Are you craving a warm and comforting dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious? Look no further than a cinnamon apple crostata.
This mouthwatering treat is the perfect combination of sweet and tart apples, wrapped in a flaky and buttery crust, and sprinkled with a heavenly cinnamon spice blend.
With just a few simple steps, you can create a homemade crostata that will impress your family and friends. The key to a perfect crostata lies in the art of making a flaky crust, choosing the right apples, and mastering the cinnamon spice blend.
Once you assemble and bake your crostata to golden perfection, all that’s left to do is serve it warm and enjoy every bite of this delectable dessert.
So grab your apron and get ready to indulge in a slice of heaven with a cinnamon apple crostata.
The Art of Making a Flaky Crust
You’ll love how the buttery dough flakes away as you roll it out, creating a beautiful canvas for your cinnamon apple crostata.
Start by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water gradually, mixing until the dough comes together.
Divide the dough in half and shape each into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
When ready, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, making sure to rotate and flip it to prevent sticking. The key to a flaky crust is to handle the dough as little as possible.
Once rolled out, transfer the dough to a baking sheet, and it’s ready to be filled with the sweet and spiced cinnamon apple mixture.
Choosing the Perfect Apples for Your Crostata
Pick up a bushel of crisp, juicy apples that’ll transport your taste buds to an autumn orchard as you take a bite of your homemade crostata.
When choosing the perfect apples for your crostata, it’s important to consider both flavor and texture. Look for apples that are firm and slightly tart, as they’ll hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweet cinnamon filling.
Granny Smith apples are a classic choice, known for their tartness and ability to withstand baking. Honeycrisp apples are another great option, with their crisp texture and balanced sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter crostata, try using Fuji or Pink Lady apples.
Whichever variety you choose, make sure to slice them thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
Mastering the Cinnamon Spice Blend
Mastery of the cinnamon spice blend will transport your senses to a cozy autumn kitchen with its warm and aromatic essence.
To achieve the perfect balance of flavors in your cinnamon apple crostata, it’s important to understand the art of blending spices. Start by selecting high-quality ground cinnamon, as it’s the star of the show. Add a hint of nutmeg for depth and warmth, and a touch of allspice for complexity. Don’t forget the pinch of cloves for a subtle earthiness.
Mix these spices together thoroughly, and then sprinkle the blend generously over the sliced apples. As the crostata bakes, the spices will infuse into the fruit, creating a symphony of flavors that’ll tantalize your taste buds.
With a well-mastered cinnamon spice blend, your crostata will be the perfect autumn treat.
Assembling and Baking Your Crostata
Get ready to create a mouthwatering masterpiece by expertly assembling and baking your delectable autumn dessert.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take your chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
Carefully transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Leaving a 2-inch border, spread a generous layer of cinnamon sugar mixture on the dough.
Arrange thinly sliced apples over the sugar mixture, layering them in a circular pattern.
Gently fold the edges of the dough over the apples, creating a rustic crust.
Brush the crust with melted butter and sprinkle with more cinnamon sugar.
Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Allow the crostata to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of your homemade cinnamon apple crostata.
Serving and Enjoying Your Delicious Dessert
Once your mouthwatering masterpiece is out of the oven, it’s time to savor the warm, comforting flavors of this homemade autumn dessert. Start by letting your crostata cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. This will allow the crust to firm up slightly and make it easier to slice.
Once it’s cooled slightly, you can serve it warm or at room temperature. To serve, cut the crostata into wedges and place them on individual dessert plates. You can enjoy your crostata as is, or add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Take a bite and let the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples melt in your mouth, complemented by the buttery, flaky crust. It’s the perfect ending to any meal or a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
CINNAMON APPLE CROSTATA
Ingredients
Crust
- crust from 1 box 14.1 oz refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box
Filling
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 cups thinly sliced peeled cooking apples (4 medium)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
Topping
- Whipped cream if desired
Instructions
- Heat oven to 450°F. Remove pie crust from pouch; place flat on ungreased cookie sheet.
- In medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar, the cornstarch and cinnamon. Gently stir in apples. Spoon apple mixture onto center of crust, spreading to within 2 inches of edge. Fold crust edge over filling to form 2-inch border, pleating crust as necessary. Brush crust edge with water; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar.
- Bake 15 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Sprinkle pecans over apple mixture. Bake 5 to 15 minutes longer or until apples are tender. Serve with whipped cream.
Notes
HELP SECTION
Can I use a store-bought crust for my cinnamon apple crostata?
Yes, you can definitely use a store-bought crust for your cinnamon apple crostata. It’s a convenient option that saves time and effort without compromising the deliciousness of your dessert.
How do I prevent my crust from getting soggy?
To prevent your crust from getting soggy, try blind baking it before adding your filling. This means pre-baking the crust without the filling to create a barrier and ensure a crispier texture.
Can I make a gluten-free version of this cinnamon apple crostata?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of the crostata. Use gluten-free flour and make sure all the ingredients you use are gluten-free. Enjoy your delicious gluten-free cinnamon apple crostata!
Can I use other fruits instead of apples in my crostata?
Yes, you can definitely use other fruits instead of apples in your crostata. Get creative and try using berries, peaches, or even pears for a delicious twist on this classic dessert. Enjoy experimenting!
How can I store leftovers of the cinnamon apple crostata?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to three days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze the crostata in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
GREAT !!!!
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making a flaky crust and choosing the perfect apples, it’s time to assemble and bake your delicious cinnamon apple crostata.
Once it’s out of the oven, make sure to let it cool before serving. When you finally take that first bite, savor the combination of the flaky crust, sweet apples, and warm cinnamon spice.
Enjoy every mouthful of this delightful dessert.