Egg-Free Shortcrust Pastry Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Delight
Shortcrust pastry is the foundation of countless desserts and baked goods. From tarts and pies to cookies and pastries, it provides a perfect balance of crispness and richness. This version, Egg-Free Shortcrust Pastry, is ideal for those who prefer or need to avoid eggs, without compromising on taste or texture. It’s easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients to create a dough that is both buttery and tender.
Whether you’re looking to make a vegan dessert or simply want a more delicate dough, this recipe is versatile and sure to please. The addition of brown sugar and a hint of vanilla gives this pastry a slightly caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with fruit or custard fillings. Follow along to discover how to make this perfect egg-free shortcrust pastry.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00) | 500g |
| Butter (cold) | 280g |
| Brown sugar | 200g |
| Water | 50g |
| Vanilla extract | Β½ teaspoon |
| Fine salt | A pinch |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all of your ingredients. It’s essential that the butter is cold from the fridge, as this will help create a flaky and tender texture in the pastry dough. Additionally, make sure the water is at room temperature to properly combine with the sugar. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a large mixing bowl if you’re mixing by hand), sift the 500g of all-purpose flour. Add the pinch of fine salt and combine briefly. -
Incorporate the Butter
Cut the 280g of cold butter into small cubes. Add the butter cubes to the flour mixture. Start mixing on low speed. As the mixture combines, the butter will gradually break down into small pieces, forming a crumbly texture. -
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the 200g of brown sugar and 50g of water at room temperature. Stir gently until the sugar has dissolved into the water. Add the Β½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for an aromatic, rich flavor. -
Form the Dough
Gradually pour the sugar-water mixture into the flour-butter crumb mixture. Continue mixing until a dough begins to form. The mixture should come together into a smooth and homogenous dough, but it should not be overly sticky. -
Shape and Chill the Dough
Once the dough has formed, transfer it onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round disc (panetto) and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will help to solidify the butter, ensuring that your pastry will bake to a crisp, golden finish. -
Roll and Use the Dough
After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Allow it to sit for a few minutes at room temperature before rolling it out on a floured surface. Roll the dough to the desired thickness, typically around ΒΌ inch (6mm), before using it to line a tart pan or cut out shapes for cookies. -
Bake Your Pastry
Once the dough is shaped in your pan or cut into desired forms, proceed with your baking according to your recipe’s requirements. If you’re making a tart or pie, follow your filling recipe’s instructions for baking times and temperatures.
Tips for Perfect Egg-Free Shortcrust Pastry
- Butter is Key: Cold butter is essential for creating the perfect texture. It helps to create a flaky, crumbly pastry that bakes up golden and crisp.
- Handle the Dough Gently: Overworking the dough can make it tough, so once the dough comes together, avoid kneading it too much.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before rolling it out ensures that it stays firm and doesn’t become too sticky, making it easier to work with.
- Substitute the Sugar: You can swap out the brown sugar for white sugar or coconut sugar if preferred, though the brown sugar provides a lovely caramelized flavor.
- Make Ahead: This dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage. Simply let it thaw in the fridge before using.
Serving Suggestions
This egg-free shortcrust pastry is perfect for making a variety of sweet treats. Use it to line tart pans for fruit tarts, cream-filled pies, or savory quiches. It’s also great for cookies; simply cut out shapes and bake them until golden. The buttery texture makes it ideal for pairing with fresh berries, custard, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Enjoy the simplicity of this egg-free shortcrust pastry, and feel free to get creative with the fillings. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply for your own enjoyment, this versatile pastry will become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire.
