Shortbread Crust makes a delicious addition to so many desserts. Made of three ingredients, this simple shortbread crust is easy works for pies, cheesecakes, tarts, and so many other desserts. 

Shortbread Crust | ©addapinch.com

Just three ingredients is all you’ll need to make this shortbread crust. They are most likely ingredients that you already have stocked in your pantry, too! Flour, sugar, and butter. Just those three things make one of the most delicious crusts that is versatile for so many delicious desserts and sweet treats.

Shortbread Crust | ©addapinch.com

If you’ve ever made my Pecan Pie Bars, you’ve already tried your hand at making this crust. It comes together quickly, then prebakes in the oven for just a few minutes and is then ready for all the goodness you care to pile on it or in it!

You can press the shortbread crust into the bottom of a baking pan, like used for the bars, or you can press it into a pie plate, crimp the edges (or not!), and use it as a pie crust as well. You can also use it as a tart crust for tarts or even as a crust for cheesecakes. It just works for so many things!

I think this will quickly become one of your favorite crust recipes. It’s just too easy not to be!

Shortbread Crust | ©addapinch.com

Here’s my Shortbread Crust recipe. I think you’ll love it!

Shortbread Crust Recipe

4.95 from 54 votes
Shortbread Crust makes a delicious addition to so many desserts. Made of three ingredients, this simple shortbread crust is easy works for pies, cheesecakes, tarts, and so many other desserts.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 (9-inch) pie crust or 9×9 pan

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup (226 g) salted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (57 g) confectioner’s sugar

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350º F.
  • Mix together butter, flour, and confectioner’s sugar. Press into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan, a pie plate, tart pan, or other pan for your baking.
  • Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before filling.

Notes

Nutrition information is for one crust. 

Nutrition

Calories: 2771kcal | Carbohydrates: 251g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 187g | Saturated Fat: 117g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 48g | Trans Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 488mg | Sodium: 1627mg | Potassium: 323mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 60g | Vitamin A: 5673IU | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 12mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Enjoy!
Robyn xo

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About Robyn

Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.

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Recipe Review




227 Comments

  1. Kim Lloyd says:

    5 stars
    Absolute perfection! So light, tender and buttery! I may not ever use regular pie crust again!

  2. Branon says:

    Can you make a double recipe with this crust for a double crusted pie? Or is it better to usa a crumb or whipped top?

    1. Robyn Stone says:

      It is better as a bottom crust, as you mentioned. Hope you enjoy it!

  3. Renee @ Awesome on $20 says:

    I love the buttery perfection of shortbread. This sounds wonderful.

  4. Betty Anne says:

    I made this crust and it tasted wonderful. However when I took the pie pan from the oven, my crust looked like one big cookie. All of it had puffed up so much. It seemed like too much dough for one crust. What size pan did you use? Do you think half a recipe would be better for a 9.5 inch pie plate? We are eating the crust as cookies and loving it!!!

    1. Mel says:

      5 stars
      I have the same issue. It was very tasty but really thick. I didn’t see any responses to your question. Did I miss an answer? Or has there not been one?
      Thanks
      Mel

    2. Betty Anne says:

      Mel, I have not received a response to my question.

    3. Lookwhatimade says:

      Before baking, you will need to prick the crust… that should help calm down the puffiness

    4. Maralyn Woods says:

      5 stars
      Just like when you are making shortbread, take a fork and thoroughly prick the bottom of the crust to prevent puffing and bubbling. I’m glad you reminded me of the problem.

    5. winnie says:

      Do you still bake crust first if making a pumpkin pie

    6. Melissa says:

      Did you put a fork to it? You would use your fork and put holes in the dough.

    7. Jami says:

      I split the recipe in half and had plenty for a 9 inch pan. I poked a few holes in the bottom with a toothpick after reading other reviews.

  5. Annamaria @ Bakewell Junction says:

    Robyn,
    Thanks for the great crust recipe. This looks delicious. Pinned.
    Annamaria

  6. Lily (A Rhubarb Rhapsody) says:

    What a perfect crust. I’ll admit I’d be tempted to forgo any filling and just break bits off the crust to munch on!

  7. Liz says:

    Thank you, Robyn. Always love shortbread. Have a good day!

  8. Kim Honeycutt says:

    Who knew it could be so simple? You know I’m pinning it!

  9. Gaby says:

    This is sure to be amazing and your crust looks so perfect!

  10. Terry Hutchinson says:

    Oh! Goodness! You had me at “Shortbread”!!!!!