The Easiest Shortcrust Pastry Recipe

My aunt, a baking legend, shared this ridiculously simple shortcrust pastry recipe—and it's been a staple in my kitchen for years! Perfect for both sweet and savory pies, this foolproof recipe guarantees a flaky, delicious crust every time. Say goodbye to tough pastry and hello to effortless pie-making!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 12 mins
Calories 1301.3 kcal
Protein 27g
Rating 3.0 (3 Reviews)
The Easiest Shortcrust Pastry 14

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for The Easiest Shortcrust Pastry

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How to Make The Easiest Shortcrust Pastry

  1. In a large bowl, combine 200g plain flour, 100g cold unsalted butter (cubed), 50g caster sugar (omit for savory pies), and a pinch of salt.
  2. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  3. Add 4-6 tablespoons of ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
  4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in cling film, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness and carefully transfer it to a pie dish.
  6. For raw fillings: Prick the base with a fork and pre-bake for 10 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
  7. For cooked fillings or unbaked pies with a firmer filling: Pre-bake for 30 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
  8. **Savory Twist:** Omit the sugar and add 2 tablespoons of grated cheddar cheese and a pinch of nutmeg for a savory pie crust.
  9. **Coconut Delight:** Enhance the flavor with 2 tablespoons of grated coconut added to the pastry mixture before chilling.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

27 g

Sugar

35g

Fat

292g

Carbs

34g

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