Description
Italian Crostata is a traditional Italian fruit tart made with a buttery shortcrust pastry, filled with fruit jam or fresh fruit, and topped with a lattice crust for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 cup fruit jam (apricot, raspberry, or your choice)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and cut it into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract. Add this to the flour mixture, followed by the cold water. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it briefly until smooth. Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pan. Trim any excess dough around the edges.
- Spread the fruit jam evenly over the bottom of the crust.
- Roll out the second portion of dough and cut it into strips to create a lattice pattern over the jam filling. Arrange the strips in a crisscross pattern over the tart.
- Brush the lattice with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake the crostata in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the jam is bubbling.
- Allow the crostata to cool before removing it from the tart pan. Slice and serve.
Notes
- You can use any fruit jam you prefer, or even fresh fruit like berries or stone fruit for a more seasonal twist.
- For extra flavor, add a little lemon zest to the dough or jam filling.
- If you prefer a sweeter crostata, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top after baking.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian