Are you ready to take your baking game to the next level? Look no further than the humble crostata! This Italian classic has been delighting taste buds for centuries, and with its simple yet elegant design, it’s a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving up a sweet treat at a family gathering or a savory delight at a dinner party, our collection of 18 delicious crostata recipes has got you covered.
From classic pairings like raspberry jam and almond crust to more adventurous combinations like fig and honey with walnut crust, we’ve rounded up the best of the best to inspire your next baking adventure. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started! In this article, we’ll explore the world of crostata recipes and show you how to make these mouthwatering treats at home.
Classic Italian Crostata with Raspberry Jam
A classic Italian dessert that combines the simplicity of a pastry crust with the sweetness and tartness of raspberry jam.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 1 cup raspberry jam
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
6. Place the dough into a 9-inch (23 cm) tart pan with a removable bottom.
7. Fill the crust with raspberry jam, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Curd Crostata with Almond Crust
Brighten up your day with this tangy and sweet Italian-inspired dessert. A delicate lemon curd is nestled within a buttery almond crust, perfect for a warm-weather treat.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups almonds
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the lemon curd:
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a food processor, blend almonds, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until finely ground.
3. Add softened butter and pulse until a dough forms.
4. Press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Meanwhile, whisk together egg yolks, lemon juice, and sugar in a medium bowl.
7. Pour in melted butter and whisk until smooth.
8. Pour the lemon curd over the warm almond crust and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until set.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Chocolate Hazelnut Crostata
This classic Italian dessert gets a decadent twist with the addition of rich chocolate and nutty hazelnuts. The perfect treat for any occasion, this crostata is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
– 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
– 2 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, melted
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts evenly over the crust.
6. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the hazelnuts, then sprinkle with granulated sugar.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Crostata with Puff Pastry
This sweet and satisfying dessert is perfect for the fall season, combining the flavors of tender apples, warm cinnamon, and flaky puff pastry.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Arrange apple slices in a spiral pattern, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon evenly over the apples.
5. Fold the pastry edges up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush the egg wash over the pastry to give it a golden glaze.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Strawberry Rhubarb Crostata
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic pie, this Strawberry Rhubarb Crostata combines fresh strawberries and rhubarb with a buttery pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– 1 cup diced rhubarb
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form.
4. Press dough into a 9-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Toss strawberries and rhubarb with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
6. Arrange fruit mixture on top of pastry crust.
7. Fold edges of pastry up over the filling to form a crostata shape.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Blueberry Lemon Crostata with Lattice Top
A sweet and tangy dessert that combines the flavors of fresh blueberries, lemon zest, and a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Roll out the flour, butter, and water mixture into a 12-inch circle.
4. Arrange the blueberry mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Fold the edges of the dough up over the filling to form a lattice top.
6. Brush the egg wash over the crust and lattice.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Peach and Cream Cheese Crostata
Savor the sweet flavors of summer with this elegant dessert featuring tender peaches and tangy cream cheese nestled within a buttery crostata crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Arrange peach slices in the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the peaches.
6. Fold the pastry edges up over the filling to form a crust, pressing gently to seal.
7. Brush the top with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tsp water) and sprinkle with mint leaves if desired.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Apricot Almond Crostata
Combine the warmth of apricots with the crunch of almonds in this sweet and satisfying dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
5. Arrange apricots and almonds in a pattern on one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
7. Brush with honey and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cherry Vanilla Crostata with Shortbread Crust
A sweet and tangy dessert that combines the flavors of cherry, vanilla, and shortbread crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 can (14 oz) cherry pie filling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into crumbs. Gradually add cream and mix until dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to an 11-inch circle.
4. Transfer crust to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Spread cherry pie filling over the center of the crust, leaving a 1-inch border.
6. Fold edges of crust up and over filling, pressing gently to seal.
7. Brush crust with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water).
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pear and Ginger Crostata
This sweet and savory crostata combines the natural sweetness of pears with the warm, spicy flavor of ginger, all wrapped up in a buttery pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Arrange sliced pears and chopped ginger on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
5. Brush with melted butter and egg wash.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Crostata with Pecan Streusel
Warm up to the flavors of fall with this seasonal twist on the classic crostata, featuring a velvety pumpkin spice filling and crunchy pecan streusel topping.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
For the filling:
– 1 cup cooked, mashed pumpkin
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
For the streusel topping:
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the crust and place in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin filling ingredients until smooth.
4. Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
5. Mix streusel topping ingredients until crumbly. Spread evenly over the filling.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is set.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Mixed Berry Crostata with Whipped Cream
A sweet and tangy dessert perfect for warm weather, this mixed berry crostata is a twist on the classic pie. Fresh berries are layered with sugar and cornstarch to create a jam-like filling, topped with a buttery pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Whipped cream, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together berries and granulated sugar. Let sit for 15 minutes, until berries release their juice and mixture becomes syrupy.
3. Add cornstarch and stir until well combined.
4. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Fill tart shell with berry mixture and dot with melted butter.
6. Fold edges of crust up over filling, pressing gently to seal.
7. Brush egg wash over crust.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until crust is golden brown.
9. Let cool before topping with whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Fig and Honey Crostata with Walnut Crust
This sweet and savory crostata is a perfect combination of caramelized figs, drizzled honey, and crunchy walnut crust. It’s an ideal dessert for the holiday season or any special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 cup fig jam or caramelized figs
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add chopped walnuts and mix until combined.
4. Add softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Press the walnut crust into the bottom of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
6. Drizzle honey over the crust.
7. Spread fig jam or caramelized figs evenly over the honey.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is caramelized.
9. Allow to cool before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Crostata
Elevate your appetizers with this sweet and savory crostata, featuring caramelized onions and creamy goat cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
4. Arrange the cooked onions and crumbled goat cheese evenly over the center third of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Fold the pastry edges up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Savory Tomato and Basil Crostata
A classic Italian-inspired crostata recipe with a twist, featuring the sweetness of tomatoes and the brightness of basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the beaten egg, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
6. Spread the diced tomatoes and chopped basil over half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
7. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press edges to seal.
8. Brush with beaten egg and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Spinach and Ricotta Crostata
A classic Italian dessert, Spinach and Ricotta Crostata is a creamy, sweet, and savory tart that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the richness of ricotta cheese with the earthy flavor of spinach, all wrapped up in a buttery pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 12 oz ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. In a bowl, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Mix well.
3. Spread the spinach-ricotta mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape. Press edges to seal.
5. Brush the egg wash over the pastry to give it a golden brown color.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Crostata
Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Crostata: A Twist on Classic Pumpkin Pie
This sweet potato and marshmallow crostata combines the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. The result is a unique dessert that’s perfect for fall or winter gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup marshmallows
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roast the sweet potatoes for about 45 minutes, or until tender. Let cool.
3. In a blender or food processor, puree the roasted sweet potatoes with sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and beaten egg.
5. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9-inch tart pan.
6. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the pie crust, followed by the marshmallows.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Banana Nutella Crostata with Chocolate Drizzle
A sweet and indulgent dessert that combines the creaminess of Nutella, the natural sweetness of bananas, and the richness of chocolate. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1/4 cup Nutella
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Arrange banana slices on one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Spread Nutella over the bananas, then sprinkle with sugar and salt.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush top with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval.
9. Drizzle melted chocolate over the crostata and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of flavors and textures with these 18 delicious crostata recipes! From classic Italian raspberry jam to strawberry rhubarb, blueberry lemon, and peach cream cheese, there’s something for every occasion. Try pairing sweet ingredients like banana and Nutella with chocolate drizzle or go savory with caramelized onion and goat cheese. Whether you’re a fan of fruit, nuts, or spices, these crostata recipes will satisfy your cravings. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these mouthwatering treats are sure to impress.
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