Soft Italian Crostata with Butter and Sugar

Soft Crostata: A Delightful Italian Dessert for All Occasions

Crostata morbida, or soft crostata, is an irresistible Italian dessert that combines a rich, buttery base with endless possibilities for toppings or fillings. This simple, yet elegant treat can be enjoyed on its own or dressed up with jam, cream, or even fresh fruit. It’s a versatile dessert that works perfectly for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Below, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of creating this sweet delight.

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Soft Crostata Base
Begin by softening the butter. Cut it into small pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. This step will make it easier to incorporate the butter into the dough. Add the first egg to the bowl and mix well with an electric mixer. Continue mixing until the butter and egg are fully combined, creating a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 2: Adding the Dry Ingredients
Once the butter and egg mixture is smooth, add the sugar. This will help to sweeten the dough, balancing out the richness of the butter. Mix again with your electric mixer until the sugar is completely incorporated into the butter mixture.

Now, it’s time to add the flour. Gradually add the 250g of all-purpose flour to the bowl, mixing continuously with your electric mixer on a low speed to prevent any flour from spilling out. Once all the flour is added, add the baking powder and continue mixing until a soft, uniform dough forms. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all ingredients are properly combined.

Step 3: Baking the Crostata
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) on a static (conventional) setting. Prepare a 22cm (9-inch) round tart pan by greasing it lightly with butter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Once the dough is ready, transfer it into the prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. The dough should be spread evenly to create a smooth base for your crostata.

Place the tart pan into the preheated oven and bake the base for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown. You can check the doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the dough; it should come out clean when ready.

Step 4: Cooling and Removing from the Pan
Once the crostata has finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool down to room temperature. It’s important to let it cool completely to ensure the base firms up and can be easily removed from the pan.

After the crostata has cooled, gently flip it over onto a serving plate. If you used a tart pan with a removable bottom, this step will be easy. Otherwise, carefully run a knife around the edge of the crostata to loosen it from the pan before inverting it.

Step 5: Enjoying the Crostata
Now that your crostata base is ready, you can customize it to your liking! Spread a layer of your favorite jam, top it with whipped cream, or add some fresh fruit like berries, or even chocolate ganache for a decadent finish. The beauty of this dessert is its versatility – you can make it as simple or as elaborate as you wish.

Serve it as a sweet treat for afternoon tea, dessert for a family meal, or bring it along to a picnic. No matter the occasion, this soft crostata is sure to impress with its light, buttery flavor and delightful texture. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

This crostata recipe serves 8 people and provides a comforting and flavorful dessert experience. If you want to add a personal touch, experiment with different fillings or serve it alongside a scoop of gelato or a hot cup of coffee for the perfect treat.