Rustic Cinnamon Apple Crostata with Warm Caramel Drizzle
Embrace the comforting flavors of fall with this delightful Rustic Cinnamon Apple Crostata, featuring thinly sliced Jonagold apples enveloped in a flaky, golden crust. Perfect for gatherings or indulging after a cozy dinner, this pie is not only easy to make with premade pie crust but also allows for creative presentation. The aromatic blend of cinnamon and nutmeg combined with the sweetness of caramel sauce creates an irresistible dessert that warms the soul. Serve it warm, and let the sweet caramel drizzle take it to the next level of deliciousness.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pie Crust
1 (12 inches, premade or refrigerated)
Sugar
1/2 (cup)
All-Purpose Flour
3 (tablespoons)
Jonagold Apples
4 (medium, chopped and peeled (about 2 medium apples should be sliced thinly))
Sugar
2 (tablespoons)
Ground Cinnamon
1/2 (teaspoon)
Ground Nutmeg
1/2 (teaspoon)
Butter
1 (tablespoon, cut into small pieces)
Caramel Topping
1 (cup (optional, for serving))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sugar and flour, stirring thoroughly.
3
Add the sliced Jonagold apples to the sugar-flour mixture, tossing until the apples are coated. It's fine if not all the mixture adheres to the apples.
4
Roll out the pie crust and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Evenly spread the apple mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
5
Fold the edges of the dough over the apple filling, creating a rustic border and crimping slightly to secure it.
6
In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the apples and the folded dough.
7
Distribute the small pieces of butter over the top of the apples for added richness.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 27 to 32 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
9
Once done, allow the crostata to cool slightly before cutting it into wedges. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel topping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Rustic Cinnamon Apple Crostata?
A Rustic Cinnamon Apple Crostata is a free-form, open-faced tart featuring thinly sliced Jonagold apples, warm spices, and a flaky golden crust, often served with a caramel drizzle.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for Jonagold apples because they offer a great balance of sweetness and tartness, though other baking apples can be used.
Do I need to make the pie crust from scratch?
No, this recipe is designed for convenience using a 12-inch premade or refrigerated pie crust.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for baking the crostata.
How long does it take to bake the crostata?
The crostata typically takes between 27 and 32 minutes to bake until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This Rustic Cinnamon Apple Crostata recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What spices are used in the cinnamon-sugar topping?
The topping consists of 2 tablespoons of sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How much flour is needed for the apple filling?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to be mixed with the sugar and apples.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the apples?
The flour helps to thicken the juices released by the apples during the baking process, preventing the crust from becoming soggy.
Should I peel the apples?
Yes, the recipe suggests using chopped and peeled apples, with at least two of the medium apples being sliced thinly for the filling.
How do I form the rustic border of the crostata?
After placing the apple mixture in the center of the dough, leave a 2-inch border and fold the edges over the apples, crimping slightly to secure them.
What should I bake the crostata on?
It is recommended to bake the crostata on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy removal and cleanup.
When do I add the butter?
Distribute 1 tablespoon of butter, cut into small pieces, over the top of the apples just before putting the crostata into the oven.
Is the caramel topping required?
The caramel topping is optional but highly recommended for serving to add an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
Can I use a different type of apple if I can't find Jonagold?
Yes, you can substitute Jonagold apples with other firm baking apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn.
How should I serve the crostata?
The crostata is best served warm, cut into wedges, and drizzled with warm caramel sauce.
Should the pie crust be at room temperature before rolling?
Follow the specific package directions for your refrigerated pie crust, but generally, letting it sit for a few minutes makes it easier to roll out without cracking.
How much sugar goes into the main apple mixture?
The main apple mixture uses 1/2 cup of sugar, while an additional 2 tablespoons are used for the spice sprinkle.
What does 'rustic' mean in the context of this recipe?
'Rustic' refers to the free-form shape of the crostata, which does not require a pie plate and has hand-folded, imperfect edges.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
While the recipe doesn't call for them, chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the apple filling or topping.
Does the crostata need to cool before serving?
The recipe suggests letting it cool slightly before cutting into wedges to allow the filling to set.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, since it uses a premade crust and a simple folding technique, it is an easy and approachable dessert for bakers of all levels.
Can I make this crostata ahead of time?
While best served fresh and warm, you can bake it ahead and gently reheat it in the oven before serving.
What if the sugar-flour mixture doesn't stick to all the apples?
The recipe notes that it is fine if not all the mixture adheres to the apples; simply spread the mixture evenly over the crust with the apples.
How much butter is used?
One tablespoon of butter, cut into small pieces, is distributed over the apples for added richness.
What is the calorie count for this dessert?
The specific nutritional information such as calories is not provided in the raw data, but it is categorized as a sweet dessert.
Can I use a larger pie crust?
The recipe is optimized for a 12-inch crust; a larger crust may result in a thinner border or require more apple filling.
Is parchment paper necessary?
Parchment paper is recommended to prevent the crust from sticking to the baking sheet and to catch any juices that might bubble over.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is classified under the 'Dessert' category and is particularly popular as a fall treat.
Can I serve this with ice cream?
Yes, serving this warm crostata with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in addition to the caramel drizzle is a popular variation.