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Sweet Tart Crust: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Pastry


  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 1 9-inch tart crust 1x

Description

A buttery, crumbly, and slightly sweet pastry crust perfect for tarts and pies.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into cubes
  • 35 tablespoons ice water

Instructions

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  1. In a food processor, pulse together flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add butter and shortening and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. With the processor running, gradually add ice water until the dough just comes together.
  4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle.
  6. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
  7. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
  8. Trim the excess dough and prick the bottom with a fork.
  9. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
  10. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. Line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
  12. Bake for 20 minutes.
  13. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
  14. Let cool completely before filling.

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Notes

  • Use a food processor: This recipe comes together quickly and easily in a food processor.
  • Use cold ingredients: Cold ingredients are key to a flaky crust.
  • Don’t overmix: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust.
  • Chill the dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and prevents the crust from shrinking during baking.
  • Blind bake: Blind baking ensures that the crust is fully cooked and prevents it from becoming soggy when filled.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes