If there’s one dessert that perfectly captures the heart of Italian home baking, it’s the crostata. This rustic jam tart is simple, comforting, and bursting with fruity goodness. Imagine a golden, buttery crust cradling a sweet, glossy jam filling—pure heaven in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it with an afternoon espresso or serving it as a cozy family dessert, trust me, this one’s a keeper. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring a little taste of Italy to your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Crostata Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a casual family treat, impressing guests, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this crostata fits any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile This crostata is a blank canvas for your favorite jam flavors. Apricot, raspberry, strawberry—you name it! You can even experiment with Nutella or a ricotta filling for a twist.
Budget-Friendly Made with pantry staples like flour, butter, eggs, and jam, this recipe won’t break the bank. It’s a cost-effective way to whip up a homemade treat without a trip to the store.
Quick and Easy No fancy techniques or equipment needed! The dough comes together in minutes, and there’s no need to fuss over perfection—it’s all about that rustic charm.
Customizable You can adjust the sweetness, swap in whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, or even add a touch of citrus zest to brighten things up.
Crowd-Pleasing A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Italian Crostata
Here’s the magic of this crostata—it’s made with simple, classic ingredients, yet the result is incredibly delicious. Let’s break it down:
Flour The base of the crust. All-purpose flour works best for that delicate, crumbly texture.
Butter Cold, unsalted butter is key to a tender and flaky crust. It creates those lovely pockets of richness.
Sugar Just the right amount to add a touch of sweetness without overpowering the jam.
Eggs These bring the dough together and add a little richness to the crust.
Baking Powder Helps give the crust a slight lift, making it beautifully light.
Vanilla Extract A hint of vanilla enhances the flavor and adds warmth to the pastry.
Jam The star of the show! Choose your favorite jam—apricot, raspberry, or any flavor you love.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare Your Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add the cold butter and work it into the flour until you get a crumbly texture. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes rolling it out much easier.
Preheat the Oven Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). Preheating ensures even baking and that perfect golden crust.
Roll Out the Dough On a lightly floured surface, roll out two-thirds of the dough and transfer it to a greased tart pan. Press it gently into the pan, making sure it covers the bottom and sides.
Add the Jam Spread your chosen jam evenly over the crust. Don’t be shy—this is where all the flavor comes in!
Create the Lattice Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips. Arrange them over the jam in a crisscross pattern for that classic crostata look.
Bake to Perfection Place the tart in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!
Cool and Serve Let the crostata cool before slicing. This helps the jam set and makes cutting much easier.
Enjoy Serve a slice with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply on its own. Buon appetito!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Italian Crostata
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- A scoop of vanilla gelato for a refreshing contrast to the warm jam filling
- A drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness
- A cup of espresso or cappuccino for the ultimate Italian treat
- A side of fresh berries to add a tart, juicy balance to the sweetness
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use cold butter for the best flaky texture. The colder, the better!
- Don’t overwork the dough—mix just until it comes together to avoid a tough crust.
- Experiment with flavors by mixing two different jams for a fun twist.
- Make ahead The dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Let it cool completely before slicing to prevent the jam from running.
Faq’s
Can I make this dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it wrapped in the fridge.
What type of jam works best?
Apricot and raspberry are traditional, but feel free to use your favorite!
Can I freeze crostata?
Absolutely! Wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be a bit denser. A mix of white and whole wheat works well.
Do I need a tart pan?
Nope! You can shape the dough into a rustic round on a baking sheet.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the crostata in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I add fresh fruit on top?
Yes! Sliced apples, pears, or even nuts make great additions.
What if I don’t have baking powder?
You can skip it, but the crust may be a little denser.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
You can, but homemade dough gives the best flavor and texture.
Why did my crust turn out too hard?
Overmixing or adding too much flour can make the dough tough. Handle it gently!
Conclusion
This easy Italian crostata is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With its flaky crust and luscious jam filling, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, this rustic tart is a guaranteed hit. So go ahead, grab your favorite jam, and treat yourself to a slice of homemade Italian goodness—you won’t regret it!
Print
Easy Italian Crostata Recipe (Jam Tart)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rustic yet elegant Italian jam tart featuring a buttery, crumbly crust filled with your favorite fruit jam. This easy-to-make crostata is perfect for a light dessert or an afternoon treat, offering a balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a delightful homemade charm.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
1 cup of your favorite jam (apricot, strawberry, or mixed berries work well)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat the egg and mix it into the dough until just combined. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
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Assemble the Crostata:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Transfer it to a tart pan or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread the jam evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border along the edges. If desired, sprinkle lemon zest over the jam for extra flavor.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling in a rustic, free-form style to create a border.
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Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the crust is golden and the jam is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
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Serve:
- Enjoy the crostata warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- You can use any high-quality jam you prefer.
- For a more decorative crust, reserve a small piece of dough to cut into strips and lay them over the jam before baking.
- The tart can be served on its own or accompanied by fresh fruit for extra texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1 slice (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg