Wild Berry and Hazelnut Crostata
The Wild Berry and Hazelnut Crostata is a rustic yet elegant dessert featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with a luscious mix of wild berries and toasted hazelnuts. This versatile tart balances seasonal sweetness and nuttiness, perfect for casual treats or festive gatherings.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling
- 2 cups wild berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Prepare the Crust: Cold chill your butter and cut it into small cubes. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl, then cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and just enough cold water to bring dough together without making it sticky. Shape into a disk, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Toast hazelnuts in a dry skillet until fragrant and golden. Combine wild berries with lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and toasted hazelnuts in a mixing bowl. Toss gently to coat evenly and let sit briefly to release juices.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled dough into roughly a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, smoothing while keeping rustic shape.
- Assemble the Crostata: Pour berry and hazelnut filling into center of dough, leaving about a 2-inch border. Fold edges of dough over filling creating pleats, exposing center for a beautiful free-form tart.
- Bake to Perfection: Brush exposed dough with a little beaten egg for shiny finish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes until crust is golden and filling bubbling. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Keep ingredients cold to ensure a flaky crust.
- Handle dough gently to avoid overmixing and dense texture.
- Use parchment paper for easy transfer and cleanup.
- Toast hazelnuts carefully to avoid burning and maximize flavor.
- Allow filling to rest before assembling to improve thickening and flavor melding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of crostata)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: wild berry crostata, hazelnut tart, rustic berry tart, seasonal berry dessert, nutty dessert, easy crostata