Crostata di Marmellata is a classic Italian dessert made with a buttery pasta frolla crust and a sweet fruit jam filling. This rustic tart is known for its beautiful lattice top and delicate texture. Whether served with coffee in the morning or enjoyed as a dessert after dinner, this traditional Italian recipe brings comforting homemade flavor to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crostata di Marmellata is simple, elegant, and full of rich buttery flavor. The crisp and tender crust pairs beautifully with the sweet apricot jam filling, creating the perfect balance of texture and taste. It’s an easy dessert that looks impressive without requiring complicated techniques.

Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. You can use apricot, raspberry, strawberry, cherry, or blackberry jam depending on your preference or the season. The lattice design on top gives the tart a classic bakery-style appearance while still feeling homemade and comforting.

This Italian jam tart is also perfect for many occasions. It works beautifully as a breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, holiday dessert, or weekend baking project with family.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Zest of 1 lemon

1 pinch salt

For the filling:

1 3/4 cups apricot jam

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, cold butter cubes, sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the dough forms into a smooth ball. Avoid overmixing to keep the crust tender.
3. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps create a flaky and buttery crust.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
5. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out two-thirds of the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
6. Transfer the dough into a 9-inch tart pan. Press gently into the edges and trim away any excess dough.
7. Spread the apricot jam evenly across the base of the tart.
8. Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into thin strips using a knife or pastry wheel.
9. Arrange the strips over the jam in a crisscross lattice pattern.
10. Bake for 32 to 34 minutes or until the crust becomes golden brown and the jam starts bubbling slightly.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the crostata to cool completely before slicing.
12. Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 slices

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 34 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 24 minutes

Variations

You can easily customize this Italian tart with different flavors and fillings.

Berry Crostata: Replace the apricot jam with raspberry, strawberry, or mixed berry preserves for a fruity twist.

Chocolate Version: Spread a thin layer of chocolate hazelnut spread underneath the jam for extra richness.

Nutty Flavor: Add finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts to the filling for added texture.

Citrus Twist: Mix a little orange zest into the dough for a brighter flavor.

Mini Crostatas: Use small tart pans to create individual servings that are perfect for parties or special occasions.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Crostata di Marmellata in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, you may refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

To freeze, wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

For reheating, place slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes until slightly warm. This helps restore the crisp texture of the crust.

FAQs

What does Crostata di Marmellata mean?

It translates to “jam tart” in Italian. It is a traditional dessert made with shortcrust pastry and fruit jam.

Can I use different jam flavors?

Yes, you can use raspberry, strawberry, cherry, fig, blackberry, or any favorite jam.

Why should the dough be chilled?

Chilling prevents the butter from melting too quickly and helps create a flaky crust.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

What type of tart pan works best?

A 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom makes it easier to remove the crostata neatly.

Can I use store-bought pastry dough?

Yes, store-bought shortcrust pastry can save time, although homemade dough gives better flavor and texture.

How do I keep the crust from becoming soggy?

Avoid overfilling with jam and allow the tart to bake until fully golden.

Can I serve this tart warm?

Yes, it tastes delicious slightly warm or fully cooled.

Is this dessert suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely. In Italy, crostata is often enjoyed with coffee or cappuccino in the morning.

How do I make the lattice pattern easier?

Chill the dough slightly if it becomes soft while working. Cold dough is much easier to cut and arrange.

Conclusion

Crostata di Marmellata is a timeless Italian dessert that combines a delicate buttery crust with sweet fruit jam in the most comforting way. Its rustic appearance, simple ingredients, and rich homemade flavor make it perfect for everyday baking or special family gatherings. Whether you choose classic apricot jam or experiment with your favorite flavors, this traditional Italian tart is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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