Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry

Why You’ll Like It

There are so many reasons to love Mary Berry’s Sweet Shortcrust Pastry recipe!

• Versatility. Whether you’re making a classic fruit tart, a quiche, or even hand pies, this pastry will be the perfect base for your creations.
• Easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic steps, even beginner bakers can achieve fantastic results. The addition of icing sugar gives the pastry a subtle sweetness that elevates any dessert. The light and flaky texture of the pastry is also a standout feature, making every bite a delight.
• Reliability. Mary Berry is known for her foolproof recipes, and this one is no exception. You can trust that your pastry will turn out beautifully every time. Lastly, this recipe allows for customisation. You can easily add flavours like vanilla or citrus zest to the dough to create unique variations.

So why not give Mary Berry’s Sweet Shortcrust Pastry a try? It’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Tips

• Work surface. Dust your work surface with flour to prevent the dough from sticking while rolling it out.
• Butter. Make sure your butter is chilled before blending it with the flour to achieve a flaky texture.
• Dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Just mix until it comes together. Knead the dough briefly to ensure it’s smooth and uniform, but avoid over-kneading to keep the pastry tender. If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm it up again.
• Refrigerate. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is essential to firm it up and make it easier to roll out.
• For a sweeter pastry. You can increase the amount of icing sugar according to your taste.

What You Need

Sweet Shortcrust Pastry Ingredients

• Plain flour – 225g (1 ¾ cups / 8 ounces) plain flour
• Chilled butter – 150g (⅔ cup / 5.3 ounces) butter, chilled
• Icing sugar – 25g / 2 tablespoons / 0.9 oz icing sugar
• Egg – 1 large egg, beaten
• Cold water – 2 tablespoons cold water

How to Prepare Mary Berry’s Sweet Pastry Dough

1. Prepare your work surface
   Clear a clean, dry area and lightly dust it with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.

2. Mix the flour and butter
   Measure the flour into a large bowl. Cut the chilled butter into small cubes and add it to the flour. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. This should take a few minutes.

3. Add the icing sugar
   Stir the icing sugar into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly combined.

4. Form the dough
   Make a well in the centre of the mixture. Pour in the beaten egg and cold water. Using a fork or spatula, gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until the dough starts to come together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the pastry tough.

5. Knead briefly
   Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and knead gently for about 1 minute, just until smooth and uniform.

6. Chill the dough
   Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap or cover with a clean kitchen towel, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the pastry and makes it easier to roll out later.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate. Once you’ve made the pastry, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezing. If you want to freeze the pastry, shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To use. When you’re ready to use the pastry, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out. Remember to always bake the pastry before freezing or refrigerating any filled tarts or pies.

How to Serve Mary Berry Sweet Shortcrust Pastry?

Mary Berry’s Sweet Shortcrust Pastry is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.

• For a sweet treat. Use it as the base for fruit tarts, pies, or even a classic British Bakewell tart. Fill the pastry with your favourite fruits, custard, ice cream or jam for a delightful dessert.
• If you prefer savoury dishes. This pastry is perfect for quiches, hand pies, or even savoury tarts. Fill it with a combination of vegetables, cheese, and herbs for a delicious meal. The options are endless!
• Serve your creations as a standalone dessert or alongside a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

No matter how you choose to serve it, Mary Berry’s Sweet Shortcrust Pastry will impress your family and friends with its buttery and flaky goodness.

Health Info