Imagine a dessert that transports you straight to the sun-drenched orchards of Italy, where every bite tells a story of rustic elegance and vibrant flavors. The Apple Orange Marmalade Crostata is not just a dessert—it's a culinary journey that marries the tangy brightness of oranges with the comforting sweetness of apples, all nestled in a buttery, golden crust that crumbles perfectly with each forkful. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen adventurer, this recipe promises to transform your ordinary day into an extraordinary Italian-inspired experience.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup apple, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, beat 1 large egg and then add it to the flour and butter mixture. Mix until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of cold water, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together.
- Once the dough is formed, shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. Peel and slice 1 cup of apples. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with 1/2 cup of orange marmalade and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Toss the ingredients together until the apples are evenly coated.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you roll out the dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Make sure it is large enough to fit into a 9-inch tart pan.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the tart pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
- Pour the apple and orange marmalade mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- If desired, you can create a lattice pattern with any leftover dough. Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips. Lay the strips over the filling in a crisscross pattern, trimming the edges as necessary.
- Place the crostata in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the crostata from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious apple orange marmalade crostata!
Tips
- Keep your butter ice-cold when making the crust to ensure a flaky, tender texture.
- Don't overwork the dough—mix just until it comes together to prevent a tough crust.
- Use a mix of sweet and slightly tart apples for a more complex flavor profile.
- If the edges of your crust start browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
- Let the crostata rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set.
- Serve with a dollop of vanilla gelato or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
- For a more rustic look, skip the tart pan and fold the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a free-form galette.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg