Crostata Italian Jam Tart Recipe
Learn how to make traditional crostata, an Italian jam-filled tart with this simple yet satisfying recipe that will flood your home with a wonderful, homey aroma. Join trained pastry chef Valeria and her assistant Benedetta as they take you through the process for making this delicious sweet treat in the Local Aromas kitchen.
Traditional crostata is made from a sweet, buttery shortcrust pastry base, known as pasta frolla, that is filled and topped with decorative pastry strips or shapes. It is usually filled with jam (the most common being apricot or cherry) but there are also versions made with crema pasticcera (pastry cream), chocolate, or even sweetened ricotta cheese. These tarts, which also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, can be found in cafés, bakeries, and pastry shops all over Italy and Italians will generally indulge in a slice for breakfast or with their afternoon coffee break.
The recipe is straightforward and very versatile and you could also use the same dough to make cookies. However, as with all pastry recipes, it is vital to strictly follow the procedure and quantities for the best result. You can use a stand mixer or electric hand whisk to speed up the preparation but be sure to avoid overmixing as this will make the pastry tough and rubbery. Also ensure that you have enough time to allow the dough to rest properly in the fridge before rolling it out.
Crostata
500g 00-type flour
175g icing sugar
300g unsalted butter, at room temperature
75g egg yolks (approx 3-4 eggs), at room temperature
50g whole egg (approx 1 egg), at room temperature
Half a vanilla pod
Salt
Jam, for filling
Place the butter and icing sugar into a stand mixer or large bowl and mix until smooth.
Gradually add the egg and egg yolks (about one egg at a time) until they are fully combined into the mixture.
Remove the seeds from half a vanilla pod and add these to the mixture along with a pinch of salt.
Whisk in about a quarter of the flour until absorbed then add the rest and continue to mix for no more than a minute. The ingredients should be only just mixed as you will continue to work the dough when you roll it out.
Use your hands to shape the dough into a rectangle then wrap in plastic film and place in the refrigerator to rest for at least 2 hours.
When you are ready to make your tart, preheat the oven to 160°C/320°F and remove the pastry from the fridge. Lightly flour your work surface and use a rolling pin to flatten the pastry into a round shape (you can choose your preferred thickness). Try to work quickly before the dough becomes too soft.
Use the pastry sheet to line a fluted tart tin, push down into the corners with your fingers and patch up any holes that might appear. Cut off any excess edges, saving the extra dough. Fill the pastry case with your chosen jam, again you decide how much you use, more jam will make the tart sweeter. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutters to make your decorations from the extra dough and place them across the top of the tart.
Bake in the oven for approximately 45 minutes or until the pastry is golden.
Buon appetito!
