Crostata

Crostata is a type of jam tart that is frequently seen on Italian breakfast tables, for snacks, in bakeries and more. This beloved recipe is most often made with jam, but other fillings, like chocolate or Nutella are also commonplace.

Crostata has to be one of the most iconic Italian pastries.

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If I had to name one thing that is almost guaranteed to be on every breakfast buffet, or table, at hotels, agriturismi and B & B’s across Italy, I would say it would have to be crostata di marmellata.

If you saw my recent post about Urbino Resort (Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Fillipo), you’ll spot this Italian pastry on their breakfast buffet, too.

It seems that Romans never used to place much importance on the breakfast meal. Maybe that explains why most Italians start their day with just a coffee and pastry.

However, Italians understand that tourists from other countries enjoy everything from cereal, eggs, and fruit to cured meats and cheeses, so these are often offered at breakfasts in hotels and other accommodations.

Check out another Italian breakfast treat: maritozzi

What is a Crostata?

An Italian crostata is simply a jam tart, and in some cases has a different filling, like Nutella, or ricotta and cherry, as is popular in Rome.

What Does a Crostata Look Like?

As you can see from all the pictures on this page, crostate (crostate is plural in Italian) come in different shapes, can be very rustic or more refined. They come with thick pastry, or thin, are always baked in a pan, and will have a bottom crust and usually a lattice top. They are most often filled with jam, and are called crostata di marmellata. Other forms of crostate exist, such as crostata di frutta, which would be a fruit tart.

One thing you may notice about a crostata’s lattice top, it’s not made in the traditional American basketweave fashion, like I did on this rhubarb pie.

It’s actually much easier to make the Italian version! Just lay the strips in one direction and put the next on top, there’s no weaving required.

How to Make a Crostata?

Making this classic Italian creation isn’t difficult, especially with this easy Italian crostata recipe with step by step directions. After making the pastry for the base, fill the tart with jam, or your filling of choice, then add strips of pastry to the top of the filling, and bake! See two of my favorite jams in the notes below.

The Difference Between an Italian Crostata and an American Crostata

There are a few differences between an Italian and an American crostata including that the Italian pastry is baked in a tart pan, whereas the US version is shaped and baked on a sheet pan. Italian style favors jam and Nutella fillings for the most part, whereas American crostate normally use fresh fruit or savory ingredients.

Crostata Recipe (Italian)

From a family recipe Serves 12

FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE

Ingredients

• flour
• salt
• butter
• egg
• sugar
• jam, or other filling

Special equipment: 9″ tart pan, pastry brush

Directions

Oven temperature 350°F (180°C)

Make the Tart Crust

Cut the butter into the flour with two knives until small pieces are formed, then use your fingers to rub them in. Or you can roughly follow the directions to make this pie pastry, adding the egg yolk instead of water.

Add in the egg yolk and mix until a dough forms and place on a floured workspace.

Form into a ball, then roll about two thirds of the dough into a circle to line the tart pan.

Gently press the dough into the tart pan and trim the edge. Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork.

Fill and decorate the Crostata

Pour or spoon the jam or filling into the prepared tart shell.

Roll the remaining dough into a circle the size of the tart pan. Then cut into strips.

Add strips in one direction spaced apart.

Next add another layer of strips on top, either at 90 degrees or at a lesser angle to create a diamond pattern.

Brush with the egg white and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Allow to cool completely before slicing.

If you have a tart pan with removable side and bottom, you can take it out to cut it, or else slice the pastry in the regular pan.

Cut into wedges, slices or squares.

Serve with tea or coffee for a delicious Italian treat!

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