Create the perfect base for your favorite custard tarts with this buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust. Made with just five simple pantry staples—unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and a touch of vanilla extract—this recipe yields a rich, sweet crust with a tender texture. The dough is incredibly easy to work with, pressing seamlessly into a tart pan for a smooth, even layer that bakes to golden perfection in just 20 minutes. Ideal for both beginner and seasoned bakers, this shortbread crust pairs beautifully with creamy custard fillings, fruit compotes, or even chocolate ganache. Don’t forget to chill the dough before baking for that flawless crisp finish! Perfect for any tart recipe, this shortbread crust is a game-changer for your dessert repertoire.
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or wooden spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and mix until combined.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough comes together and forms a smooth, cohesive ball. Be careful not to overmix.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared tart pan, making sure to distribute it evenly across the base and up the sides. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to smooth it out if necessary.
Prick the base of the crust all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
Chill the tart shell in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up the dough.
Once chilled, place the tart pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are lightly golden.
Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before filling with custard or your desired filling.
Serving size | (404.6g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2023.3 |
Total Fat 130.5g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 75.3g | 0% |
Cholesterol 332.1mg | 0% |
Sodium 164.7mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 203.2g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 5.4g | 0% |
Total Sugars 51.0g | |
Protein 21.7g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 59.9mg | 0% |
Iron 9.3mg | 0% |
Potassium 255.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories