Apple Crostata

Rustic Apple Crostata is one of the easiest desserts to make. Pie crust, wrapped around spiced sliced apples and finished with a buttery crumble topping and a dusting of cinnamon and sugar. Take this easy recipe one step further and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle. The perfect way to use those beautiful apples!

If you have been with me for a while, you may have heard me say once or maybe thirty thousand times, that I am a pie girl. Of course, I love to make cakes, too, but to me, pie is where it’s at.

I love the crispy, flaky crust you find on a pie… just like pizza, it is hands down my favorite part.

I will warn you if you and I find ourselves enjoying our favorite pie of choice over coffee and conversation, and you leave any crust on your plate, I will apologize in advance but I am going to eat it.

This recipe for apple crostata is perfect for the fall season. Fresh apples combined with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, and cloves make for a non-nonsense treat. Bonus? It makes the house smell fantastic while it’s baking.

Got Apples? Check out this recipe for Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce or make your own Caramel Apples, just like Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory!

Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Crostata

What’s not to love about this easy apple crostata; it’s got all the things we have come to expect from an apple pie recipe; warm apples, warming spices, and a flaky pastry. But the “no fuss” approach makes it easier to make than a pie, and I think the presentation is quite beautiful, don’t you?

What is apple crostata?

Apple crostata is one of the best apple desserts you can make. Made with fresh apples, it is a more rustic, unformed apple pie.

 Who invented crostata?

A recent Wiki search tells us that the earliest known use of the term crostata dates back to 1465. Crostata was featured in an Italian cookbook entitled Libro De Arte Coquinaria by Martino Da Como.

What is the difference between a galette and a crostata?

Galette is the French name and crostata is the Italian name for this type of rustic apple pie. 

 What is the difference between crostata and pie?

While a crostata is made with a free-form dough and baked on a baking sheet. A pie is made with a round-formed dough and baked in a pie pan, many times with a top crust.

Apple Crostata Ingredients

For the exact measurements and instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• apples – I use Granny Smith, if you prefer a sweeter apple – use what you like.
• flour – all-purpose flour works great, and is what I used for the apple filling and the homemade crust.
• sugar – I use granulated sugar, but brown sugar would work, too.
• salt
• apple pie spice – You can purchase from the store, or you can make your own. It’s amazing in all sorts of recipes. Try it in your pancakes!
• butter – cold butter makes the best topping
• pie crust – refrigerated or your own homemade crust
• egg white + 2 teaspoons cold water – to make an egg wash for your pie crust
• Cinnamon & Sugar – mixed together and sprinkled over the top.

How To Make this Apple Crostata Recipe

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.

Roll dough on a lightly floured surface using a rolling pin. Transfer to your baking sheet. I find using a pizza pan works great for me.

Peel, core, and slice your apples. Pile apples in the center of the dough, leaving a 2″ border around the outside.

In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and apple pie spice.

Using a pastry blender or two knives, “cut” the butter pieces into the flour mixture. Mix until crumbly.

Sprinkle over the top of the apples.

Starting on one side of the crust, begin folding the crust over and overlapping as you go around the outside of the pie crust.

Whisk egg and water together to form an egg wash. Brush the egg wash on the top of the dough. 

Bake crostata for 20-25 minutes or until crust is golden brown and apple slices are tender. Give it a light sprinkle of cinnamon & sugar.

Cool slightly before cutting.

Serve warm apple crostata with a scoop of ice cream if desired.

Love it? Pin it!

If you want to make sure you can find this recipe when you are ready to make it – pin it! Add it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go.

Tips & Tricks for Crostata Recipes

Making this free-form pie is simple – here are a few more tips and tricks to help your crostata turn out well:

• Make sure the butter is cold when preparing the crumble for the topping.
• Make sure you flour your work surface or the dough will stick.
• When making homemade pie crust, use ice water. It makes a huge difference!

 

How to Store Apple Pie Crostata

You can store this apple crostata at room temperature for a few days. If you live in a humid climate you may want to place it in the fridge so the dough doesn’t get too soggy. 

FAQs About Apple Crostata

Can you freeze crostata?

Yes, you can freeze a crostata. In fact, you can freeze it baked or you can freeze it unbaked. You can also make the dough ahead of time and throw it in the freezer until you are ready to bake up the crostata.

How do you heat crostata?

Crostata can be baked in the oven at 450 degrees. If you are looking to reheat your crostata you can place it in a 350-degree oven for a few minutes. Keep watch that the crust doesn’t burn. 

Can you use any kind of apple to make this apple pie crostata?

Any apple will work in this recipe but I suggest you look for Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Northern Spy which are all tart apples. 

Is the egg wash necessary in this apple crostata?

Though technically not required using an egg wash is recommended as it adds a nice shine to the crust and enhances the golden color. I like to use an egg wash on all my apple pie recipes. 

Do you have to use the apple pie spice in this crostata?

I know making the apple pie spice adds another step to this apple crostata but it really enhances the flavor of the apples. If you don’t have time or all of the spices on hand you can easily use cinnamon and nutmeg or even just cinnamon. But please note that the flavor will change.

 

• Fresh Apple Cake (pictured above)
• Apple Pie Oatmeal Cookies
• Apple Bars made with Canned Apples
• Caramel Apple Dip 
• Apple Kuchen
• The Very Best Apple Crisp
• Apple Butter

 

This is the perfect dessert for apple season (or anytime)! Let’s get to the recipe!

 

This recipe was originally posted on April 14, 2014. I was part of a group called The Secret Recipe Club that is no longer around. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on August 17, 2022. 

 

 

This recipe is adapted from the website Join Us, Pull Up a Chair.