Pasticciotti are delightful Italian pastries from the Puglia region, filled with silky custard and wrapped in a tender short-crust shell. These golden treats are perfect for enjoying fresh and warm from the oven. Whether served for breakfast or dessert, pasticciotti offer a taste of authentic Italian tradition. With their creamy center and buttery crust, these pastries are comforting, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why You Will Love the Pasticciotti Recipe
This recipe creates a perfect balance of creamy filling and crumbly crust. Whether you’re new to Italian baking or a seasoned cook, you’ll enjoy the simplicity and flavor.
- The dough is rich and buttery, perfectly contrasting the smooth custard.
- You can enjoy them warm or chilled.
- They’re ideal for both casual treats and special occasions.
- The custard can be flavored with lemon, vanilla, or even chocolate.
- You can prepare them in advance and reheat when needed.
Ingredients You Will Need
To create the classic pasticciotti, you only need common baking ingredients. Use fresh eggs, real butter, and quality milk for the best results.
- All-purpose or “00” flour: 250 g
- Granulated sugar: 100 g
- Unsalted cold butter: 120 g
- 1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk (for dough)
- Pinch of salt
- Cornstarch: 35 g
- All-purpose flour (for custard): 15 g
- Egg yolks: 2 (for filling)
- Whole milk: 250 ml
- Vanilla extract or lemon zest (optional)
- Egg yolk + splash of milk (for egg wash)
- Optional Amarena cherries or chocolate chips
How to Make Pasticciotti Pastry
Making pasticciotti involves preparing a rich custard, a short-crust dough, and baking to golden perfection. Follow each step carefully for delicious results.
1. Prepare the Custard Filling
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and flour until smooth. Warm the milk gently, then gradually combine. Heat until thickened. Cool completely.
2. Make the Short-Crust Dough
Mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add cold butter and rub into crumbs. Add eggs, mix into dough. Wrap and chill for 30–60 minutes.
3. Assemble the Pastries
Roll dough and line tart molds. Spoon in custard, add cherries if using, and cover with dough lids. Seal edges and chill the filled molds.
4. Bake the Pastries
Brush the tops with egg wash. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes or until golden. Cool slightly before serving.
Pasticciotti
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and flour. Warm milk and slowly combine. Heat gently until thick. Cool completely.
- Combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add butter and rub into crumbs. Add eggs and form dough. Chill 30–60 minutes.
- Roll dough, line tart molds. Fill with custard and optional cherries. Cover with dough, seal edges. Chill again.
- Brush tops with egg wash. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden. Cool before serving.
Notes
Serving Tips for Pasticciotti Pastry
These sweet pastries are versatile and best enjoyed fresh. Here are some tips to elevate your pasticciotti experience:
- Serve slightly warm for the creamiest texture and most fragrant flavor.
- Pair with espresso, cappuccino, or hot chocolate for a delightful Italian treat.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a bakery-style finish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For variation, try chocolate, ricotta, or pistachio fillings as tasty alternatives.
Nutritional Benefits of Pasticciotti Pastry
Pasticciotti, though indulgent, offers modest nutrition when enjoyed in moderation. Each pastry typically provides 250–335 calories, depending on the filling and size. The pastry delivers carbohydrates and fats for energy, while the custard contains proteins, calcium, and vitamin A.
Egg yolks contribute nutrients like choline and antioxidants. Homemade versions use simple, clean ingredients with no preservatives, making them a better choice than many store-bought desserts. When paired with a balanced meal or enjoyed occasionally, they offer both satisfaction and nourishment.
Conclusion
Pasticciotti are a delightful way to bring authentic Italian flavor into your kitchen. With their buttery crust and rich custard center, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Bake a batch and savor the warmth and sweetness of Italy in every bite.