apple tart

Honeyed Tart Apple and Fig Crostata

/ Desserts / By

This Honeyed Tart Apple and Fig Crostata brings together the delicate sweetness of figs and tart apples in a rustic, flaky crust. Inspired by the Italian crostata and French tarte tatin, this dessert is a perfect blend of summer fruit flavors with a touch of honey to balance the tartness. It’s ideal for a cozy gathering or any special occasion.

Ingredients:

Filling:

  • 5 large tart apples (Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, or Granny Smith)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 6 tablespoons light brown sugar, divided
  • 16 Black Mission figs
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (for crust)
  • 1/4 cup honey

Pastry Dough (makes 2 discs):

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Dash of salt
  • 12 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1/3 cup cold water

Directions:

Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix flour, sugar, and a dash of salt.
  2. Incorporate Fat: Add cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
  3. Add Water: Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together when pressed. Be careful not to overwork.
  4. Form and Chill: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. Prep Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch slices.
  2. Cook Apples: In a large sauté pan, melt butter with 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar over medium-low heat. Add apple slices and cook for about 6 minutes, until they’re tender and juicy.
  3. Prep Figs: Remove stems from figs and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

Step 3: Assemble the Crostata

  1. Roll Out Dough: Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll one disc of pastry dough into a circle about 1/8-inch thick.
  2. Arrange Fruit: Lay the apple and fig slices in the center of the dough, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar over the fruit.
  3. Create Border: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, gently crimping to create a border.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

  1. Brush and Bake: Brush the crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
  2. Drizzle with Honey: While the crostata is still warm, drizzle honey over the fruit for added sweetness and a beautiful shine.

Tips:

  • Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
  • Add Flavor: For a spiced twist, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg over the apples before baking.

Serve this Honeyed Tart Apple and Fig Crostata warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an unforgettable treat!