Crostata di Marmellata is a classic Italian dessert made with a buttery pasta frolla crust and a sweet jam filling. This rustic tart is known for its beautiful lattice top and delicate texture. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea, this traditional Italian favorite is simple to prepare yet elegant enough for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
• Buttery and tender homemade pastry
• Perfect balance of sweet jam and crisp crust
• Beautiful rustic lattice design
• Great for holidays, gatherings, or everyday baking
• Customizable with your favorite jam flavors
• Can be prepared ahead of time
• Delicious served warm or chilled

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

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, cold butter, 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 comes together into a smooth ball. Avoid overmixing to keep the pastry tender.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
5. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out two-thirds of the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
6. Transfer the dough into a 9-inch tart pan and gently press it into the bottom and sides. Trim 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 strips using a knife or pastry wheel.
9. Arrange the strips in a lattice pattern over the jam filling.
10. Bake for 32–34 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the jam begins bubbling slightly.
11. Allow the crostata to cool completely before removing it from the tart pan.
12. Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 34 minutes
• Total Time: 54 minutes

Variations

• Replace apricot jam with raspberry, strawberry, cherry, fig, or mixed berry jam.
• Add sliced almonds on top before baking for extra crunch.
• Mix a little cinnamon into the jam for a warm flavor twist.
• Use orange zest instead of lemon zest for a different citrus aroma.
• Add a thin layer of pastry cream beneath the jam filling for a richer tart.
• Make mini crostatas using tartlet pans for individual servings.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover crostata in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.

To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

To reheat, place slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes until slightly warm and crisp.

FAQs

What does Crostata di Marmellata mean?

It translates to “jam tart” in Italian and refers to a traditional tart filled with fruit jam.

Can I use store-bought pastry dough?

Yes, store-bought shortcrust pastry works well if you want a quicker version.

Which jam works best for this recipe?

Apricot jam is traditional, but raspberry, strawberry, cherry, and berry jams are all delicious choices.

Why should I chill the dough?

Chilling keeps the butter cold, helping create a flaky and tender 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.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Avoid overfilling with jam and make sure the dough is chilled before baking.

Can I make this tart without a lattice top?

Absolutely. You can leave the top open or fully cover it with dough.

What type of tart pan should I use?

A 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom works best for easy serving.

Can I serve this tart warm?

Yes, it tastes wonderful slightly warm or completely cooled.

Is Crostata di Marmellata served as dessert or breakfast?

In Italy, it is commonly enjoyed both as a dessert and as a sweet breakfast pastry.

Conclusion

Crostata di Marmellata is a timeless Italian dessert that combines a buttery homemade crust with sweet fruit jam for a simple yet elegant treat. Its rustic charm, crisp pastry, and customizable filling make it perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with coffee in the morning or serve it after dinner, this classic jam tart is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Print