Sweet Strawberry and Ricotta Crostata with Fig Jam Recipe

Sweet summer memories often bloom around a classic strawberry and ricotta crostata with unexpected fig jam swirls.

Rustic Italian pastry techniques transform simple ingredients into something magical.

Delicate strawberries dance alongside creamy ricotta in this elegant dessert.

Crisp pastry edges promise a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Regional culinary traditions inspire this beautiful tart that celebrates seasonal ingredients.

Fresh figs add sophisticated depth to the classic combination.

You’ll fall in love with every carefully crafted bite that balances sweetness and richness.

Dive into this recipe and create a dessert that tells a delicious story.

Tasty Foods That Go Well With Strawberry And Ricotta Crostata With Fig Jam

• Pair Perfectly with Sweet Sips: A chilled moscato d'asti complements the crostata's fruity sweetness, enhancing the strawberry and fig jam flavors with its light, effervescent profile.
• Match with Creamy Companions: Serve alongside a dollop of mascarpone cream or vanilla bean gelato, which will echo the ricotta's richness and provide a cool contrast to the warm, buttery crust.
• Balance with Herbal Notes: Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lavender sprigs to add a subtle aromatic dimension that cuts through the dessert's sweetness and refreshes the palate.
• Elevate with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or crushed pistachios around the crostata to introduce a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone that complements the fruity filling.

How To Store Strawberry And Ricotta Crostata With Fig Jam Right

• Store the crostata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent moisture buildup and preserve its crisp texture.
• Carefully wrap the completely cooled crostata in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw before serving.
• Warm the crostata in a preheated oven at 325F for 10-15 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain the delicate crust's texture.
• Allow refrigerated crostata to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the ricotta and enhance the flavors.

FAQs That Clear Up Strawberry And Ricotta Crostata With Fig Jam

• Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs for the jam?

Fresh figs won’t work as well because they have higher water content. Dried figs provide a more concentrated flavor and better texture for jam-making in this recipe.

• Is there a way to prevent the crostata dough from becoming too sticky?

Add a little extra flour gradually while mixing, and ensure the butter is softened but not melted. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps firm it up and makes it easier to handle.

• How do I know if the ricotta filling is properly mixed?

The filling should look smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the texture is uniform throughout.

Strawberry And Ricotta Crostata With Fig Jam Reasons To Savor

• Craft a Rustic Delight: Create an Italian-inspired dessert that looks professionally made with minimal baking skills, perfect for impressing guests without complex techniques.
• Layer Flavor Sensations: Combine sweet strawberries, creamy ricotta, and rich fig jam for a multi-dimensional taste experience that dances across your palate with each delightful bite.
• Versatile Dessert Wonder: Serve this crostata as a stunning brunch centerpiece, elegant dinner party finale, or weekend family treat that suits multiple occasions and mood settings.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Use everyday pantry staples to transform basic ingredients into a gourmet-looking dessert that feels like a special culinary adventure without requiring advanced cooking expertise.

Key Ingredients In Strawberry And Ricotta Crostata With Fig Jam

• Flour: A key component that provides structure to the crostata base.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning of the dough.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise and become light and tender.
• Eggs, Egg Yolks: Bind the dough and add richness to the texture.
• Butter: Provides flavor and creates a flaky, tender crust.

• Strawberries: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the crostata.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a smooth and rich filling.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of both strawberries and ricotta.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the filling.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture and provides structure.
• Lemon Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note to the filling.

• Dried Figs, Sugar, Water, Lemon Juice, Vanilla Extract: Ingredients used to create a homemade fig jam that adds complexity and sweetness to the crostata.

Easy Steps To Make Strawberry And Ricotta Crostata With Fig Jam

Step 1: Create Luscious Fig Jam

• Dried figs
• Sugar
• Water
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Toss all ingredients into a saucepan. Simmer everything over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until figs transform into a thick, glossy mixture. This takes about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up the Tender Pastry Dough

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder

• Whole eggs
• Egg yolks
• Softened butter

Blend until dough forms. If it feels sticky, sprinkle extra flour. Wrap dough in plastic and chill in refrigerator for half an hour.

Step 3: Prepare Fruity Filling Components

• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Egg
• Lemon zest

Blend until silky smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Rustic Tart

Warm oven to 375°F. Roll dough on floured surface into thin circle. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread ricotta mixture in center, leaving 2-inch border. Arrange strawberries over ricotta. Dollop fig jam across top.

Step 5: Shape the Crostata

Gently fold dough edges over filling, creating a free-form design. Keep center beautifully exposed.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide into preheated oven. Bake 35-40 minutes until crust turns golden and filling sets. Allow brief cooling before slicing and serving.

Top Tricks For Strawberry And Ricotta Crostata With Fig Jam Success

• Macerate strawberries with sugar to intensify their natural sweetness and release delicious juices before adding to the crostata.
• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage and ensure a flaky, tender crust during baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs for smoother dough consistency and better integration.
• Add lemon zest to ricotta filling for bright, citrusy notes that complement the rich, creamy texture.
• Consider substituting fig jam with other preserves like apricot or raspberry for a delightful flavor variation.

Fresh Ways To Change Up Strawberry And Ricotta Crostata With Fig Jam

• Berry Medley Crostata: Replace strawberries with a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, colorful dessert that bursts with summer flavors.
• Almond Cream Variation: Incorporate ground almonds into the ricotta filling and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for added texture and nutty richness.
• Honey Lavender Remix: Swap sugar for lavender-infused honey in the filling and drizzle additional honey over the crostata after baking for a fragrant, elegant touch.
• Chocolate Decadence Version: Blend cocoa powder into the ricotta filling and add dark chocolate shavings on top for a luxurious, indulgent dessert experience.

Strawberry and Ricotta Crostata with Fig Jam Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 90-100 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent Strawberry and Ricotta Crostata dances with Italian charm, blending sweet ricotta and luscious fig jam in a rustic pastry embrace. Silky filling and buttery crust promise a delightful journey through Mediterranean flavors you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2025 dried figs (260 grams)
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• Juice of 1 lemon

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft a luscious fig compote by simmering dried figs with sugar, water, lemon juice, and vanilla in a medium saucepan for 15-20 minutes. Allow the mixture to thicken and cool completely.
2. Create a delicate pastry dough by blending flour, sugar, and baking powder. Incorporate eggs, egg yolks, and softened butter until a cohesive mixture forms. Add extra flour if the texture feels too sticky. Chill the dough in plastic wrap for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Macerate fresh strawberries with sugar to release natural juices. Whisk ricotta with sugar, vanilla, egg, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
4. Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Spread the ricotta mixture across the dough’s center, leaving a 2-inch border. Arrange macerated strawberries over the filling and dollop fig jam strategically.
6. Carefully fold the dough’s edges inward, creating a rustic, free-form tart shape that reveals the vibrant filling.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust turns a rich golden brown and the filling sets. Allow the crostata to rest briefly before serving to enhance flavors and texture.

Notes

• Prevent soggy crust by patting strawberries dry with paper towels before adding to the filling to reduce excess moisture.
• Substitute fig jam with other preserves like raspberry or apricot for varied flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Enhance the dough’s texture by chilling it longer, up to overnight, which helps develop richer flavors and creates a more tender crust.
• For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the dough maintains similar consistency and binding properties.

• Prep Time: 55-60 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 207
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg