Peaches and Cream Crostata

This free-form rustic Italian pastry is loaded with a filling of juicy peaches and adorned with a light mascarpone-cinnamon topping.

By / Photography By | May 09, 2024

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 2 Tart(s)
For pastry
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup ice water
For filling
  • 10 peaches (about 4 pounds)
  • 3/4 cup dark demerara sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 2 fresh vanilla beans
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup turbinado or another coarse sugar
For mascarpone whip
  • 1/4 cup mascarpone
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

To make pastry:

1. Place flour, salt, butter and honey into a food processor and pulse until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs. Slowly add ice water a little at a time until a dough forms. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for a minute or two until a smooth dough has formed. Split into 2 equal pieces and roll out slightly to form a disc. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

To make crostata:

2. Preheat oven to 425°. Cut the peaches in half and remove pits. Slice each half into 6-8 crescents (depending on size) and add to a bowl with the demerara sugar, nutmeg and vanilla. Mix well and leave for at least 2 hours to macerate at room temperature. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of flour and mix well. Place chilled pastry dough on a lightly-floured surface and roll each piece out to a 12-inch circle. Spoon half the peaches and the juice into the center of each pastry circle, leaving a 2-inch gap around the outside. Fold the edges of the dough up and over the peaches and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Mix together egg yolks and heavy cream, then brush this onto edges of the pastry. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown. Leave to cool for at least 15 minutes.

To make mascarpone whip:

3. Using a whisk or a stand mixer, whisk all ingredients until soft peaks form. You may want to add more honey or cinnamon depending on your preference. Let the crostata rest, then cut and serve with a spoonful of whipped mascarpone on top

KNOW YOUR FOOD

Florida's Peach Season

Northeast Florida farmers and home gardeners alike can harvest fresh peaches with varieties specific to the area.

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 2 Tart(s)
For pastry
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup ice water
For filling
  • 10 peaches (about 4 pounds)
  • 3/4 cup dark demerara sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 2 fresh vanilla beans
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup turbinado or another coarse sugar
For mascarpone whip
  • 1/4 cup mascarpone
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
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