Indulge in the delightful flavors of Italy with our irresistible Plum and Almond Crostata! This rustic tart, bursting with juicy plums and enveloped in a buttery almond-infused crust, is the perfect dessert to impress your family and friends. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a total cooking time of only 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll find that this stunning treat is not only easy to make but also a showstopper on any dessert table. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that promises to make your taste buds dance!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 4 plums, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar (for plums)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- Cut the chilled unsalted butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water, so add just enough until the dough holds together without being sticky.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- While the dough is chilling, prepare the plum filling. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced plums, 1/4 cup sugar, and cornstarch. Toss gently to coat the plums evenly. Set aside to allow the juices to mix.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough chills and the plums marinate.
- Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a circle about 12 inches in diameter, making sure the edges are not too thin.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch tart pan or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press the dough into the pan, allowing the excess to hang over the edges.
- Pour the prepared plum filling into the center of the crust, spreading it evenly while leaving a border of about 2 inches around the edge.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating it as you go to create a rustic look. The center will remain exposed, showcasing the beautiful plums.
- Optional: Brush the exposed crust with a little melted butter and sprinkle some sugar over the top for added sweetness and crunch.
- Bake the crostata in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the plums are bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the crostata from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- Chill the Butter: Ensure your butter is well-chilled before cutting it into the flour. This helps create a flakier crust, which is essential for a perfect crostata.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the dough, handle it gently to avoid developing too much gluten. This keeps your crust tender and delicious.
- Let the Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes not only firms it up but also enhances the flavors, making your crostata even more scrumptious.
- Choose Ripe Plums: For the best flavor, use ripe but firm plums. They should be sweet and juicy, adding a lovely tartness to balance the sweetness of the sugar.
- Add a Twist: Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the plum filling for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
- Serve with Style: This crostata is delicious on its own, but consider serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
