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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 350F (175C), ensuring an even temperature for baking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients, whisking flour, sugar, and baking powder until well integrated.
- 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.
- Carefully partition the dough into two distinct portions, with one slightly larger for the base.
- On a lightly floured surface, delicately roll out the larger dough portion to perfectly match the tart pan’s dimensions.
- 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.
- Distribute the strawberry jam evenly across the dough’s surface, creating a smooth, consistent layer.
- Roll out the remaining dough and skillfully slice into elegant strips for crafting a traditional lattice pattern atop the jam layer.
- Place the prepared tart in the preheated oven, baking for 35-40 minutes until the crust transforms into a rich, golden-brown hue.
- 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