Shortbread Crust
(Fits a 9-inch tart pan or 9-by-9-inch baking dish)
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, chilled & cubed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional for flavor)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Zest of 1 lemon/orange
- 1 tsp cinnamon or cardamom
- 2 tbsp almond or pecan meal
Instructions
Prep the Dough:
- In a food processor, pulse the flour, sugar, and salt to combine.
- Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the vanilla (if using) and pulse again until the dough starts to come together.
- No food processor? Cut in pieces of butter into dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or fork.
Press & Chill:
- Pat the dough evenly into your tart pan or baking dish (no need to grease if nonstick).
- Poke holes in the bottom with a fork to avoid air bubbles.
- Chill 30 mins (or freeze 10 mins) to ensure shrinkage.
Bake:
- To make, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake until the edges are golden, 15–20 minutes (for par-baked crust).
- For fully baked crust (used cold, as in cheesecake), bake 20–25 minutes, or until golden all over.
- Completely cool before adding filling.
Tips & Variations
For a Flakier Crust:
- Use 2 tbsp cornstarch instead of 2 tbsp flour.
- Use European-style butter (higher in fat).
Savory Twist:
- Omit sugar. Pour in ½ cup grated Parmesan + 1 tsp herbs (thyme, rosemary).
Gluten-Free:
- [Use 1:1 GF flour + 1 tbsp almond flour for texture]
Storage:
- Dough: If the dough is raw, freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Baked crust: 3 days at room temp, or freeze for 1 month.
Troubleshooting
- Too crumbly? Stir in 1–2 tsp ice water, or until the mixture holds together.
- Too dense? Do not overwork the dough: Just mix until combined.
- Soggy bottom? Brush baked crust with egg white and return to oven for 2 minutes more, then fill.
Perfect Pairings
- Lemon bars or fruit tarts
- Salted caramel, chocolate ganache
- Cheesecake or cream pies
This shortbread crust is your secret weapon for decadent desserts that combine tender, buttery crunch with melt-in-your-mouth ease. Happy baking! 🧈✨