Bicolored Crostata: A Sweet Journey of Contrasting Flavors
Prepare yourself for a delightful culinary experience with this delicious Bicolored Crostata, a dessert that combines the richness of cocoa with the softness of a traditional pastry cream filling. A perfect treat for gatherings, special occasions, or simply as a sweet end to a family meal. The interplay of textures—from the buttery, crisp pastry crust to the creamy filling—is truly irresistible. Here’s how to make this stunning, elegant dessert, which yields 15 servings.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 500g |
| Unsalted butter | 250g |
| Eggs | 110g |
| Egg yolks | 30g |
| Granulated sugar | 180g |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 10g |
| Whole milk | 740g |
| Egg yolks | 120g |
| All-purpose flour | 80g |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Granulated sugar | 300g |
| Dark chocolate, chopped | 100g |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 |
| Carbohydrates | ~45g |
| Protein | ~5g |
| Fat | ~20g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sugar | ~22g |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and specific measurements used.)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough
To begin, prepare the pasta frolla (Italian shortcrust pastry) which will form the base of this exquisite crostata. Start by cutting the cold butter into cubes and placing them in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add the flour and mix for about 2 minutes until the butter is well incorporated into the flour, forming a crumbly texture.
Next, incorporate the whole eggs into the mixture. Turn the mixer on again and mix until the dough begins to come together. Continue until you have a smooth and homogenous dough. Remove the dough from the mixing bowl and transfer it to a flat surface. Briefly knead the dough to bring it together, but be careful not to overwork it to avoid making the dough tough.
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Return one portion to the mixer, and add the cocoa powder. Mix briefly until the dough takes on an even color, resulting in a lovely chocolatey pastry. Remove it from the mixer and briefly knead it by hand until it’s smooth.
Form two dough balls, one with cocoa and one without, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate them to rest while you prepare the cream filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Cream
For the classic pastry cream (crema pasticcera), start by placing the whole milk in a saucepan along with the zest of one lemon. Heat over medium heat until it begins to boil.
While the milk is heating, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a separate bowl until pale and creamy. Slowly add a small amount of the hot milk to the egg mixture, stirring constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling. Once the mixture is well-combined, gradually add the rest of the hot milk, whisking continuously.
Return the entire mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens and begins to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and cover the cream with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Pastry Cream
For the chocolate pastry cream, take a separate saucepan and repeat the previous steps to make a similar custard, but this time add the chopped dark chocolate into the hot milk before combining with the egg mixture. Whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and incorporated, leaving you with a smooth, rich chocolate cream.
Once the chocolate cream is ready, cover it with plastic wrap to keep it from forming a skin, just like the classic pastry cream.
Step 4: Assemble the Crostata
Once the dough has chilled and the pastry creams have cooled to room temperature, it’s time to assemble your Bicolored Crostata. Start by rolling out the white pastry dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle approximately 3-4mm thick. Cut it into strips about 1 cm wide. Repeat this step with the chocolate dough.
On a clean sheet of parchment paper, begin laying the strips of dough side by side. Start with a chocolate strip placed horizontally, and then place the white strip vertically on top, alternating between the two colors. For the best effect, use 8 strips of each color.
Once all the strips are laid out in alternating patterns, carefully lift the chocolate strips one by one and place another white strip underneath each one, continuing the alternating pattern. Once the weaving is complete, gently transfer the woven dough to the 22 cm springform pan and gently press it into the bottom to form the base.
Step 5: Fill the Crostata
Now it’s time to fill your crostata with the prepared pastry creams. Start by spreading the classic pastry cream evenly over the base, smoothing it with the back of a spoon. Once that’s done, carefully layer the chocolate pastry cream on top, spreading it out evenly as well.
Take the remaining strips of the bicolored dough and carefully arrange them over the top of the cream filling, gently pressing them into place. This will create a beautiful lattice-like topping that contrasts the creamy filling underneath.
Step 6: Bake the Crostata
Place the crostata in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking. Once done, remove the crostata from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the crostata is cooled, carefully remove it from the springform pan. Slice it into portions and serve it on a beautiful platter. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a special celebration, or just a well-deserved treat after a busy day. The combination of rich chocolate and delicate pastry cream makes each bite a heavenly experience.
This Bicolored Crostata is a true masterpiece, offering a visual and culinary feast. The layers of creamy filling nestled between the perfectly flaky and crumbly pastry are nothing short of delightful. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, an anniversary, or simply to treat yourself and your loved ones, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and the satisfaction of creating something truly special with your hands!
For more delicious and detailed recipes like this one, visit Love With Recipes—where culinary passion meets creativity.
