Forktionary

Tart Shell

N/A Baking Component, Pastry

Tart Shell Baking Component, Pastry

At a Glance

  • Category Baking Component, Pastry

The Forktionary Angle

"The perfect blank canvas for endless culinary creativity, allowing home cooks to focus on fillings, whether sweet fruit custards or savory quiches."

Definition

A pre-baked or unbaked pastry crust, typically shallow with fluted sides, forming the base for sweet or savory tarts.

Common Type Pâte Sablée (sweet)
Pre-Baking Step Blind Baking
Storage (Unbaked) Up to 3 days (refrigerated)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Tart Shell are:

Buttery Mildly Sweet (for sweet tarts) Neutral (for savory tarts)

Chef’s Secret

Brush the inside of a pre-baked sweet tart shell with a thin layer of melted white chocolate before adding your filling. This creates a barrier against moisture and keeps the crust crisp longer.

Best Substitutes

Pie crust

usually deeper
Ratio 1:1

graham cracker crust

for sweet fillings
Ratio 1:1

phyllo dough cups

smaller, flakier

Buying Guide

Available fresh or frozen. Choose pre-baked for convenience or unbaked for custom baking.

Culinary Pairings

Fresh fruit pastry cream chocolate ganache quiche filling lemon curd meringue

Recipes Using Tart Shell

Apple Crumble Tarts image 103
Preparation Desserts Time To Make Course

Apple Crumble Tarts

A delightful twist on a classic apple crumble! This recipe, adapted from a vintage Betty Crocker cookbook, transforms a traditional apple pie into individual, golden-brown tarts perfect for any occasion. Imagine warm, spiced apples nestled in a buttery, crisp crumble topping – a taste of nostalgic comfort. These tarts were a hit at our Ukrainian Christmas celebration, and they're sure to become a family favorite in your home too! Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply enjoy them on their own.

See Complete Recipe