Crostata Recipes: Apple, Peach, Blueberry & Strawberry

If you love a classic, rustic Italian dessert, crostata is something you’ll want to dive into. From apple to blueberry, each crostata is easy to make and so versatile. In this article, I’ll walk you through various crostata recipes and give you simple step-by-step instructions to make this Italian treat. Whether you’re after a classic apple crostata or want to try strawberry or peach, these recipes will have your mouth watering.

What is a Crostata?

Crostata is a classic Italian pie or tart that’s open-faced and filled with fruits like apples, peaches, or berries. Think of it as a rustic, free-form dessert similar to a French galette. This simple dessert is ideal for summer and can be served warm with a scoop of gelato or a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients for the Perfect Crostata

For the Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour

• Cold Butter

• Superfine Sugar

• Ice Cold Water

• Egg Wash

For the Filling:

• Fruits

• Lemon Juice

• Sugar

• Cornstarch

Step-by-Step Crostata Recipe Guide

Making the Crust

〰 Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.

〰 Add Butter: Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to massage the cold butter into the flour until a crumbly mixture forms.

〰 Form the Dough: Until the dough just comes together, gradually add ice-cold water. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for half an hour.

Making the Fruit Filling

〰 Get the Fruit Ready: Slice and wash your fruits as necessary.

〰 Combine with lemon and sugar: Combine cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice with the fruit.

〰 Let it Rest: Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors combine.

Assembling and Baking the Crostata

〰 Roll Out the Dough: Form the dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured board.

〰 Put the Filling in: In the middle of the dough, place the fruit filling, leaving a 2-inch border around it.

〰 Fold the Edges: As you fold the dough's edges over the fruit, make pleats.

〰 Egg Wash: Apply egg wash to the crust and then sprinkle it with sugar.

〰 Bake: Preheat the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake the crostata for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it is golden brown.

〰 Serve: Allow it to cool for five minutes, then serve warm.

Apple Crostata Recipe

A traditional apple crostata is the perfect comfort dessert. Here’s what you’ll need and how to make it:

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons white sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

• 2 tablespoons ice water

Filling:

• 1 lemon, halved

• 6 small Gala apples, peeled and sliced

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

〰 Make the Dough: Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and blend until it resembles crumbs. Add water gradually, form a disc, and refrigerate.

〰 Prepare the Apples: Squeeze lemon juice over the apple slices.

〰 Roll Out and Fill: Roll out the dough and place the apple slices, leaving a 2-inch border.

〰 Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Peach Crostata Recipe

This peach crostata brings out the best in fresh peaches.

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 ½ cups flour

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• Salt

• 6 tablespoons cold butter

• ¼ cup ice water

Filling:

• 5 peaches, sliced

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

〰 Make the Dough: Pulse flour, sugar, and butter. Add water until combined, then chill.

〰 Prepare the Peaches: Toss peaches with brown sugar and vanilla.

〰 Roll, Fill, and Bake: Roll out the dough, add peaches, fold the edges, and bake at 425°F for 50 minutes.

Blueberry Crostata Recipe

Bursting with fresh blueberries, this crostata is a must-try!

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 ½ cups flour

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• Salt

• 6 tablespoons cold butter

• ¼ cup ice water

Filling:

• 1 cup blueberries

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ¼ cup sugar

Instructions

〰 Make the Dough: Combine flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly. Add ice water to form the dough.

〰 Prepare Blueberry Filling: Mix blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice.

〰 Roll Out and Fill: Roll dough, place blueberry mixture, and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.

Strawberry Crostata Recipe

This version combines fresh strawberries and jam for a sweet, tangy treat.

Ingredients

Crust:

• 300 grams pastry flour

• 200 grams unsalted butter

• 100 grams sugar

Filling:

• 1 cup strawberry jam

• 1 ½ cups sliced strawberries

Instructions

〰 Prepare the Dough: Blend flour, sugar, and butter, add eggs, and chill.

〰 Add Filling: Spread jam and layer sliced strawberries over the dough.

〰 Bake: Preheat to 375°F, bake for 30-45 minutes until crust is golden.

Tips for the Best Crostata

〰 Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and ice water are essential.

〰 Chill the Dough: Resting the dough improves texture.

〰 Flavor Options: Try adding zest, Nutella, or mixed berries for unique tastes.

Why You’ll Love These Crostata Recipes

〰 Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, and it pairs wonderfully with ice cream.

〰 Simple and Easy: No complicated techniques or special tools are needed.

〰 Versatile: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast treat!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you may freeze it for three months or keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Do I need a tart pan for crostata?

No special pans are required because crostata is free-form.

What can I serve with crostata?

Serve with coffee, whipped cream, or ice cream.

Can I make a vegan crostata?

Yes, use a non-dairy wash and vegan butter instead of regular butter.

How do I store leftover crostata?

Keep in the refrigerator for up to three days or at room temperature for one day.