Simple Jam Tart

The jam tart is a classic Italian dessert made with a shortcrust pastry base and a generous layer of jam. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Ingredients

• 300 g of type 00 flour
• 150 g of cold butter, cubed
• 130 g of granulated sugar
• 1 whole egg
• 1 egg yolk
• Grated zest of 1 untreated lemon
• 1 pinch of salt
• Jam of choice (about 300-400 g)

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, sift the flour and arrange it like a fountain. Add the cold, cubed butter, sugar, whole egg, additional yolk, grated lemon zest, and a pinch of salt to the center.
2. Start to quickly knead with your fingertips or with a kitchen mixer using a leaf beater, until you obtain a sandy mixture.
3. Compact the dough without working it too much, forming a dough ball. Wrap the shortcrust pastry in cling film and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step helps relax the gluten and ensures the pastry does not shrink while baking.
4. After resting in the refrigerator, roll out two-thirds of the dough on a lightly floured surface, aiming for a thickness of about 5 mm. Line a previously buttered and floured tart pan with the pastry, making sure to create an edge.
5. Prick the base of the tart with the tines of a fork and spread a uniform layer of jam over it.
6. With the remaining shortcrust pastry, create strips or shapes to decorate the tart’s surface.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 30-35 minutes, or until the desired browning is achieved.
8. Let the tart cool completely before unmolding and serving.

Curiosity

The jam tart is often personalized with different types of jam, from classic flavors like apricot or cherry, to more original ones like mixed berries. Furthermore, some variants include a dusting of icing sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and a more refined presentation.