Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry – A Perfect Base for Desserts

This Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry is a buttery, crisp, and slightly sweet pastry that serves as the perfect base for pies, tarts, and desserts. Light yet firm, this pastry is easy to work with and provides a deliciously flaky texture. Whether you’re making fruit tarts, custard pies, or chocolate-filled treats, this classic pastry will elevate your baking.

What is Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry?

Mary Berry’s Sweet Shortcrust Pastry is a traditional pastry made with flour, butter, sugar, and egg to create a rich and slightly sweet base for desserts. The sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while the egg helps bind the dough, making it easier to roll and shape.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Perfect for desserts – Ideal for fruit tarts, custard pies, and sweet pastry cases.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients with a foolproof method.
• Rich and buttery – A melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Can be made in advance – Stores well in the fridge or freezer.
• Versatile – Works for various sweet fillings.

Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry

• 250g all-purpose flour (plain flour)
• 125g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 50g icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-3 tbsp cold water

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter or food processor
• Rolling pin
• Cling film
• Pastry brush
• Tart tin or pie dish
• Baking beans (for blind baking)

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• Rub the butter into the flour – In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and chilled butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
• Add the sugar – Stir in the icing sugar for sweetness.

Step 2: Form the Dough

• Add the egg yolk – Mix in the egg yolk to help bind the dough.
• Incorporate cold water – Gradually add 2-3 tbsp of cold water, mixing with a knife or hands until the dough starts to come together.
• Shape and chill – Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pastry

• Prepare your surface – Lightly flour a clean surface and a rolling pin.
• Roll to the desired thickness – Roll out the pastry to about 3mm thick, turning occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Line the Tart Tin and Blind Bake

• Preheat the oven – Set to 180°C (350°F).
• Line the tin – Carefully lift the pastry into a tart tin, pressing it gently into the edges. Trim off excess pastry.
• Blind bake – Prick the base with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with baking beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for another 5-10 minutes until golden.

Step 5: Fill and Bake as Needed

• Use for any sweet filling – Once baked, fill with your choice of custard, fruit, or chocolate and continue baking as required.

What to Serve With Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry

• Fresh fruit and cream – A simple and elegant topping.
• Lemon curd or jam – Great for tart fillings.
• Chocolate ganache – A rich and indulgent option.
• Pastry cream and berries – A classic French-inspired dessert.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry

• Keep everything cold – Cold butter and water help create a flaky texture.
• Don’t overwork the dough – Handle it lightly to avoid toughness.
• Chill before rolling – Prevents shrinkage during baking.
• Roll evenly – Ensures a consistent thickness for even baking.
• Use icing sugar – Creates a smoother, finer texture than granulated sugar.

What are Variations of Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry?

• Almond shortcrust – Replace part of the flour with ground almonds for a nutty taste.
• Chocolate pastry – Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
• Citrus-infused pastry – Add lemon or orange zest for extra freshness.
• Vanilla-flavored pastry – Stir in a drop of vanilla extract for more depth.
• Nut-free version – Swap butter for margarine for an allergy-friendly alternative.

How Do I Store Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry?

• Refrigerate for freshness – Wrap in cling film and store for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for later – Store raw dough in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Store baked cases – Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

How Do I Reheat Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry?

• Oven method (best for crispness) – Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes to restore texture.
• Microwave method (quick but softens pastry) – Heat in short 10-second bursts, though this may reduce crispness.
• Reheating from frozen – Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking as required.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry Healthier?

• Use whole wheat flour – it increases fiber and adds a nutty taste.
• Reduce sugar – Use less icing sugar for a milder sweetness.
• Swap butter for a plant-based alternative – A dairy-free version for vegan baking.
• Use less butter – Reduces fat while maintaining a flaky texture.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 40mg

FAQs

Can I make sweet shortcrust pastry without eggs?

Yes, Sweet Shortcrust Pastry can be made without eggs by replacing the egg yolk with 1-2 extra tablespoons of cold water or milk. This will help bind the dough while still keeping it flaky.

Why is my shortcrust pastry cracking when I roll it out?

Shortcrust pastry can crack if it is too cold or too dry. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling, and if necessary, knead it lightly with a touch of cold water to make it more pliable.

How do I make sweet shortcrust pastry crispier?

For a crispier Sweet Shortcrust Pastry, blind bake it before adding any wet fillings. Brushing the base with egg wash or melted chocolate after baking also creates a barrier that prevents sogginess.

Can I freeze sweet shortcrust pastry?

Yes, Sweet Shortcrust Pastry freezes well. Wrap it tightly in cling film and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before rolling it out and baking.

Final Words

This Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry is the perfect foundation for a variety of desserts, offering a buttery, crisp texture with a hint of sweetness. flawless results every time. Try it today and create bakery-quality desserts at home!

Other British Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake
• Mary Berry Chocolate Chip Muffins
• James Martin Chicken and Leek Pie
• Mary Berry Apple and Lemon Cake

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