Wild Berry and Hazelnut Crostata
A rustic Italian tart combining a flaky buttery crust with a vibrant, natural-sweet wild berry filling and crunchy toasted hazelnuts. Perfect for bakers of all levels, this crostata offers a fresh tartness balanced by nutty richness, ideal served warm or cold for casual treats or special occasions.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2–3 tablespoons ice water
- 1 egg (for egg wash) beaten with 1 tablespoon water
For the Filling
- 2 cups fresh wild berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries mix)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
- Prepare the Dough: Blend cold diced butter with flour and sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and 2-3 tablespoons ice water to form a smooth, firm dough. Chill for at least 30 minutes to relax.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, gently toss fresh wild berries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, coating evenly without crushing.
- Assemble the Crostata: Roll chilled dough on lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Transfer to parchment-lined baking tray. Mound berry filling in center leaving a 2-inch border. Sprinkle toasted hazelnuts over berries. Fold dough edges over filling, pleating to form free-form tart.
- Brush and Bake: Brush crust with egg wash. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes until crust is golden brown and filling bubbles. Let cool slightly before serving to set filling.
Notes
- Keep ingredients cold for a flaky crust.
- Toss berries gently to avoid crushing and preserve texture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease transfer.
- Toast hazelnuts lightly to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Let the crostata rest before slicing for cleaner slices.
- To prevent over-browning, cover crust edges with foil halfway through baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of crostata)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: wild berry crostata, hazelnut tart, rustic Italian dessert, berry tart, flaky crust, summer dessert