Strawberry Jam Tart

Name: Strawberry Jam Tart
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: All-purpose flour (260W): 300 g (2.5 cups); Butter: 200 g (7 oz / 14 tablespoons), chilled and cubed; Sugar: 100 g (1/2 cup); Strawberry jam: 250 g (8.8 oz / approx. 1 cup)

Bake the ultimate Italian Crostata! This classic strawberry jam tart features a rich, buttery shortcrust pastry (pasta frolla) topped with sweet jam and a traditional lattice design. Discover the secrets to a perfectly crumbly crust for your next dessert!

Info:

Difficulty: Easy
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 10 people

Ingredients:

All-purpose flour (260W): 300 g (2.5 cups)
Butter: 200 g (7 oz / 14 tablespoons), chilled and cubed
Sugar: 100 g (1/2 cup)
Strawberry jam: 250 g (8.8 oz / approx. 1 cup)

Print Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a food processor or a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cubed butter. Pulse at short intervals (or work quickly with your fingertips) until the mixture reaches a sandy texture with large crumbs.
Quickly press the crumbs together with your hands to form a smooth, compact dough ball.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your conventional oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease and flour a 24 cm (9.5-inch) tart pan.
Roll out the shortcrust pastry between two sheets of parchment paper until it is about half a centimeter (1/4 inch) thick.
Line the prepared tart pan with the pastry, trim off the excess edges, and prick the bottom all over with a fork to prevent air bubbles.
Fill the pastry shell with the strawberry jam and smooth out the surface evenly.
Use the leftover dough scraps to roll out thin strips and create the classic diagonal lattice design across the top.
Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden.
Let the tart cool completely down to room temperature before removing it from the pan, slicing, and serving.

... and now, let's enjoy!

Tips:

For a flawlessly crumbly pasta frolla, it is crucial not to overwork the dough and to strictly respect the resting time in the fridge—keeping the butter cold is key! Additionally, spread the jam evenly and avoid overfilling the tart, which prevents the jam from bubbling over and spilling during baking.

Additional Info:

The crostata is one of the most traditional and cherished staples of Italian home baking, enjoyed across the entire country for centuries. The version filled with jam is among the oldest variations, originating as a simple, clever way to preserve the seasonal fruit harvest throughout the rest of the year.

Substitutions & Variations

A crostata can be customized with virtually any type of fruit jam or marmalade, pastry cream (crema pasticcera), sweet ricotta, or fresh fruit. Modern twists also feature rich chocolate fillings, hazelnut spreads, or rustic whole-wheat pastry bases.

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry tart is best enjoyed at room temperature, which allows the pastry to become beautifully crumbly and the jam filling to set perfectly. It is an incredibly versatile treat, ideal for an Italian-style breakfast, a cozy afternoon tea snack, or as a simple, comforting dessert after any meal.