If you’ve ever dreamed of savoring a slice of buttery, jam-filled pastry right from a sunlit Italian kitchen, this Easy Italian Crostata Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a golden, tender crust hugging sweet fruit preserves, all finished with a charming rustic lattice. This classic dessert shines with minimal ingredients and comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends when you want to spoil yourself—and anyone lucky enough to be nearby!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Italian Crostata Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, from the flour that forms the tender crust to the jewel-like jam filling. Here’s what makes this classic tart impossible to resist:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect sturdy yet delicate base for the crust.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough to balance the tartness of the jam.
- Baking powder: Adds a slight lift, creating a pleasantly tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances flavor, making all the other ingredients pop.
- Unsalted butter (cold, cubed): Gives the pastry its beautiful flakiness—always use cold butter for the best texture!
- Large egg: Helps bring the dough together and adds richness to the pastry.
- Large egg yolk: Boosts color and tenderness in the dough, making it extra luxurious.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a hint of warmth that rounds out the dessert.
- Fruit jam or preserves (apricot, raspberry, or cherry recommended): The juicy, sweet filling at the heart of every great crostata—choose your favorite or whatever’s in season!
How to Make Easy Italian Crostata Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a big mixing bowl. This step ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed, laying the foundation for a well-balanced crust. Next, add your cold, cubed butter, and work it in with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse, sandy crumbs and most of the butter pieces are the size of small peas. The key is to keep the butter cold so the crust bakes up flaky and tender.
Step 2: Bring Dough Together
Crack in the egg and add that bonus yolk—it’s like a secret Italian grandma trick for a richer, more supple texture. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine. The dough should start to come together into a ball; if it seems too dry, use your hands to gently knead it a few times to form a cohesive disk. Wrap it up in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. This brief chill firms up the butter, making the dough easier to roll out.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
While your dough takes a rest, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly dust your work surface with flour, then unwrap your chilled dough. Slice off about one-third of the dough and set that piece aside for later—this will become the iconic lattice top.
Step 4: Form the Crust
Roll out the larger portion of dough into a rough circle, aiming for just under ¼-inch thickness. Press it gently into a 9-inch tart pan (if you don’t have one, a pie dish works too), trimming any excess dough from the edges. Don’t stress if it’s not perfect—crostata is meant to look charmingly rustic!
Step 5: Add the Jam Filling
Spoon your favorite jam or preserves right into the pastry shell. Spread it evenly with the back of a spoon, reaching all the way to the edges but not overflowing. If you’re using a jam that’s particularly thick, give it a quick stir in the jar to loosen it up for easier spreading.
Step 6: Create the Lattice
Roll out the reserved dough and use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice it into strips, roughly ½-inch wide. Lay them across your jam-covered tart in a crisscross pattern—don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly spaced or straight. The homemade, slightly imperfect look is exactly what gives this Easy Italian Crostata Recipe its charm.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide the tart into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the jam is bubbling gently. When it’s done, let it cool completely in the pan so the filling sets up nicely—this makes for neater slices (although no one will judge if you sneak a warm corner!).
How to Serve Easy Italian Crostata Recipe
Garnishes
A classic crostata is wonderful all on its own, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top never hurts. If you want to dress it up further, add a dollop of whipped cream, a small scoop of vanilla gelato, or a scattering of toasted nuts for a fun twist.
Side Dishes
This tart shines as a sweet dessert or an afternoon treat, and pairs beautifully with espresso, cappuccino, or an herbal tea. For a more decadent spread, serve alongside fresh seasonal berries or a bright citrus salad—the tartness truly complements the jammy filling in the crostata.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Easy Italian Crostata Recipe into charming mini crostate by using muffin tins or ramekins for personal servings. Or, try making it with different jams in the same tart for a colorful, rainbow effect. For an extra festive touch, shape the dough strips into hearts or braids for the lattice!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your crostata will stay fresh, tender, and delicious at room temperature for up to two days—just cover it loosely with foil or a clean kitchen towel. For longer storage, pop it into the refrigerator, where it’ll keep perfectly for up to five days. Keep in mind the crust will soften slightly over time, but the flavors only get better as they meld.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this Easy Italian Crostata Recipe for future sweet cravings. Once cooled completely, wrap individual slices or the whole tart tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or leave slices at room temperature until soft.
Reheating
While crostata is delicious at room temperature or chilled, you can gently reheat it to recreate that fresh-baked effect. Place slices on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for about 5–8 minutes to warm through and revive the crust’s crispness. Be careful not to overheat, as the jam can become runny.
FAQs
What’s the best jam to use for this Easy Italian Crostata Recipe?
The best jam is one you love! Apricot and raspberry are traditional favorites, but cherry, plum, or even fig all work beautifully. Just avoid jams that are too runny, as they can make the crust soggy.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the crostata dough up to two days in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to a month—just thaw in the fridge before using.
Do I need a tart pan?
No tart pan? No problem. A regular pie dish or even a shallow cake pan will do the trick. The edges might look a bit more rustic, but that adds to the charm of this Easy Italian Crostata Recipe.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
If you want to make a gluten-free version, simply substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. The dough may be a little more delicate, but the results will still be delicious.
Is it possible to double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients and prepare two separate tart pans, or use a larger sheet pan and adjust baking time as needed. Your guests will be thrilled to share in your crostata success!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making (and sharing) a homemade crostata. I hope this Easy Italian Crostata Recipe brings a touch of Italian joy and rustic, old-world flavor to your kitchen—and inspires you to bake it again and again for family, friends, or simply yourself. Buon appetito!
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 delightful and rustic dessert that showcases sweet fruit jam or preserves nestled in a tender, buttery crust. Perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
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
Filling:
- ¾ cup fruit jam or preserves (such as apricot, raspberry, or cherry)
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to form a dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Crust Assembly: Roll out most of the dough and press into a tart pan. Spread jam over the crust. Create a lattice pattern with the remaining dough. Bake until golden.
- Serving: Let the crostata cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use your favorite jam, avoiding overly runny types.
- Rustic lattice strips add charm to the dessert.
- Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
