Shortbread Crust

Shortbread Crust

A buttery, crumbly base that bakes up firm enough to hold creamy fillings.

Total 45 min Makes 8 slices Calories 210/serving

Dietary

Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Nut free, Halal, Kosher

Allergens

Dairy, Wheat

This shortbread crust comes together with just butter, flour, sugar, and salt, pressed into a pan and baked until lightly golden. It offers a sturdy, sandy-textured base for fruit tarts, custard bars, and cheesecakes. Make it ahead and cool completely before adding any filling.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch tart pan or springform pan.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.

  3. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract, then mix with a fork or your fingers until the mixture forms a soft, cohesive dough.

  4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using the back of a measuring cup to smooth the surface and press slightly up the sides if making a tart shell.

  5. Prick the crust in several places with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.

  6. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the center looks set, 18 to 20 minutes.

  7. Cool the crust completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding any filling, about 30 minutes.

Rate this recipe

★ 3.6 (1)

Shortbread Crust

This shortbread crust comes together with just butter, flour, sugar, and salt, pressed into a pan and baked until lightly golden. It offers a sturdy, sandy-textured base for fruit tarts, custard bars, and cheesecakes. Make it ahead and cool completely before adding any filling.

45 min 8 slices 210 cal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch tart pan or springform pan.

  2. 2

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.

  3. 3

    Add the softened butter and vanilla extract, then mix with a fork or your fingers until the mixture forms a soft, cohesive dough.

  4. 4

    Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, using the back of a measuring cup to smooth the surface and press slightly up the sides if making a tart shell.

  5. 5

    Prick the crust in several places with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.

  6. 6

    Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the center looks set, 18 to 20 minutes.

  7. 7

    Cool the crust completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding any filling, about 30 minutes.