Name: Crostata: Delicious Italian Tart Recipe In Under 1 Hour and 236 Calories
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups flour; 1 pinch salt (omit if using salted butter); 2/3 cup unsalted butter (10.5 tablespoons); 1 egg yolk; 1/4 cup sugar (add 1 teaspoon sugar if using cups); 1 egg white; 1 cup apricot jam or other jam/filling

Crostata has always felt like a warm hug from my Nonna. It’s more than just an Italian tart recipe; it’s a taste of my childhood, a rustic Italian pie that graced our Sunday lunches with its simple charm. I remember the sweet, sticky scent of apricot jam bubbling through the golden pastry, a smell that instantly transports me back. What is a crostata, you ask? It’s essentially an Italian free-form tart, a beautiful, imperfect circle of deliciousness that’s surprisingly easy to make. This homemade crostata recipe is my go-to for a sweet treat that feels both special and comforting. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crostata

This rustic Italian pie is a dream come true for so many reasons. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and slightly tart, with a tender, buttery crust that just melts in your mouth.

Incredible Flavor: The combination of buttery pastry and sweet fruit filling is pure bliss.
Super Quick Prep: This is truly an easy crostata recipe, ready in under an hour total.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples, making it an economical choice.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this charming dessert.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a breakfast treat or a satisfying simple Italian dessert.
Customizable: Easily adapt the filling to whatever fruit you have on hand.
Beautifully Rustic: Its imperfect charm is part of its appeal, no fancy skills needed!

Ingredients for Crostata

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to mastering this delightful Italian tart recipe. This crostata dough recipe comes together with simple pantry staples, creating the perfect base for your chosen filling. Think of it as your go-to Italian pie crust recipe that’s forgiving and delicious.

2 cups all-purpose flour – the foundation of our pastry
1 pinch salt – balances the sweetness (omit if using salted butter)
2/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed (about 10.5 tablespoons) – crucial for a flaky crust
1 large egg yolk – adds richness and helps bind the dough
1/4 cup granulated sugar – for a touch of sweetness in the dough itself
1 large egg white – for brushing the lattice, giving it a beautiful golden sheen
1 cup jam or fruit filling – apricot jam is classic, but feel free to use fig, berry, or even a savory option!

How to Make a Crostata

Ready to bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen? These homemade crostata instructions will guide you through creating a beautiful, rustic dessert. It’s simpler than you might think, and the aroma as it bakes is absolutely divine!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch tart pan or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Let’s get started on the crostata pastry dough. In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 pinch salt.
Step 3: Add the 2/3 cup chilled, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces still visible.
Step 4: Stir in the 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Then, add the 1 large egg yolk. Mix gently with a fork until the dough just begins to come together.
Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive ball. Don’t overwork it, or your pastry will be tough!
Step 6: Divide the dough into two portions, one about two-thirds of the total and the other one-third. Wrap both in plastic wrap and chill for at least 15 minutes.
Step 7: Roll out the larger portion of dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 1/8-inch thick, large enough to fit your tart pan. Carefully transfer it to the pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edge.
Step 8: Prick the bottom of the dough all over with a fork. This prevents it from puffing up too much during baking.
Step 9: Spoon your chosen 1 cup jam or fruit filling evenly over the bottom of the pastry shell.
Step 10: Roll out the remaining one-third of the dough. Cut it into strips, about 1/2-inch wide.
Step 11: Arrange the dough strips over the jam filling in a lattice pattern. You can lay them parallel, then add perpendicular strips, or create a diamond design. Gently press the ends of the strips onto the edge of the bottom crust.
Step 12: Lightly brush the lattice strips with the reserved 1 large egg white. This will give them a lovely golden sheen when baked.
Step 13: Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the jam is bubbling gently. The smell filling your kitchen is pure heaven!
Step 14: Let the crostata cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly.

Crostata: Delicious Italian Tart Recipe In Under 1 Hour and 236 Calories - Crostata - additional detail

Making the Crostata Dough

The magic of a great crostata starts with its dough. We’re aiming for a tender, slightly crumbly pastry that’s easy to work with. Cutting the cold butter into the flour creates those lovely flaky layers. Adding just the egg yolk, instead of whole egg or water, gives it that perfect richness and bind. It should come together easily without being sticky. For more baking tips, check out our about Niki section.

Assembling the Rustic Italian Pie

Once your dough is chilled, it’s time to assemble this beautiful dessert. Gently press the larger dough portion into your tart pan, making sure it covers the bottom and sides evenly. Then, spoon in your favorite fruit filling, spreading it out to the edges. The lattice topping is where you can get creative! Arrange the strips decoratively, brushing them with egg white for that signature golden finish.

Pro Tips for the Best Crostata

Want to elevate your homemade crostata from good to absolutely unforgettable? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These simple tips will help ensure your rustic Italian pie is a showstopper every single time.

Always use cold butter for the dough; it’s the key to a flaky, tender crust.
Don’t overwork the dough! Mix just until it comes together to avoid a tough pastry.
Let the assembled crostata chill for about 15-20 minutes before baking to help it hold its shape.
If your jam is very thick, stir in a tablespoon of water or lemon juice to make it more spreadable.

What’s the secret to perfect crostata dough?

The secret to a perfect crostata dough recipe lies in keeping your ingredients cold, especially the butter. Cutting cold butter into the flour creates steam pockets during baking, resulting in that desirable flaky texture. Overmixing is the enemy; stop as soon as the dough just comes together. Learn more about our terms of use for baking.

Can I make crostata ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it chilled. The assembled, unbaked crostata can also be refrigerated for a few hours before baking, which is a great part of my crostata baking tips. Just remember it might need a few extra minutes in the oven if baking from cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with this Italian tart recipe?

A common pitfall is overworking the dough, leading to a tough crust, unlike the delicate pastry of a true crostata vs tart. Another mistake is filling the crostata with too much jam, which can cause it to bubble over. Ensure your jam is spread evenly and not piled too high.

Best Ways to Serve Your Crostata

This wonderfully versatile rustic Italian pie is a delight served in so many ways! Its beautiful presentation and sweet, comforting flavor make it a standout for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast treat or a sophisticated simple Italian dessert, this crostata delivers.

Warm with Ice Cream: My absolute favorite way to enjoy this Italian tart recipe is slightly warm, with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream melting into the jam. The contrast of warm, flaky pastry and cold, sweet ice cream is pure bliss.
With Fresh Berries: For a lighter touch, serve slices alongside a small bowl of fresh berries. A few raspberries or blueberries add a burst of freshness that complements the sweet jam filling beautifully.
As a Breakfast Pastry: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or cappuccino. It’s a far more elegant and satisfying start to the day than a simple pastry, making it a perfect simple Italian dessert for brunch or breakfast.

Nutrition Facts for Crostata

This delightful Italian tart recipe offers a sweet treat with moderate nutritional values. Enjoying a slice of this rustic Italian pie is a pleasure for both the taste buds and the body.

Calories: 236 kcal
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 33 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 13 g
Sodium: 95 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of jam or fruit filling in your crostata. For more information, please see our privacy policy.

How to Store and Reheat Crostata

Properly storing your delicious crostata ensures you can enjoy this easy crostata recipe for days to come. Once your beautiful rustic Italian pie has completely cooled on a wire rack (this is key to preventing a soggy bottom!), transfer it to an airtight container. For the best quality, I recommend keeping it at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have leftovers beyond that, pop it into the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this jam crostata recipe freezes wonderfully! Wrap the cooled crostata tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This is a fantastic make-ahead option! You can find more recipes here.

When you’re ready to enjoy a slice that’s been stored, reheating is simple. If refrigerated, you can warm it gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes until just warmed through. For frozen crostata, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can even reheat individual slices directly from frozen in a toaster oven or a low oven setting, though it may take a bit longer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crostata

What is a crostata?

A crostata is a beautiful, rustic Italian tart that’s essentially a cousin to the French galette. It’s characterized by its free-form shape, typically a circle of pastry dough folded up around a sweet or savory filling. Unlike a traditional tart with a structured crust, the crostata embraces imperfection, making it incredibly approachable for home bakers. It’s a wonderful example of a simple Italian dessert that’s both charming and delicious. For more information on food preparation, you can consult resources like Food Network.

How to make a crostata?

Making a crostata involves preparing a simple pastry dough, chilling it, then rolling it out to line a tart pan or form a free-form base on a baking sheet. You then add your chosen filling, like jam or fruit, and either fold the edges over or create a lattice top with extra dough. The ease of this process is what makes it such a popular Italian tart recipe. It’s all about rustic charm and delicious flavors!

Can I use different fillings for my crostata?

Absolutely! While apricot jam is a classic for this Italian tart recipe, the possibilities are endless. You can use any thick fruit jam, like strawberry, raspberry, fig, or cherry. Fresh fruit, like sliced apples or peaches tossed with a little sugar and spice, also works wonderfully. For those looking for something different, savory crostata ideas include fillings like ricotta and spinach, or caramelized onions and cheese. It’s a versatile base for so many flavors!

Crostata vs tart: What’s the difference?

The main difference between a crostata and a traditional tart lies in their construction and presentation. A tart usually has a perfectly formed, often deep-dish crust pressed into a fluted tart pan, sometimes blind-baked. A crostata, on the other hand, is rustic and free-form. The dough is often rolled into a circle, filled, and the edges are simply folded over the filling. This makes the how to make a crostata process much more forgiving and less fussy than a classic tart.

Variations of Crostata You Can Try

The beauty of this Italian tart recipe is its incredible versatility! Beyond the classic apricot filling, there are so many delightful sweet crostata variations and even savory options to explore. Let’s dive into some of my favorite ways to switch things up with this rustic Italian pie.

Jam Lover’s Delight: While apricot is divine, don’t hesitate to try a rich fig crostata recipe or a vibrant raspberry jam. A simple jam crostata recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.
Nutty Indulgence: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider an almond crostata recipe. You can mix finely ground almonds into the dough or sprinkle toasted almonds over the jam before adding the lattice.
Fresh Fruit Focus: Swap jam for fresh, sliced fruit like peaches, plums, or berries. Toss them with a little sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and perhaps a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the juices.
Savory Surprises: Don’t limit yourself to sweets! Explore savory crostata ideas by filling your pastry with ingredients like sautéed mushrooms and Gruyère, ricotta and spinach, or caramelized onions and goat cheese. These make for a fantastic lunch or light dinner.