Shortbread Crust
This buttery, golden Shortbread Crust is the perfect foundation for all your dessert creations, from creamy cheesecakes to luscious fruit tarts. Made with just five simple ingredients—unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, a touch of salt, and fragrant vanilla extract—this easy-to-make crust boasts a tender, crumbly texture and a melt-in-your-mouth richness. The recipe comes together in just 10 minutes of prep, with a quick 20-minute bake time, making it ideal for busy bakers. Whether used as a base for layered desserts or enjoyed on its own, this versatile shortbread crust is a must-have in your baking repertoire.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 227 grams unsalted butter
- 100 grams granulated sugar
- 250 grams all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round or square baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or wooden spoon until it is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and mix well to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until the dough comes together and forms a soft, crumbly mass.
Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press it down evenly into the base of the pan, ensuring it reaches the edges.
Prick the surface of the dough all over with a fork. This prevents bubbling during baking and ensures an even crust.
Bake the shortbread crust in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the crust cool completely on a wire rack before adding any fillings or toppings, or cutting into portions if used as a stand-alone treat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2576 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 197.0 g | 253% | |
| Saturated Fat | 113.9 g | 570% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 503 mg | 168% | |
| Sodium | 1217 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 191.3 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.1 g | ||
| Protein | 27.5 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 83 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 11.6 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 326 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
