Chocolate Crostata with Cherry Jam has officially become my go-to dessert for any occasion! This indulgent treat is a fantastic addition to your tart dish recipes collection, perfect for kicking off the holiday season or elevating a cozy Saturday dinner with friends and family.

I must confess that I love my mom’s crostata so much, that I wasn’t very open to new recipes until recent times. For years, I resisted trying new crostata recipes because hers was just that good. But when I moved abroad, something strange happened – her perfect crostata never turned out quite the same. That’s when I started experimenting, and this chocolate crostata with cherry jam became a delicious discovery.

What is Crostata?

If you’re wondering, a crostata is essentially Italy’s version of a tart. Similar to the tarts for dessert that are popular worldwide, a crostata is a rustic, flaky pastry filled with sweet or savory toppings. In this case, I’ve added a twist to the classic fruit tart recipe by incorporating cocoa into the crust and using cherry jam as the filling. Every family in Italy has its own version of this dessert. Some add orange or lemon zest to the dough, while others prefer vanilla. For this chocolate crostata, I recommend adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. It pairs beautifully with the buttery crust and the rich cocoa flavor, making this crostata marmellata a true crowd-pleaser.

Crostata Recipe: A Chocolate Twist on Classic Tart Recipe

Recipe by GiadaCourse: DessertsCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Ingredients

200g Butter (room temperature)
80g Caster Sugar
1 Egg
370g All-purpose flour
30g Cacao powder
250g Cherries Jam

Directions

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whisk butter with sugar until smooth and creamy. Then add the egg and keep whisking until it perfectly combines with the other ingredients.
Combine dry Ingredients: using a pastry beater attachment or a spoon, stir together the rest of the ingredients: flour and cacao powder. Mix it well until evenly combined.
Chill the dough: Make a ball out of the crostata dough and cover it with cling film. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes in the fridge. After 30 minutes let the dough rest at room temperature for 5 minutes and start kneading it with your hands (this will warm the butter a bit and you will be able to roll it out).
Roll and assemble: Divide the dough into half and then roll each part out using a rolling pin. Cover a pie dish with one crostata’s disc, and prick the bottom with a fork (pricking the bottom of the pie helps the steam to circulate, so the base doesn’t puff up in the oven and doesn’t break while baking). Spread an even layer of cherry jam over the base.
Decorate: take the second portion of dough and cut it into strips. Arrange the strips over the jam in a lattice pattern for a classic crostata look.
Bake the tart for about 30 minutes and let it cool completely before serving for the best texture and flavor
Bonus tip: Got leftover dough? Roll it into cookies for a quick, chocolatey treat!

What’s the difference between a crostata and a tart?

A crostata is Italy’s rustic answer to a tart. While both share a buttery crust and can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients, crostatas are more casual in appearance. They’re typically free-form, meaning the dough is folded over the edges without requiring a tart dish. In contrast, tarts are more refined, baked in fluted pans, and often associated with elegant tart dish recipes. Crostatas are perfect if you love that homemade, cozy look, whereas tarts are ideal for polished presentations. Both make delightful tarts for dessert!

Can I use different jams for this recipe? What works best?

Absolutely! While cherry jam works wonderfully in this fruit tart recipe, there’s plenty of room to experiment:

Raspberry jam: Adds a tangy note that balances the cocoa in the crust.
Apricot jam: A classic for many crostata recipes, offering a bright and fruity flavor.
Mixed berry jam: Combines the richness of multiple fruits for added depth.
Orange marmalade: Creates a sophisticated twist, perfect for pairing with chocolate in a crostata marmellata.

How do I store a crostata, and how long does it stay fresh?

Storing your crostata properly ensures it stays as flaky and delicious as when it was freshly baked:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container or tightly wrap in foil. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it will last for 4–5 days.
Freezer: I usually freeze my crostata before baking it by wrapping it in food film. In my experience it will keep for up to 2-3 months