Italian Strawberry Tart Recipe (Crostata alle Fragole)

A Classic Italian Strawberry Tart with Jam, Fresh Fruit, and Buttery Shortcrust Pastry

Crostata alle Fragole is one of those timeless Italian desserts that feels both rustic and elegant at the same time.

Made with a tender, buttery shortcrust pastry, a layer of sweet strawberry jam, and juicy fresh strawberries, this tart is simple to prepare yet beautiful enough to serve for special occasions.

Its bright flavor and delicate texture make it especially perfect for spring and summer, when strawberries are at their sweetest.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Strawberry Tart

If you love traditional Italian baking, this strawberry crostata is a recipe worth keeping close.

The crisp yet melt-in-your-mouth pastry pairs perfectly with the fruity jam and fresh berries, creating a dessert that is light, flavorful, and never overly heavy.

It is ideal for family dinners, brunch tables, holidays, or an afternoon coffee break with something homemade and special.

Why Nonna Suggests This Recipe

• Seasonal Delight: Nonna loves how this tart highlights the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries.

• Simple Elegance: Its beautiful presentation makes it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

• Customizable: You can swap in other jams or fruits for delicious variations.

• Traditional Italian Flavor: The rustic pasta frolla and fruit filling capture the heart of Italian home baking.

• Family Favorite: It is one of those desserts that brings everyone to the table.

DOWNLOAD PDF OF STRAWBERRY TART RECIPE HERE:

StrawberryTart

Cooking Times

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Bake Time: 30 minutes

• Cooling Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: About 2 hours

• Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Shortcrust Pastry

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1 large egg

• 1 large egg yolk

• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Filling

• 1 cup strawberry jam

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, halved

For Garnish

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

• Fresh mint leaves, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add the cold butter and work it into the dry ingredients with your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

Add the egg, egg yolk, and lemon zest. Mix gently until the dough starts to come together, then knead lightly just until smooth. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch tart pan.

3. Roll Out the Dough

Roll out about two-thirds of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface. Fit it into the tart pan and trim away any excess. Prick the base with a fork to help prevent bubbling during baking.

4. Add the Filling

Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the pastry base. Arrange the halved fresh strawberries over the jam.

5. Create the Top Decoration

Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips for a lattice, or use small cutters to make decorative shapes. Arrange over the filling as desired.

6. Bake

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the tart cool completely in the pan.

7. Garnish and Serve

Dust the cooled crostata with powdered sugar. Add a few fresh mint leaves if you like. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Tips and Tricks

• Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.

• Choose a good-quality strawberry jam for a richer filling.

• Keep the dough cold so it stays easy to handle and bakes into a tender, flaky crust.

• You can make the tart one day in advance and keep it at room temperature.

• For a more indulgent dessert, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla gelato.

FAQ

Can I make Crostata alle Fragole ahead of time?

Yes. This tart can be baked a day in advance. Once fully cooled, keep it covered at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for a little longer freshness.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are best for texture and appearance, but if needed, you can use thawed frozen strawberries. Be sure to drain them well so the tart does not become soggy.

Can I use a different jam?

Absolutely. Apricot, raspberry, peach, or even mixed berry jam all work beautifully in this recipe.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Pricking the base with a fork helps, and using a thicker jam also keeps excess moisture from soaking into the pastry.

Do I need to refrigerate the tart?

You can serve it at room temperature the same day. If storing leftovers for more than a day, refrigerate them and bring slices back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Crostata alle Fragole (Strawberry Tart)

Crostata alle Fragole is a classic Italian dessert that features a buttery shortcrust pastry filled with luscious strawberry jam and fresh strawberries.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

1 hour hr

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Course Italian Cakes

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Notes

Ingredients

For the Shortcrust Pastry:

• 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Filling:

• 1 cup (250 g) strawberry jam
• 1 ½ cups (200 g) fresh strawberries, halved

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

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Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
2. Add the cold butter and rub it into the dry ingredients with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the egg, egg yolk, and lemon zest. Mix and knead gently until the dough comes together.
4. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

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2. Preheat and Prepare:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch tart pan.

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3. Roll Out the Dough:

1. Roll out two-thirds of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the tart pan.
2. Press the dough into the pan, trimming any excess. Prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.

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4. Add the Filling:

1. Spread the strawberry jam evenly over the pastry base.
2. Arrange the halved fresh strawberries on top of the jam.

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5. Add the Lattice or Decorative Top:

1. Roll out the remaining dough and cut into strips or shapes. Arrange them over the filling in a lattice pattern or any decorative design you prefer.

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6. Bake:

1. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
2. Let the tart cool completely in the pan.

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7. Garnish and Serve:

1. Dust the cooled tart with powdered sugar.
2. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color, if desired.
3. Slice and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Keyword tart, strawberry tart, crostata alle fragole,