Chocolate Torta della Nonna Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking dish.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Add the cold diced butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and milk. Pour the mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.

Press the dough into the greased baking dish, covering the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to steam. Remove from heat and add the chopped semisweet chocolate. Let sit for a few minutes, then whisk until smooth and creamy.

Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled crust and spread it evenly.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Spread the whipped cream over the chocolate filling, creating a smooth surface.

Refrigerate the torta for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set.

Before serving, dust the top of the torta with powdered sugar.

Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy!