Mascarpone and Chocolate Chip Crostata Recipe: A Decadent Italian Dessert
If you’re craving a sweet, creamy, and indulgent dessert with a rich Italian flair, look no further than this Mascarpone and Chocolate Chip Crostata. This delicious pastry combines a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortcrust pastry with a luxurious mascarpone filling, subtly flavored with orange zest and a hint of cinnamon, and punctuated by the sweetness of chocolate chips. This crostata is perfect for a special occasion or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea. The combination of textures from the crisp pastry and smooth, velvety filling is sure to leave you wanting more.
Ingredients for Mascarpone and Chocolate Chip Crostata
Hereโs what you’ll need to make this irresistible dessert:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (softened) | 175g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 300g |
| Powdered sugar | 150g |
| Egg yolks | 3 |
| Orange zest | 1 (from one orange) |
| Fine salt | A pinch |
| Cow’s milk ricotta cheese | 400g |
| Mascarpone cheese | 250g |
| Egg yolks (for filling) | 2 |
| Granulated sugar | 150g |
| Potato starch (cornstarch) | 10g |
| Chocolate chips | 100g |
| Ground cinnamon | A pinch |
Instructions for Preparing the Crostata
Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry
To begin, start by making the shortcrust pastry. On a clean surface, place the powdered sugar in a mound. Use a fine grater to zest the orange directly onto the sugar, being careful not to include the bitter white part of the peel. Add a pinch of fine salt, and then make a well in the center of the sugar mixture. Crack 3 egg yolks into the well.
Now, gradually incorporate the flour into the egg and sugar mixture. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix the ingredients together, working them until you form a dough. Once everything has come together, knead the dough gently for a few minutes, until it is smooth and uniform.
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up and makes it easier to roll out later.
Step 2: Make the Cream Filling
While the dough chills, it’s time to prepare the rich mascarpone filling. Start by passing the ricotta cheese through a fine-mesh sieve into a large mixing bowl to remove any excess moisture. This will ensure that the filling is smooth and not too runny.
Next, add the 2 egg yolks and the sifted potato starch to the ricotta. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, blend everything together until smooth and well-combined.
Once the mixture is smooth, add the mascarpone cheese and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the granulated sugar, and give the filling one last gentle mix.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chips and Orange Zest
Take the chocolate chips and fold them into the mascarpone cream with a spatula. The chocolate chips will add a delightful burst of flavor and texture to the filling. For an extra touch of citrusy freshness, add another zest of orange to the mixture, and fold it in gently along with a pinch of ground cinnamon. This will give your crostata a beautifully aromatic flavor.
Step 4: Roll Out the Pastry and Assemble the Crostata
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large circle, about 2-3mm thick. Carefully transfer the dough into a tart pan, making sure to press it gently into the sides of the pan. Trim any excess dough from the edges, but be sure to leave a little extra dough around the rim for decoration.
Once the pastry shell is ready, pour the mascarpone and chocolate chip filling into the crust. Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly.
Step 5: Create Decorative Stripes for the Top
If you have any leftover dough, roll it out into a thin sheet and cut it into strips about 2 cm wide. These strips will form the decorative lattice pattern on top of the crostata.
Arrange the strips of dough in a crisscross pattern over the filling. This not only adds a decorative touch but also ensures that the creamy filling remains perfectly intact while baking.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash
To give your crostata a golden, glossy finish, brush the top of the dough lattice with a little egg white, which you can save from the earlier egg yolks. This step will give the top of the crostata a beautiful shine and enhance the golden color as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake the Crostata
Preheat your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). Place the crostata in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp, and the filling is set. Keep an eye on the crostata during the last few minutes of baking to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once the crostata is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The crostata can be served warm or at room temperature.
Before serving, dust the top with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for a final touch of sweetness.
Tips for Perfecting Your Mascarpone and Chocolate Chip Crostata
-
Chill the Dough: Always chill the shortcrust pastry before rolling it out. This makes it easier to handle and ensures that the crust bakes up flaky and tender.
-
Use Good Quality Mascarpone: The mascarpone is the star of this dessert, so make sure to use a high-quality product for the best flavor and texture.
-
Orange Zest: Donโt skip the orange zest, as it adds a refreshing citrus note that perfectly balances the richness of the mascarpone.
-
Customize the Filling: You can experiment with different fillings, such as adding a splash of vanilla extract or substituting the chocolate chips with hazelnuts or chopped dark chocolate.
-
Serve with Whipped Cream: For an even richer dessert experience, serve slices of this crostata with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
Conclusion
This Mascarpone and Chocolate Chip Crostata is a heavenly dessert that combines classic Italian flavors in the most irresistible way. The soft, buttery pastry crust paired with the creamy mascarpone filling and bursts of chocolate chips creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just for a weekend treat, this crostata will impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy a slice.
Serve it with your favorite beverage and enjoy the warm, comforting embrace of this classic Italian dessert. Bon Appetito!
