Homemade Crostata: The Cozy Italian Jam Tart Recipe

Crafting a delectable crostata brings pure joy to any home baker seeking authentic Italian comfort.

Sweet memories of rustic kitchens dance through this simple yet elegant dessert.

Grandmothers across italy have perfected these delicate pastry tarts for generations.

Fruit preserves nestled in a buttery, crumbly crust create a sensational treat that feels both nostalgic and luxurious.

Each slice promises a perfect balance between crisp pastry and luscious jam filling.

Handmade with love, this dessert transforms ordinary ingredients into something magical.

You’ll fall in love with how easily this classic recipe comes together.

Best Foods To Enjoy With Crostata (Italian Jam Tart)

• Pair with Sweet Muscato Wine: Complement the crostata's fruity strawberry jam with a light, sweet Muscato wine that enhances the dessert's delicate flavors and adds a refreshing touch.
• Create Espresso Companion: Serve a classic Italian espresso alongside the crostata to balance its sweetness and provide a rich, bold contrast that highlights the tart's buttery crust.
• Match with Vanilla Gelato: Top the warm crostata with a scoop of creamy vanilla gelato, creating a delightful temperature and texture combination that elevates the dessert's traditional Italian charm.
• Enjoy with Fresh Berries: Garnish the plate with fresh strawberries or mixed berries to echo the jam's flavor and add a vibrant, natural element that complements the crostata's rustic appeal.

How To Store Crostata (Italian Jam Tart) For Best Results

• Store leftover crostata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the tart with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
• Wrap the cooled crostata tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Preheat oven to 300F. Place the crostata on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes until slightly heated through. This method helps restore the crust's crispness.
• Let refrigerated crostata sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften the jam and improve the flavor and texture.

Crostata (Italian Jam Tart) FAQs You Need To Know

• What is a crostata's origin?

Crostata is a traditional Italian tart that originated in the Renaissance period, particularly popular in regions like Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna as a rustic, homemade dessert.

• Can I use different types of jam in crostata?

Absolutely! While strawberry jam is classic, you can use any fruit jam like apricot, raspberry, or fig to create your own delicious variation of this Italian tart.

• Is crostata similar to other pastries?

Yes, crostata is similar to a fruit pie or tart but distinctively Italian, with a more crumbly, shortbread-like crust and typically an open-faced design with lattice strips.

Crostata (Italian Jam Tart) That Will Wow Your Taste Buds

• Craft Comforting Tradition: Dive into a classic Italian dessert that brings warm memories of family gatherings and sweet moments shared around the table.
• Master Simple Baking Skills: Perfect for beginners, this recipe teaches basic pastry techniques with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps that build confidence in the kitchen.
• Customize with Creativity: Swap strawberry jam for other fruit preserves like apricot, raspberry, or fig to match personal taste preferences or seasonal availability, making each crostata uniquely yours.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Equally stunning as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert for dinner parties, this tart adapts beautifully to any occasion and always impresses guests.

All The Ingredients For Crostata (Italian Jam Tart)

• Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the crostata's delicate pastry.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crust.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the pastry rises and becomes light and fluffy.

• Eggs, Egg Yolks: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich, smooth texture of the dough.
• Butter: Provides richness, flavor, and helps create a flaky, tender crust.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy aroma and subtle flavor to the pastry.

• Strawberry Jam: The primary filling that brings sweetness and fruity flavor to the crostata.

How To Craft Crostata (Italian Jam Tart) Like An Expert

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect environment for your delicious Italian treat.

Step 2: Create the Magical Dough Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder

Blend these dry ingredients until they’re well combined and looking smooth.

Step 3: Bring the Dough to Life

• Whole eggs
• Extra egg yolks
• Softened butter
• Fresh lemon zest

Use your hands or a pastry cutter to lovingly mix everything together. Work the ingredients until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Don’t overmix – you want it just right!

Step 4: Prepare the Dough Canvas

Divide your dough into two distinct portions – one slightly larger than the other. Sprinkle some flour on your work surface and roll out the bigger portion into a beautiful circle that will perfectly fit your tart pan.

Step 5: Shape the Tart Base

Carefully transfer the rolled dough into your tart pan. Gently press it into the bottom and sides, ensuring an even coverage. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges for a clean, professional look.

Step 6: Spread the Sweet Layer

Generously spread strawberry jam across the bottom of your prepared dough. Make sure it’s distributed evenly for a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

Step 7: Create the Stunning Lattice Top

Roll out the second portion of dough and slice it into beautiful strips. Weave these strips across the jam layer to create an elegant lattice pattern that will make your crostata look absolutely stunning.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your crostata into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown crust that signals it’s ready to be devoured.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove the crostata from the oven and let it cool completely. This allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing easier. Serve and enjoy your homemade Italian masterpiece!

Pro Tips To Make Crostata (Italian Jam Tart) Shine

• Choose high-quality jam with intense fruit flavors for a more delicious crostata that bursts with authentic Italian taste.
• Keep butter cold and work quickly when mixing the dough to ensure a flaky, tender pastry texture that melts in your mouth.
• Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top after cooling for an elegant, traditional Italian dessert presentation that looks professionally made.
• Feel free to swap strawberry jam with other fruit preserves like apricot, raspberry, or cherry to create unique flavor variations and match personal preferences.
• Serve the crostata at room temperature alongside a cappuccino or espresso for a classic Italian dessert experience that transports you straight to a charming Italian café.

Creative Spins On Classic Crostata (Italian Jam Tart)

• Nutty Crunch Crostata: Replace half the flour with ground almonds or hazelnuts to add a rich, toasted flavor and extra texture to the tart base.
• Chocolate Berry Fusion: Mix cocoa powder into the dough and use mixed berry jam for a decadent, fruity chocolate version of the classic crostata.
• Seasonal Citrus Remix: Swap strawberry jam with marmalade or lemon curd, and enhance the dough with extra orange or tangerine zest for a bright, zesty profile.
• Rustic Savory Spin: Transform the sweet crostata into a savory option by using tomato jam, caramelized onions, or roasted vegetable spreads, and add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the pastry.

Crostata (Italian Jam Tart) Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Italian crostata delights with buttery pastry and luscious jam filling, promising a rustic dessert straight from Tuscany’s kitchens. Golden-crusted and inviting, you’ll savor each crumbly bite of this charming traditional treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups (875 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) butter (room temperature)

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) strawberry jam
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon zest

Leavening Agent:

• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) baking powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350F (175C), ensuring an even temperature for baking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients, whisking flour, sugar, and baking powder until well integrated.
3. Incorporate the wet ingredients – eggs, egg yolks, softened butter, and fragrant lemon zest – into the flour mixture, gently working with hands or a pastry cutter until a cohesive dough emerges.
4. Carefully partition the dough into two distinct portions, with one slightly larger for the base.
5. On a lightly floured surface, delicately roll out the larger dough portion to perfectly match the tart pan’s dimensions.
6. Gently transfer the rolled dough into the tart pan, meticulously pressing it against the bottom and sides, trimming any overhanging edges for a neat finish.
7. Distribute the strawberry jam evenly across the dough’s surface, creating a smooth, consistent layer.
8. Roll out the remaining dough and skillfully slice into elegant strips for crafting a traditional lattice pattern atop the jam layer.
9. Place the prepared tart in the preheated oven, baking for 35-40 minutes until the crust transforms into a rich, golden-brown hue.
10. After removing from the oven, allow the crostata to cool completely, letting the flavors meld and settle before serving.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect crumbly, tender crust texture.
• Jam Selection Flexibility: Choose high-quality fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry for diverse flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make the crostata suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Lattice Technique Tip: Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to create clean, even strips for a professional-looking lattice design on top of the tart.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 301 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 49 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 89 mg