Master the 1:2:3 rule for perfect shortcrust pastry every time

Shortcrust pastry is the base for many baked goods. The key to making it is the right proportions, so anyone who loves baking should know the 1:2:3 method.

Basics of shortcrust pastry

To make the perfect shortcrust pastry, we only need butter, flour, and sugar. With this, we can create the ideal base for all kinds of cakes, tarts, and other delicacies. To ensure that the shortcrust pastry is perfect, we must stick to the 1:2:3 rule. What does this rule entail?

The 1:2:3 rule - the secret to perfect shortcrust pastry

The 1:2:3 rule is simply the ratio of sugar to butter and flour. What should it be? For one part sugar, there are two parts butter and three parts flour. An example? 7 oz sugar should be combined with 14 oz butter and 21 oz flour. It's a straightforward rule, but one must also consider other factors that affect how the shortcrust pastry turns out.

To make shortcrust pastry, it is best to choose pastry flour or classic wheat flour. Additionally, use butter with a high fat content, preferably 82 percent. Some sources mention that our grandmothers used a trick where they replaced part of the butter with lard. Instead of classic sugar, powdered sugar is worth using. Why? Powdered sugar will not caramelize during baking and will quickly combine with the other ingredients. Do not add an entire egg to the dough—only the yolk, optionally with a bit of water. Ideally, all ingredients must be cold for the pastry to come out.

Recipe for shortcrust pastry

How to make shortcrust pastry?

1. Knead all the ingredients together. It's best to chop the butter with the flour using a knife and combine it with the rest of the ingredients.
2. After combining the ingredients, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for about an hour.
3. After an hour, roll out the dough on a floured board, place it in the baking pan, and refrigerate it again. Before placing the dough in the oven, prick it with a fork.
4. Bake the shortcrust pastry for about 25 minutes at a temperature of 340-390°F.

Shortcrust pastry is one of the simplest desserts, so it is worth keeping this recipe to impress family members or guests.