Grandma’s Jam Tart with amaretti crumble... A sweet Italian classic

This is my go-to dessert for family gatherings, lazy Sunday afternoons, or whenever I need a taste of home. If you love traditional Italian flavors with a little twist, you HAVE to try this.

ITALIAN ROOTS

1/24/20252 min read

baked sliced cherry pie
baked sliced cherry pie

Grandma’s Jam Tart with amaretti crumble... A sweet Italian classic

A classic Italian crostata is already a masterpiece—buttery, crumbly, and filled with rich fruit jam. But when I decided to add crushed amaretti cookies to the jam filling, everything changed. The result? A next-level crostata with a hint of almond crunch that makes every bite irresistible.

This is my go-to dessert for family gatherings, lazy Sunday afternoons, weekly breakfast or whenever I need a taste of home. If you love traditional Italian flavors with a little twist, you HAVE to try this.

Ingredients (for a 9-inch tart) 🍰

For the Pastry Dough (Pasta Frolla):

✔️ 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour

✔️ 100 g (½ cup) sugar

✔️ 125 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

✔️ 1 egg + 1 egg yolk

✔️ ½ tsp baking powder

✔️ 1 tsp vanilla extract

✔️ Zest of 1 lemon

For the Filling:

✔️ 300 g (1 ¼ cups) blueberry or raspberry jam (or your favorite jam)

✔️ 100 g (1 cup) crushed amaretti cookies

For Topping:

✔️ Extra crushed amaretti for garnish (optional)

✔️ Powdered sugar (optional)

How to make Grandma’s special Crostata

Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough

1️⃣ In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and lemon zest.

2️⃣ Add cold butter and rub it into the flour with your fingers until it looks like breadcrumbs.

3️⃣ Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Knead quickly until it forms a smooth dough.

4️⃣ Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Assemble the Tart

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

2️⃣ Roll out ⅔ of the dough on a floured surface and press it into a tart pan.

3️⃣ Mix the jam with crushed amaretti cookies and spread evenly over the crust.

4️⃣ Roll out the remaining dough, cut into strips, and create a classic lattice pattern on top.

Step 3: Bake & Enjoy

1️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.

2️⃣ Let cool, sprinkle with extra amaretti crumbs or powdered sugar, and serve!

Why you’ll love this Crostata

The amaretti add a crunchy, almond-flavored surprise

It’s simple yet elegant—perfect for any occasion

You can swap the jam for any flavor you love

I’ve made this for so many friends, and every time, the reaction is the same: “Wait…what is that secret ingredient?!” Well, now you know. 😉 Try it, and let me know if you’re as obsessed as I am!

Buon appetito! 🇮🇹✨