Strawberry Crostata Recipe

Introduction

This Strawberry Crostata is a delightful combination of flaky crust, creamy filling, and fresh, juicy strawberries. It’s an easy yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings or a simple treat at home.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds strawberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for sprinkling)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 pie crust (storebought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Hull and slice the strawberries. Sprinkle them with 2 tablespoons of sugar and set aside to macerate.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place the pie crust on it. Using an offset spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust, leaving a one-inch border around the edges.
5. Step 5: Arrange the sugared strawberries on top of the cream cheese layer. Fold the edges of the crust up and over the filling every one inch or so, creating a rustic border.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is set. Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy at room temperature or slightly warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to easily fold the crust edges up evenly without tearing.
• Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.
• Swap strawberries with other fruit like peaches, blueberries, or mixed berries depending on the season.
• Chill the cream cheese slightly before mixing to help it blend smoothly with the other ingredients.

Storage

Store any leftover crostata covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven (about 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes) to bring back the crispness of the crust before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a frozen pie crust for this recipe?

Yes, a frozen pie crust works well. Be sure to thaw it completely before using and handle gently to avoid cracks.

Do I need to cook the cream cheese mixture before baking?

No, the cream cheese mixture is baked together with the crostata. It will set during baking and create a smooth, creamy layer under the strawberries.

Strawberry Crostata Recipe

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This Strawberry Crostata is a rustic and elegant dessert featuring a buttery pie crust filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture and topped generously with fresh, sugared strawberries. Baked until golden and cooled to perfection, it’s perfect for a casual get-together or a sweet treat any time of year.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit Filling

• 1 1/2 pounds strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for sprinkling on strawberries)

Cream Cheese Mixture

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Crust

• 1 pie crust (storebought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the crostata.
2. Prepare Strawberries: Hull and slice the strawberries, then sprinkle them with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Set this mixture aside to allow the strawberries to release some juices and become sweet.
3. Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, flour, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble Crostata: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pie crust on top of the parchment. Using an offset spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pie crust, leaving about a one-inch border around the edges.
5. Add Strawberries and Fold Edges: Pile the sugared strawberries over the cream cheese layer. Then, working your way around the crust, fold the edges up every inch or so over the strawberries to create a rustic border.
6. Bake: Place the crostata in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is set.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the crostata cool completely. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can use either a storebought or homemade pie crust depending on convenience and preference.
• Allowing the strawberries to sit with sugar helps to enhance their natural sweetness and create a juicy filling.
• Be careful not to overfill the crostata to prevent juices from leaking too much during baking.
• This dessert is best enjoyed within a day or two for fresh flavor and texture.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative.

Keywords: strawberry crostata, rustic pie, cream cheese dessert, fresh strawberry tart, easy summer dessert, baked fruit dessert