Sweet Strawberry Crostata

Name: Sweet Strawberry Crostata
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1 large egg yolk; 2 tablespoons ice water; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Indulgent Dessert Recipes

I absolutely adore making this Sweet Strawberry Crostata! With its crisp, buttery crust and juicy strawberry filling, it’s become a staple dessert in my home. Every bite bursts with flavor, and the best part is how easy it is to prepare. I love to make it during strawberry season, showcasing these vibrant berries at their peak ripeness. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this crostata is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to quiet evenings at home. Trust me, once you try making it, you'll understand why it’s a favorite!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-12T09:38:18.907Z

When I first tried making crostata, I was amazed at how simple and delightful it was! This method of creating a rustic tart really celebrates fresh fruits like strawberries. The key is to let the strawberries macerate for a bit, allowing them to release their delicious juices.

I often experiment with different fruits, but strawberry has truly become my all-time favorite. The buttery crust complements the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly. Trust me, this crostata is always a hit at gatherings, leaving everyone wanting seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Buttery crust that perfectly holds the juicy strawberry filling
Simple to make, with minimal ingredients and fuss
A versatile dessert that can be adapted with various seasonal fruits

Crafting the Perfect Crust

The crust of the Sweet Strawberry Crostata is critical in achieving that perfect balance of taste and texture. Using chilled butter is essential to prevent the dough from becoming too soft. When mixing the butter with the dry ingredients, aim for a consistency that resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures that when baked, the crust will be flaky and tender. If you notice the dough is too crumbly, you can add an additional teaspoon of ice water, but be careful not to overwork it to maintain that buttery flavor.

After forming the dough into a disk, wrapping it in plastic wrap and chilling it for 30 minutes is crucial. This resting time allows the gluten to relax, which results in a more tender crust. If you find yourself in a rush, you can chill the dough for just 15 minutes, but keep in mind that longer chilling generally yields a better texture. Roll the dough out on a well-floured surface to prevent sticking; you want it to be about 12 inches in diameter for a generous border to fold over the filling.

Strawberry Filling Secrets

When preparing the strawberry filling, the key is to balance the sweetness and acidity. I recommend using ripe, fresh strawberries for maximum flavor; look for ones that are vibrant in color and fragrant. The sugar in the filling enhances the natural sweetness of the berries, while lemon juice adds a necessary tartness, making every bite deliciously complex. It's important to let the filling sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing the strawberries to macerate. This process draws out their juices, which, when combined with cornstarch, creates a luscious, bubbling filling that holds together beautifully.

If strawberries are unavailable, feel free to substitute them with other seasonal fruits such as peaches or blueberries. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the juiciness of the fruit. You might need to adjust the sugar content too, depending on the sweetness of your chosen fruit, ensuring a balanced flavor throughout the crostata.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to make this delightful crostata.

For the crust:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Now that you have everything ready, let’s start making this delicious crostata!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your beautiful Sweet Strawberry Crostata.

Make the crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and ice water until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.

Prepare the filling

In another bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Let this mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.

Assemble the crostata

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon the strawberry filling into the center, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as necessary.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Enjoy your Sweet Strawberry Crostata warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips

For an added touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Experiment with other berries or stone fruits for different flavor combinations. Fresh lemon zest can enhance the strawberry flavor beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

This crostata is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you live in a particularly warm climate, refrigeration is suggested, though it may affect the crust's texture, making it slightly less crisp. For longer storage, portion out slices and freeze them in individual bags; they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

To reheat, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the crostata on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning, and warm for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help restore some of the crust's original flakiness, making it deliciously enjoyable once again.

Variations to Try

If you want to switch things up, consider adding a few teaspoons of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the crust for extra flavor. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or mint in the filling can provide a delightful contrast, particularly in the summer months. For an additional layer of texture, sprinkle some sliced almonds or oats on top of the filling before folding the edges of the dough over.

Another delightful variation to try is adding a cream cheese layer beneath the strawberry filling. Simply whip together 4 ounces of cream cheese with a tablespoon of sugar until smooth and spread it over the dough before adding the strawberries. This not only adds richness but also creates a creamy contrast to the tart strawberries, and I highly recommend it for those who enjoy a creamier dessert experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture before using.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator.

→ Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger crostata or two smaller ones.