If you have a soft spot for classic Italian desserts that combine simplicity with irresistible flavor, this Easy Italian Crostata Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, buttery crust cradling a luscious layer of your favorite fruit jam, all wrapped up with a charming lattice top that adds just the right rustic touch. It’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a sweet little reward after a busy day. The beauty lies in its straightforward process and the way the ingredients harmonize to create a comforting, homey dessert that’s truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making your Easy Italian Crostata Recipe a success. Each one plays an important role—from the rich butter that creates flaky layers to the fruity jam that brings vibrant color and natural sweetness to the tart.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The foundation for the dough, providing structure and tenderness when combined with butter.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the crust without overpowering the jam.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the dough a subtle lift for a light, delicate texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1 stick, cold and cubed): Key for a flaky, rich crust; keeping it cold ensures perfect texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough together while adding a hint of richness.
- Large egg yolk (1): Boosts the dough’s golden color and tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Infuses the crust with a warm, aromatic note that deepens the overall flavor.
- Fruit jam or preserves (¾ cup): Choose apricot, raspberry, cherry, or your favorite, just avoid runny jams for best results.
How to Make Easy Italian Crostata Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients and Cut in the Butter
Start by combining the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This dry mix forms the base of your dough. Next, add the cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or simply your fingertips to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Keeping the butter cold helps create that wonderfully flaky texture once baked.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough
Now add the whole egg, the egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together gently until a soft dough starts to come together. It may be a bit shaggy at first, but keep working it just until you have a cohesive dough—avoid overmixing to keep the crust tender.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This chill time relaxes the gluten and firms up the butter, making it easier to roll out later.
Step 4: Prepare the Tart Shell
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out about two-thirds of the dough into a circle large enough to fit your 9-inch tart pan. Press it into the pan and trim the edges neatly. This forms the beautiful golden base for your crostata.
Step 5: Spread the Jam and Create the Lattice Top
Spread your chosen fruit jam evenly over the crust, but be careful not to overload it, which can cause sogginess. Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips to weave a rustic lattice pattern across the top. Don’t stress about perfection—the slightly uneven strips add charm and character.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the crostata for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is nicely golden and you see the jam bubbling gently through the lattice. This signals the tart is ready. Let it cool completely before slicing to ensure the jam sets perfectly and keeps every slice intact.
How to Serve Easy Italian Crostata Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled crostata instantly elevates its presentation while adding a touch of extra sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or a few whole berries can also add a burst of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the jam’s warm tones.
Side Dishes
Serve your crostata alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla gelato or a dollop of whipped cream for a perfect balance of textures and temperatures. For a simpler touch, a cup of strong espresso or rich black coffee complements the sweet tartness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging individual crostata slices on rustic wooden boards or vintage plates to bring out that homey Italian feel. For parties, mini crostatas baked in muffin tins make adorable finger desserts. You can also drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate or honey across the top for added indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your crostata fresh at room temperature for up to two days if covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to five days without losing its delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
The dough freezes beautifully, so you can prepare it in advance. Wrap the assembled but unbaked crostata tightly and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time until golden and bubbly.
Reheating
To enjoy the crostata warm, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy instead of crisp and flaky.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this Easy Italian Crostata Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but be sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder for best texture. The dough may be a bit more delicate, so handle it gently.
What jams work best in this crostata?
Stick to thicker jams like apricot, raspberry, or cherry that aren’t too runny to avoid soggy crusts. Homemade preserves with a chunky texture also add lovely rustic appeal.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is key to firming up the butter and relaxing the gluten, which ensures a tender, flaky crust and easy handling. Skipping this step can result in a tough or shrinking crust.
Can I make this crostata vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use a flax or chia seed egg in place of the eggs. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long does the crostata stay fresh once baked?
At room temperature, it’s best enjoyed within 2 days, though refrigeration extends freshness to about 5 days. Keep it well covered to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Italian Crostata Recipe is one of those delightful treats that feels both timeless and effortless. With a simple list of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll impress family and friends with the rustic charm and rich flavors of this classic Italian tart. Don’t hesitate to try it—once you do, it might just become a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Print
Easy Italian Crostata Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Italian Crostata Recipe is a classic rustic tart featuring a buttery, flaky crust filled with your choice of fruit jam. Simple to prepare and perfect for showcasing delicious preserves, this crostata offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors with a tender lattice top that’s golden and crisp.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling
- ¾ cup fruit jam or preserves (such as apricot, raspberry, or cherry)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt, ensuring they are evenly incorporated.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Stir in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until a soft dough forms without overworking it to keep the crust tender.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to rest and firm up the butter.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to allow it to reach the correct temperature while you prepare the tart.
- Roll Out Dough and Prepare Tart Base: On a lightly floured surface, roll out about two-thirds of the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press it into the pan evenly and trim the edges for a neat fit.
- Add Jam Filling: Spread the fruit jam or preserves evenly over the dough-lined tart pan, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Make Lattice Top: Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips. Arrange these strips over the jam in a lattice pattern to create the classic rustic look of a crostata.
- Bake: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the jam is visibly bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing, which helps the jam set and prevents it from spilling.
Notes
- Use your favorite jam, preferably one that is thick and not overly runny to avoid soggy crust.
- For a more rustic appearance, the lattice strips do not have to be perfectly even or symmetrical.
- This crostata can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
