Shortbread Crust Recipe
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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.
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.
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!
Here’s my Shortbread Crust recipe. I think you’ll love it!
Shortbread Crust Recipe
Equipment
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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
Can you use this crust for Pecan Pie?
Hi Ebony,
I don’t use this crust for my Pecan Pie. I use my Perfect Pie Crust recipe that is linked with my pie recipe. Thanks! xo
I use it for my pecan pie and I now get requests to make nearly a dozen around the holidays. It’s delicious.
Hi there, I just had to take a moment to thank you for sharing this recipe. I’ve tried a few different crust recipes like this one, but they never turn out right for me. Something is always “off” with the texture or flavor. This crust turned out just perfect! I have it bookmarked, and will use it often. Thanks again!!
So happy you enjoyed it, Heather! Thanks! xo
Thanks for sharing! Do you think this would turn out ok if I used regular granulated sugar instead of powdered?
I always use confectioner’s sugar for this recipe, Heidi. Enjoy!
Can I put sugar in the food processor to make it powered sugar
Cecelia, you can make powdered sugar by processing one cup granulated sugar plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch in the food processor. Hope this helps.
I’m using this as my cheesecake crust. Do I need to bake it first before adding the liquid?
Hi Georgene,
Bake 12 to 15 minutes until crust is lightly golden brown.
Remove from oven and cool thoroughly before filling. Thanks!
Don’t you love all the questions asking what will happen when people attempt to alter your delicious recipe? 😂
Thanks Manda – glad to have you here! 😉
Do you need to grease the pie tin. I made this crust and it was delicious but could not get it out of pan. Did I press it in too much?
Hi Connie,
I don’t grease the pie plate for my shortbread crust. I press the crust into the pie plate until it is covered but I don’t press really hard. I have never had one stick to the pan so I’m not sure what happened. Sometimes if the crust is not thoroughly cooked, especially in the middle, it will stick. Hope this helps!
I don’t get it either. Make the recipe as shown or look for what you really want. I will be making this tomorrow and will not change a thing.
I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do, Dianne! Thanks so much! xo
Can I use this crust for a layered fruit strudel? I usually bake it once it is all put together. 3 to 4 layers.
Hi Dana,
I have not tried that and I am not sure how that would turn out. Thanks!
Can I use white granulated sugar instead? If yes, same amount?
Unfortunately, the granulated sugar will cause the shortbread to be more grainy. You’ll want to use the confectioner’s sugar called for in the recipe.
So easy and yummy! Who would have thought only 3 ingredients.
I’m so happy you tried it and liked it, Christine! Isn’t it delicious?! Thanks so much! xo
Can you sub lard for butter and if so can this crust be used for pumpkin pie?
Sincerely,
Cindy S. Bellotte
Hi Cindy,
You can’t use lard for a Shortbread Crust. Here is my Pumpkin Pie recipe in which I use my other Pie Crust recipe. Thanks!
Do you have to bake the crust first when using apples in a recipe or can you bake the apples and crust together?