
Classic Apple Crostata
Simple yet elegant, this Classic Apple Crostata is a delightful dessert that combines a buttery, flaky pastry with tender, spiced apples. Perfect for showcasing seasonal apples, it’s a timeless treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this crostata brings comfort and sophistication to your table while celebrating the flavors of fall.
Ingredients
For the Pastry (2 Tarts):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated or superfine sugar
- 1/2 pound very cold unsalted butter diced
- 1//4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 pounds McIntosh, Empire, or Honey Crisp apples
- 1/4 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated or superfine sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (½ stick) diced
Instructions
Make the Pastry:
- Place the flour, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse a few times to combine.Add the diced butter and toss lightly with your fingers to coat in flour. Pulse 12–15 times, until the butter forms pea-sized pieces.With the motor running, add the ice water in a slow stream through the feed tube. Pulse until the dough just begins to come together.Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, divide into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate one disk for at least an hour. Freeze the second disk for future use.
Prepare the Crostata:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).Roll the chilled pastry disk into an 11-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Make the Filling:
- Peel, core, and quarter the apples, then cut each quarter into 3 chunks. Toss the apples with the orange zest.Arrange the apple chunks on the pastry, leaving a 1½-inch border.
Make the Topping:
- Combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and allspice in the food processor. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly.Pour the mixture into a bowl and rub it with your fingers until it clumps together slightly. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
Fold and Bake:
- Gently fold the edges of the pastry over the apples, pleating the dough as needed to form a rustic circle.Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the crostata cool for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack using two large spatulas. Serve warm or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Notes
This crostata’s classic charm and perfectly balanced flavors make it a go-to dessert for any occasion, from casual family dinners to holiday gatherings. Its flaky crust and spiced apple filling are sure to impress.