Layered Tart (Crostata a Strati)
This delicious Layered Tart is a timeless Italian dessert, offering a harmonious blend of buttery shortcrust pastry and a rich cherry jam filling, all beautifully layered to create a striking and mouthwatering treat. Perfect for those who appreciate the classics of Italian baking, this dessert will not only impress with its flavor but also with its visually appealing presentation.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 120g |
| Icing Sugar | 180g |
| All-purpose Flour (00 type) | 600g |
| Egg Yolks | 44g |
| Butter | 180g |
| Baking Powder | 6g |
| Fine Salt | 1 pinch |
| Lemon Zest | 1 lemon |
| Vanilla Bean (half) | ½ |
| Cherry Jam | 320g |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 80mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry
-
Begin by preparing the shortcrust pastry (frolla). In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the icing sugar, butter, lemon zest, and the seeds scraped from the vanilla bean. Mix on low speed until the ingredients are well incorporated.
-
Once combined, add the whole eggs to the mixture. Let the eggs fully absorb into the dough before adding the egg yolks. Continue mixing for a few more moments until the dough starts to come together.
-
Add a pinch of fine salt and the sifted flour, followed by the baking powder. Mix until the dough forms a smooth and even consistency.
-
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use your hands to knead briefly to ensure everything is fully integrated. If the dough is too soft, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up, especially if your kitchen is warm.
Step 2: Roll the Dough
-
Once the dough has rested, dust your work surface with flour. Roll out one portion of the dough to a thickness of approximately 5mm.
-
If the temperature in the room is high, it’s best to keep the remaining dough in the refrigerator to prevent it from becoming too soft.
-
Using a 26 cm diameter tart ring, cut out a circle of dough. This will form the base of your layered tart.
Step 3: Layer with Cherry Jam
-
Spread one-third of the cherry jam evenly over the dough in the tart ring.
-
Roll out another portion of the dough, this time to about 0.5 cm thick, and place it on top of the jam. Spread half of the remaining jam over this layer.
-
Roll out the final portion of dough to the same thickness and cut it into a 26 cm circle. Carefully place this disk of dough on top of the jam layer. Press the edges of the dough down gently to seal the layers.
-
Spread the final bit of cherry jam over the top of the tart, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Step 4: Add Decorative Strips
-
Roll out the remaining dough to a thickness of 0.5 cm and cut it into 1 cm wide strips, making sure they are longer than the diameter of the tart.
-
Arrange the strips of dough over the top of the jam-covered tart to create a lattice pattern. Trim any excess dough from the edges using a sharp knife.
-
Using the tines of a fork, gently press down around the edges of the tart to create a decorative finish.
Step 5: Bake the Tart
-
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) on static heat.
-
Place the prepared tart in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp, and the jam is bubbling slightly around the edges.
-
Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Layered Tart:
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
- Use a Tart Ring: A 26 cm tart ring is ideal for creating a clean and professional finish, but you can also use a regular tart pan if that’s what you have.
- Substitute Jam: While cherry jam is the traditional choice for this recipe, feel free to substitute with other fruit jams, such as apricot or strawberry, to suit your preferences.
This Layered Tart is perfect for a special occasion, a family gathering, or as a beautiful treat to accompany your afternoon coffee. The buttery shortcrust pastry pairs perfectly with the tart-sweet cherry jam, making every bite a delightful experience. Enjoy!
