parchment paper), leveling the surface well.

For the assembly: 6. With the help of a spoon, distribute the custard over the base, trying to leave a free edge to prevent the cream from sticking to the sides during baking. 7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 40-45 minutes, or until the Torta Nua is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 8. Allow to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.

Curiosity

The name “Nua” in this cake refers to the “naked” or “uncovered” effect created by the baked custard, in contrast to the cake base that envelops it. This dessert is perfect for breakfast or a soft and creamy snack, and its simplicity makes it suitable for all homemade pastry enthusiasts.