The Classic Crostata di Frutta, an Italian fruit tart, is a delightful blend of taste and nutrition. This dessert combines a buttery pastry crust with a creamy custard filling, topped with an array of fresh, vibrant fruits. Rich in vitamins like C and A, thanks to the fresh fruit toppings, it supports immunity and skin health. However, its sugar content requires moderation, especially for those watching their calorie intake. Discover how to make this irresistible tart with an easy-to-follow recipe that ensures the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Ideal for any occasion, the Crostata di Frutta is both a feast for the eyes and a treat for the palate!

Ingredients:

For the Pastry Crust:

- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- ½ cup granulated sugar

- ¼ teaspoon salt

- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

- 1 large egg yolk

- 1-2 tablespoons ice water (if needed)

For the Custard Filling:

- 1 cup whole milk

- ¼ cup granulated sugar

- 1 large egg

- 2 tablespoons cornstarch

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Fruit Topping:

- Fresh fruit of your choice (e.g., berries, kiwi, peaches, or apricots)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pastry Crust:

  - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.

  - Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  - Stir in the egg yolk and mix until the dough starts to come together. If needed, add ice water, a little at a time, until the dough holds together.

  - Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Tart Pan:

  - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  - Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your tart pan (about 9-inch in diameter). Transfer the dough to the tart pan, pressing it into the edges and trimming any excess.

3. Bake the Crust:

  - Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.

  - Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment paper and weights. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let cool completely.

4. Make the Custard Filling:

  - In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam.

  - In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, and cornstarch until smooth.

  - Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and begins to boil.

  - Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly before spreading it over the cooled tart crust.

Assemble the Tart:

  - Spread the custard filling evenly over the baked tart crust.

  - Arrange your fresh fruit on top of the custard in a decorative pattern.

Serve and Enjoy:

  - Chill the tart in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the custard to set.

  - Slice and enjoy your homemade Crostata di Frutta!

This Crostata di Frutta is a delightful Italian dessert that combines a crisp, buttery crust with a luscious custard and vibrant fresh fruit. Perfect for any occasion or as a sweet treat to end your meal!

Frequently Asked Questions 

1.Can Crostata be made without butter?

• Yes, Crostata can be made without butter. Alternatives like coconut oil or plant-based margarine work well for the pastry crust, offering a vegan-friendly option without compromising texture.

2.What are the best beverages to pair with Crostata?

• Green tea for a light and refreshing complement.
• Coffee for a rich and robust pairing.
• Fresh orange juice to enhance the fruity flavors.

3.Can Crostata be prepared in advance? How is it stored?

• Yes, Crostata can be prepared ahead of time. Once assembled, it should be refrigerated to maintain its freshness. For best results:
• Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To preserve the crust's crispness, avoid adding fruit toppings until just before serving.

4.What are the health benefits of Crostata compared to other desserts?

• Crostata stands out as a healthier dessert choice due to its fresh fruit toppings, which are rich in:
• Vitamin C for immunity.
• Antioxidants that promote overall health.
• This makes it a lighter alternative to desserts heavy on chocolate or cream.

5.What are some ingredient substitutions for dietary preferences?

• Milk: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free version.
• Sugar: Replace refined sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
• Flour: Opt for whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.

6.How can the recipe be made healthier?

• Reduce the amount of butter or replace it with a lower-fat alternative.
• Use whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Add minimal sugar to the custard and rely on the natural sweetness of the fruits.

7.What fruits are best for Crostata?

• Seasonal fruits often yield the best flavors. Ideal choices include:
• Summer: Berries (strawberries, blueberries), peaches, apricots.
• Winter: Citrus fruits like mandarins or oranges.
• Year-round: Kiwi, apples, and pears.

8.How can Crostata be stored?

• Refrigeration: Place it in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pastry crust separately for up to 1 month, then thaw and assemble before serving.

Nutritional values

Pastry Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

 - Calories: About 455 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 95g

 - Protein: 13g

 - Fat: 1.2g

 - Fiber: 3g

Benefits:

 - Provides carbohydrates for energy.

 - Contains some protein and a small amount of fiber.

½ cup granulated sugar

 - Calories: About 49 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 12.5g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness to the pastry crust.

 - Provides quick energy through its carbohydrate content.

¼ teaspoon salt

 - Sodium: About 575 mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances the flavor of the pastry.

 - Helps balance sweetness and improve overall taste.

½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

 - Calories: About 200 kcal

 - Fat: 22g (including saturated fat)

 - Cholesterol: 61 mg

Benefits:

 - Adds richness and flavor to the pastry.

 - Provides fats that contribute to a flaky texture.

1 large egg yolk

 - Calories: About 55 kcal

 - Fat: 4.5g

 - Protein: 2.7g

 - Cholesterol: 184 mg

Benefits:

 - Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

 - Provides proteins and essential fats.

1-2 tablespoons ice water (if needed)

 - Minimal calories

Benefits:

 - Helps bring the dough together and prevents it from becoming too dry.

Custard Filling:

1 cup whole milk

 - Calories: About 150 kcal

 - Protein: 8g

 - Fat: 8g (including saturated fat)

 - Carbohydrates: 12g

 - Calcium: 300 mg

Benefits:

 - Provides protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients.

¼ cup granulated sugar

- Nutritional Value (same as above)

Benefits:

 - Sweetens the custard filling.

1 large egg

 - Calories: About 70 kcal

 - Protein: 6g

 - Fat: 5g

 - Cholesterol: 186 mg

Benefits:

 -Adds protein and contributes to the custard's texture.

2 tablespoons cornstarch

 - Calories: About 30 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 7g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Acts as a thickening agent for the custard.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 - Calories: About 12 kcal

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and aroma to the custard filling.

Fruit Topping:

Fresh fruit of your choice (e.g., berries, kiwi, peaches, or apricots)

 - Berries: ~50-60 kcal, high in antioxidants and vitamin C.

 - Kiwi: ~60 kcal, high in vitamin C and fiber.

 - Peaches: ~40 kcal, good source of vitamins A and C.

 - Apricots: ~50 kcal, rich in vitamins A and C, and fiber.

Benefits:

 - Adds natural sweetness and freshness.

 - Provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

 - Enhances the visual appeal and nutritional profile of the pastry.

Each component contributes its own unique flavor and texture, creating a well-balanced and delicious pastry.