• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

La Bella Vita Cucina

delicious | beautiful | Italian | inspiration

  • Home
  • About
    • Start Here!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Media
      • Media
      • Featured On
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Shop
  • Contact
Home » Rustic Apple Crostata with Caramel Streusel Topping

Rustic Apple Crostata with Caramel Streusel Topping

September 27, 2020 42 Comments


Rustic Apple Crostata with Caramel Streusel Topping

If you like apple pies and tortas, then you are going to LOVE this Rustic Apple Crostata with Caramel Streusel Topping . . . an Italian take on pie (with a twist of German flair that I added for my German-Scottish husband)!  Last month I made a peach crostata with the last harvest of peaches and just knew that I had to make it again with apples now that we’re in full swing of autumn.

A crostata is basically the same thing as a French galette. A galette is a rustic tart with hand-folded edges.   Both are easier to make than a pie yet will leave you with the feeling that you went to a  lot of work . . . and really didn’t!  So if baking a pie sounds like too much, then you’ll love this friendly alternative!  I like that having a ‘free-form’ crust; no need to be perfect for a crostata crust!  So if you think that you’re messing up the crust, that’s just OK and really part of the rustic beauty of the dish!  Your family and guests will think you spent hours making this “beautiful and delicious” dessert! 

rustic apple crostata with caramel streusel topping

The great thing about crostatas (crostate in Italian), is how insanely simple they are to make!  My kind of cooking!  Simple and delicious!   When I bake a crostata I do something different:  I double the crust dough ingredients and make a bigger crostata about the size of a regular pie.  Most crostata recipes are rather small.  Even though that’s OK, my family wants more of a good thing!

The dough is so simple and so flaky!  It’s versatile enough to use many different kinds of fruits throughout the seasons!  

How can anyone resist this beautiful creation filled with layers of apples in a thick, sweet crust topped with lots of cinnamon, sugar, and butter . . . and then drizzled with caramel?  Oh, oh, OH!

“Excellent!” was the verdict of my sweets-loving and uber-picky husband.  It’s always so much fun to find a winning recipe, isn’t it?

Rustic Apple crostata with Caramel streusel topping

drizzled caramel sauce takes this apple crostata over the top!

 

What are the BEST APPLES to use for BAKING?

That’s a great question . . . and important to the best texture and flavor in your crostata, pie, or cake!  There are specific apples that are just the absolute best to bake with.  Any of the following apples work nicely.  Select the variety that you prefer, making sure that the apples are firm, and have a nice combination of tartness and sweetness.

Recommended Apples To Use

  • Granny Smith
  • Honeycrisp
  • Gala
  • Jonagold
  • Braeburn
  • Pink Lady

Tips for Baking a Fruit Crostata

  • When using juicier fruits such as peaches, you’ll need to sprinkle on the top of the dough, a few tablespoons of something dry such as different kinds of flour, sugars, or coconut flakes.  This will help soak up the juices from those liquidy fruits quite nicely.
  • On the other hand, if you use fruits that are more, you need to remember to bake the crust about a third of the time in the oven by itself and than add the fruit to cook inside the crust for the remaining amount of time.
  • Don’t worry about having a perfectly formed and shaped crust; the beauty if a crostata is its natural look.

 

Please share the love by pinning this vertical image!

 

Rustic Apple Crostata with Caramel Streusel Topping

 

So let’s get to the recipe!

 

Yield: 8 slices

Rustic Apple Crostata with Caramel Streusel Topping

Rustic Apple Crostata with Caramel Streusel
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 5 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 sticks of very cold butter, sliced
  • 4 – 5 Tbsp. ice water
  • Melt butter to brush on dough and sugar to sprinkle on top of dough after crostata is filled with apples and ready to go in the oven.

For the Apple Filling and Streusel Topping:

  • 3 pounds of apples, peeled, cored and sliced into one-third” slices (use an assortment of Granny Smith, MacIntosh, and Fuji apples)
  • ½ tsp. lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • ½ cup finely crushed vanilla wafer cookies
  • ½ tsp freshly grated sea salt
  • 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 2 Tbsp. corn starch
  • 6 Tbsp. cold butter, sliced or diced

Caramel Topping:

  • Use store-bought or a home-made recipe to drizzle on top
  • Serve with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.

Instructions

    Prepare the Dough:

    1. Using a food processor with a steel blade: Place the flour, sugar, and salt in the bowl and pulse several times to combine.
    1. Add butter slices and pulse until butter is the size of peas.
    2. Add ice water, continuing to pulse to combine; stopping at the point before the dough becomes a solid ball.
    3. Turn dough out on a well-floured wooden board and form into a circular disk.
      Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour.


    For the Apple Filling and Streusel Topping:

    1. While peeling, coring, and slicing the apples, place them in a bowl of cold water with the lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown.
    2. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, combine flour, sugar, crushed vanilla wafer cookie crumbs, salt, cinnamon, and corn starch, pulsing a few times to mix.
    3. Add the butter slices and pulse until crumbly (If it isn’t crumbly, do so with your hands).
      Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

    Preparing the Crostata:

      1. Place the chilled dough on a floured wooden board; using a floured rolling pin, roll dough into a large circle.
      2. Place the rolled out dough on top of parchment paper
      3. Layer the apple slices on the dough leaving a 2″ border.
      4. Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the apples.
      5. Gently fold the 2 inches of the outer dough border over the apple mixture, overlapping the dough into a folded side border-top.
      6. With the uncooked crostata still on the parchment paper, carefully lift it up and place it (parchment paper included) inside a baking pan; it should have a snug fit (which prevents the overlapped dough from falling down).
      7. Brush some melted butter on the dough and sprinkle with sugar.
      8. Bake for 20 minutes on the lowest oven rack, then remove and cover the dough on the sides with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Keep an eye on the crostata for any signs of burning; cover with aluminum foil if streusel also begins to turn dark brown or black.
      9. Return to the oven and bake for another 40 minutes.
      10. Serve warm with ice cream and caramel sauce.

© Roz
Cuisine: Italian / Category: Desserts

 

Ceramic baking dish with scalloped edges and handles

This is literally my all-time “go-to” favorite baking dish to bake crostatas and casseroles in!  

Here’s a link to it for you.  Totally dependable, in a great size and a nice price to boot!

 

Here are a few more delicious apple dessert recipes for you to enjoy:

Italian Apple Torta

Italian Apple Torta

a beautiful apple torte perfect for autumn!

 

Caramel Glazed Apple Cake

appcarcakclose

.T

This Post Contains Affiliate Links. 
There Is No Extra Cost To You Whatsoever If You Purchase Our Recommended Products. 
We Earn An Extremely Small Fee For Introducing You To These Products.

This post was originally posted in 2014 and reposted in 2020 with added information.


Previous Post: « Fresh Green Haricots Verts with Roasted Vegetables
Next Post: Classic Pumpkin Roll »

Reader Interactions

 

I read each and every comment and respond to questions asap, so ask away!  As I always say, “If you’ve made a recipe, please take a photo and I’ll be happy to share your experience and photo of the recipe with all of us in this blog community!”

The kindness of giving a thumbs up 5-star rating is greatly appreciated!

~ Roz

Comments

  1. [email protected]'s Recipes says

    October 5, 2014 at 1:57 PM

    Your apple crostata looks heavenly, Roz. I really love that crunchy streusel topping.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      December 6, 2014 at 7:43 PM

      Thanks for your compliment Angie . . . would love to have shared a slice of this crostata with you!
      xo
      Roz

      Reply
  2. Foodiewife says

    October 5, 2014 at 3:33 PM

    I do love how easily crostatas are to make. Adding streusel is the cherry on the sundae. This looks scrumptuous!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:03 PM

      The streusel was really wonderful on this crostata Debby! Thanks for stopping by!
      Roz

      Reply
  3. Mindy says

    October 5, 2014 at 9:41 PM

    Oh man. I need a dessert for company on Saturday. I think this just may be the one!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:11 PM

      Did you make the crostata Mindy? How did it turn out? I’ll be over to visit in a second!
      Roz

      Reply
  4. Velva says

    October 5, 2014 at 9:48 PM

    Shut the front door! Love, love these apple desserts. I am feeling so inspired to get off my booty and create some fun delicious fall apple treat too.

    Velva

    P.S. We have enjoyed your salsa it was really good. I enjoyed the smoky sweet flavor. Thanks for sharing it with me,

    Reply
    • Roz says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:37 PM

      You’re so funny Velva! Thanks for the compliments on the salsa….it usually disappears pretty quickly. We loved your honey too! I’m putting in my order request for next year!
      Roz

      Reply
  5. 2 Sisters Recipes says

    October 5, 2014 at 10:15 PM

    Yum! Delicious recipe for an apple crostata. Simple is always best!

    Reply
  6. 2 Sisters Recipes says

    October 6, 2014 at 8:38 AM

    Hey Roz, Liz is in town and we went over to Southern Seasons for the day. She was totally amazed at that store as you well know. Hopefully we all could have lunch there someday and chat about recipes and blogging! Have a great week!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      December 13, 2014 at 12:18 AM

      Oh I am so glad that you enjoyed Southern Seasons . . . how lucky for you that this renowned culinary store is in your very own backyard! What do you think if the three of us, not only meet up, but also take a cooking class together? Wouldn’t that be one of the bestest of fun?
      Let me know and I’ll be there in a flash!
      Roz

      Reply
      • 2 sisters recipes by Anna and Liz says

        December 18, 2014 at 11:30 PM

        Yes ! What a great idea. My sister comes often and when she does I will contact you and we can book a cooking class together at Southern Seasons.
        Un bacio,
        Anna

        Reply
  7. rebecca says

    October 6, 2014 at 10:02 PM

    wonderful treat and love the German twist

    Reply
    • Roz says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:41 PM

      The German twist was perfect on this crostata! Thanks Rebecca!
      Roz

      Reply
  8. Shari Kelley says

    October 6, 2014 at 11:32 PM

    I love apple recipes especially with streusel on top and this looks like one of the best ones I’ve ever seen! Your pictures of the crostata are beautiful. It makes me a little sad, though, that it is just a picture and not the real thing sitting in front of me so I could eat it. I will just have to make my own I guess!:) Pinning for sure. Thank you, Roz!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      December 13, 2014 at 12:11 AM

      We can’t resist apple recipes either Shari! They are so quintessentially American! I have only recently learned of the Italian love of apple recipes (in Northern Italy only, so close to the borders of Germany and Austria). Being from the northern region of Italy, this makes us SMILE from ear to ear! I added the German flair of streusel and it made my German-Scottish husband VERY happy in the tummy!
      Hugs,
      Roz

      Reply
  9. Kitchen Belleicious says

    October 7, 2014 at 12:48 PM

    that topping is divine Roz! I mean I love it and the rustic look and feel of the crostata is making me hungry. The rich earthy yet sweet flavors going on in this dish are perfect for the fall

    Reply
    • Roz says

      December 13, 2014 at 12:31 AM

      Thank you Jessica . . . the “German” streusel topping to this “Italian” apple crostata was indeed so incredible . . . my German-Scottish husband devoured it!
      xo
      Roz

      Reply
  10. Susan says

    October 8, 2014 at 3:17 PM

    I love this season of apple desserts! Such a gorgeous crostada and the caramel streusel sounds like the perfect topping.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      December 13, 2014 at 12:43 AM

      Thank you Susan, for you sweet complimentary comment and also for your years of support of this little ol’ blog of mine! Wishing you a beautiful and delicious holiday season!
      Roz

      Reply
  11. Annamaria @ Bakewell Junction says

    October 8, 2014 at 8:00 PM

    Roz,
    I love this crostata and prefer the slight sweetness in the pie crust. It’s perfect for fall.
    Annamaria

    Reply
    • Roz says

      December 6, 2014 at 10:55 PM

      Hi Annamaria, First of all, please forgive me for replying so late . . . fall semester is just so busy and my mother has moved in with us for the winter….. I hope that you’re doing well and enjoying a wonderful Christmas season. Thank you so much for your kind visit and compliment on my crostata!
      Baci,
      Roz

      Reply
  12. Ciao Chow Linda says

    October 11, 2014 at 3:47 AM

    I can’t wait to get back home and try this luscious crostata.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      December 13, 2014 at 12:51 AM

      I know for sure that if you prepare this apple crostata or ANY CROSTATA in your cucina, that it will be SUBLIME . . . and I cannot wait to read and learn about ANY croustade that you bake, Linda!
      Buon Appetito e Buon Natale’!
      Baci,
      Roz

      Reply
  13. Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says

    October 11, 2014 at 3:55 PM

    Wow – wanted to stop by and let you know that a friend and I made your tomato pie last Sunday. Excellent and thanks for sharing the recipe. And wow, this crostata sounds incredible. So many good recipes, I need more hours.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      December 13, 2014 at 1:43 AM

      I cannot tell you how much your comment means to me, Lea Ann . . . to receive your stamp of approval on one or any of my recipes! Thank you for trying my recipe in the midst of blog-land where so many other food blogger simply ‘state’ that they approve of or will try our recipes and in fact, do not. This means a great deal to me, Lea Ann especially coming from one who is not only food blogger by passion, but also holds a full-time ‘day job’ and has a full-plate!

      I, too, need more time in the week to try your fantastic recipes!

      Grazie,
      Roz

      Reply
  14. Katherines Corner says

    November 5, 2014 at 6:54 PM

    This is fantastic!!! I think my tummy just rumbled. I would lvoe a slice. xo

    Reply
    • Roz says

      December 6, 2014 at 8:45 PM

      I’d love to have shared a slice of this crostata with you too Katharine! Have a blessed evening!
      Roz

      Reply
  15. Katherines Corner says

    November 5, 2014 at 6:54 PM

    giggle, love not lvoe…

    Reply
  16. Liz says

    September 26, 2016 at 9:07 AM

    Oh, my gosh, Roz, you’re speaking my language! Caramel and apple desserts are my favorite and your crostata looks incredible!!

    Reply
    • Roz | La Bella Vita Cucinagi says

      December 30, 2016 at 11:07 PM

      You’re speaking my lingo too, Liz — apples, caramel, sugar! Anytime of year!
      Roz

      Reply
  17. Jan Cook says

    September 28, 2020 at 4:42 PM

    What an absolute gorgeous Crostata Roz! Can’t believe it’s Fall already but here it is and the perfect time for apples, cinnamon and caramel! It’s going on my bucket list and pinned . Thanks Roz!

    Reply
    • Roz says

      October 11, 2020 at 2:14 PM

      My pleasure Jan, it’s a keeper!
      Be safe,
      Roz

      Reply
    • Roz says

      October 11, 2020 at 2:25 PM

      Hi Jan,
      I know! Time is flying by and soon it will be the holidays! Crazy! Glad you like this recipe for apple crostada; it’s a good one for this time of yaer.
      I hope you’re doing well and staying safe!
      Ciao,
      Roz

      Reply
  18. 2pots2cook says

    September 29, 2020 at 11:34 AM

    Perfect way to fall into autumn ….. Thank you Roz 🙂

    Reply
    • Roz says

      October 11, 2020 at 2:35 PM

      Yes, it’s a wonderful time of year for apples and for baking Davorka.
      I hope you’re doing well and staying healthy!
      Ciao,
      Roz

      Reply
  19. Judee says

    October 1, 2020 at 12:36 AM

    Roz, I’m not a baker but I know I would love eating that pie. I can only imagine how good it tastes. How perfect for apple season.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      October 11, 2020 at 2:40 PM

      Thank you Judee, so many good recipes with so little time to make them.
      Happy autumn!
      Roz

      Reply
  20. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

    October 4, 2020 at 4:59 PM

    How could even an uber picky husband not like that delicious sounding dessert.

    Reply
    • Roz says

      October 11, 2020 at 2:42 PM

      So true Karen! I’m glad that I’m married to a guy who loves good food and loves to eat!
      Happy Autumn!
      Roz

      Reply
  21. mjskitchen says

    October 11, 2020 at 9:46 PM

    I’m so glad you brought this recipe to the forefront. I have some really crispy, tart apples right now that would be perfect for this. They are actually called “no name” apples because the trees were planted by a local farmer’s father and he never told anyone what type of apples they were before he died. They have the most unique flavor and I but a few baskets of them every fall. Your crostata looks delightful and how can one not love the caramel on top. YUM!!!!

    Reply
  22. deltastrike says

    October 28, 2020 at 8:20 AM

    I’m not a baker but I know I would love eating that pie.it’s really amazing taste. I Can’t believe it’s Fall already but here it is and the perfect time for apples, cinnamon, and caramel., this crostata sounds incredible. So many good recipes, I need more hours. They have the most unique flavor and I but a few baskets of them every fall. you making good recipes for us.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Welcome!

Welcome!

Ciao, I'm Roz!
From my family's kitchens and restaurants in the U.S. and Italy, I share classic, delicious recipes . . . and always served with 'amore'! I'll help you master the art of cooking with easy to follow instructions and cooking tips. Get ready for the compliments! Buon Appetito!

Top Food Blog 2020

Looking for something special?

Most Popular

Pastina Chicken Soup — Italian Childhood Memories

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse Chopped Salad -- Copycat Recipe is SO DELICIOUS!!

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Chopped Salad — Copycat Recipe is SO DELICIOUS!!

Classic Italian Minestrone Instant Pot

Classic Italian Minestrone Soup

Copyright © 2010 - 2021 · La Bella Vita Cucina ·