An Italian crostata is the perfect canvas to show off just about any flavor you like. A buttery crust (traditionally pasta frolla) houses a center of jam or custard, resulting in a wonderfully simple yet delicious bake. This version sticks to the standard construction, but uses a simple food processor-made shortbread dough that is both tender and sturdy. It fills the tart with a center of sweet apricot jam gussied up with fresh lemon—lending the tart a pop of aromatic freshness—although you can swap out the apricot jam for whatever fruit preserve or jam you fancy. (Fig preserves, raspberry jam, or even a store-bought lemon curd would all be welcomed here.) A blanket of sliced almonds and powdered sugar gives the tart an almond croissant-like finish and welcomed crunch, coating the lattice topping in a nutty rubble.
Recipe information
Total Time
2 hours
Yield
12 servings
Ingredients
½
3
1
2
2
1½
1
1
¾
2
1
1
Special Equipment
Need to make a substitution?
Preparation
Step 1
Toast ½ cup sliced almonds in a dry small skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Immediately transfer to a food processor and add 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (110 g) powdered sugar, and 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt; process until nuts are very finely chopped, about 30 seconds. Add 2 large egg yolks, 1½ cups (3 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces, 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract, and 1 tsp. almond extract; process until a soft dough forms, about 30 seconds. (A piece should hold together when squeezed in your hand.)
Step 2
Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface, press into a cohesive mass, and divide in half. Firmly press 1 piece evenly into bottom and up sides of tart pan. Mix ¾ cup apricot jam, 2 Tbsp. finely grated lemon zest, 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt in a small bowl. Evenly spread over bottom of dough in pan. Roll out remaining dough to about a 14"-diameter round, about ¼" thick. (It will be quite soft. You can dust generously with more flour if sticking.) Cut into 2"-thick strips. Lay half of strips lengthwise over jam mixture, spacing evenly, then arrange remaining strips crosswise across, working alternately over and under lengthwise strips to create a lattice pattern (leave barely any space between strips so top is completely covered). Using the palm of your hand, press down directly onto dough along edges of pan to trim and create a clean edge. Discard trimmed dough.
Step 3
Lightly beat 1 large egg in a small bowl just until blended. Brush top of crust with egg, then sprinkle remaining ⅓ cup sliced almonds over in a thin layer. Place pan on a rimmed baking sheet and chill in freezer 30 minutes.
Step 4
Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 375°. Bake tart on baking sheet, rotating front to back halfway through, until almonds and crust are deep golden brown, 45–55 minutes. (Make sure to bake beyond just golden brown.) Transfer crostata to a wire rack and let cool.
Step 5
Just before serving, remove crostata from pan and transfer to a large plate or cake stand; dust with powdered sugar.
Do Ahead: Crostata (without powdered sugar) can be baked 2 days ahead. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature.