Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of a sun-drenched Italian countryside, where each bite tells a story of ripe peaches, delicate almonds, and a perfectly imperfect golden crust. This Rustic Peach and Almond Crostata is not just a dessert—it's a culinary love letter that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy with its irresistible charm and mouthwatering aroma.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 4 ripe peaches, sliced
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Slivered almonds for topping
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface into a large, rustic circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the crust carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
- In a medium bowl, mix almond flour, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to create a smooth almond filling.
- Slice the ripe peaches thinly, about ¼ inch thick. Toss the peach slices gently with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a bright, fresh flavor.
- Spread the almond flour mixture evenly in the center of the pie crust, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
- Arrange the peach slices in an overlapping circular pattern on top of the almond mixture, creating an artistic, rustic design.
- Carefully fold the exposed pie crust edges over the peaches, creating pleats and a rustic border. The center should remain open, showcasing the peaches.
- Brush the folded crust edges with beaten egg, which will help create a golden, shiny finish when baked.
- Sprinkle slivered almonds over the exposed peaches for added texture and visual appeal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the peaches are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a serving plate.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Choose ripe, fragrant peaches for the most intense flavor—they should yield slightly when gently pressed.
- Keep your pie crust cold before rolling to ensure a flaky, tender texture.
- Don't be afraid of an imperfect shape; the rustic look is part of the crostata's charm.
- Use a light hand when folding the crust to prevent tearing.
- For extra richness, consider adding a thin layer of mascarpone cheese beneath the almond mixture.
- Allow the crostata to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set and flavors meld.
- For a professional touch, dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
