Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 125 g (1/2 cup) sugar
- 310 g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) baking powder
- 140 g (5 oz) butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar, lemon zest, and egg. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the softened butter and mix well until fully incorporated.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt (if using). Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead lightly until smooth, then wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a cake or tart pan (around 9-inch/23 cm size works well).
- Shape the Dough:
- Once chilled, divide the dough in two portions.
- Press one portion into the bottom of the pan and slightly up the sides to form a base.
- Fill and Top (Optional Step – based on traditional variations):
- You can add a filling like jam, pastry cream, Nutella, or ricotta cheese mixture on the base before topping with the second layer of dough.
- Roll out the second dough portion and carefully place over the filling. Seal the edges.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Let cool before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Want to add a filling suggestion or give it a fun Italian name like Crostata della Nonna? 😄