SHORTCRUST PASTRY RECIPE

How to Make a Perfect Gluten-Free Pastry Dough for Sweet or Savory Dishes

RECIPE DETAILS

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chilling Time: 60 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Servings: 1 Tart base or ~8 servings

• Difficulty: ⭐☆☆ (Easy)

• Diet type: Gluten-Free, Mediterranean

• The quantities can be easily doubled or halved

• 300 g Gluten free flour

• 100 g Sugar

• 110 g Softened lactose free butter

• 2 Eggs

• A grated lemon zest

• Half a packet of cake yeast

If you’ve been looking for a homemade shortcrust pastry that combines lightness and flavor, you’re in the right place!
Today we’re sharing our gluten-free and dairy-free shortcrust pastry — deliciously delicate and wonderfully light, perfect for anyone who wants a dessert that’s truly carefree.
It takes just 15 minutes to prepare, and the result is a crumbly, fragrant base ready to embrace your favorite fillings!

• Light Yet Flavorful – A perfectly crisp and crumbly texture that supports your fillings beautifully without feeling heavy

• Simple, Trusted Ingredients – Free from dairy and gluten, made only with wholesome flours and natural aromas you can feel good about serving

• A "canvas" of Flavor – Gently sweet, melt in your mouth pastry that enhances tarts, cookies, and desserts without overpowering them

• Wonderfully Versatile – Perfect for both sweet and savory creations: try it for tarts, cookies, fruit tartlets, or even quiches

• For Everyone – Easy to make, elegant to serve, perfect to impress at a party or simply treat your family to something special

1 - Place the flour and make a well

• Place 300 g of gluten-free flour on your work surface

• Form a well (a cavity) in the center

2 - Add the wet ingredients

• Into the well, add 2 eggs

• Add 100 g sugar

• Add half a packet of cake yeast (baking powder)

• Add the grated zest of 1 lemon

3 - Incorporate the softened butter

• Add 110 g of softened lactose-free butter to the center

• Mix gently, folding the flour over toward the center

• Continue combining until you get a smooth, cohesive dough (do not overwork)

4 - Shape and chill the dough

• Form the dough into a ball or disc

• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap

• Refrigerate for 60 minutes

5 - Ready to use

• After chilling, roll out the dough

• Use it as a base for tarts, cookies, quiches, or your favorite dessert

Don't miss here below, the video for the shortcrust gluten and lactose free recipe, it will guide you step by step for the best results.

TIPS FOR PERFECT RESULTS

To make a gluten-free shortcrust pastry that is crumbly yet easy to work with, it’s essential not to overwork the dough. Mix the ingredients just until they are well combined: working the dough too much can make it more fragile and difficult to roll out.

Chilling the dough is essential. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes so the fats can firm up, making the pastry more stable and less likely to break when rolling it out. To make this step even easier, roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper—a very useful technique for many homemade gluten-free recipes.

Finally, choose your gluten-free flour carefully. Ready-made, well-balanced flour blends provide more consistent results, especially if you’re new to gluten-free baking. Once ready, this shortcrust pastry is perfect as a base for tarts, cookies, and gluten-free desserts, ideal for simple, wholesome baking everyone can enjoy.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

This gluten-free shortcrust pastry is an extremely versatile base and can be easily adapted to suit your taste or needs. For a lighter version, you can slightly reduce the sugar or partially replace it with brown sugar or erythritol, keeping a balanced sweetness.

If you’d like a more aromatic variation, add a pinch of vanilla, cinnamon, or grated orange zest to the dough instead of lemon. These flavors pair beautifully with fruit tarts, cookies, and classic, simple desserts.

For a richer, more rustic result, you can replace a small portion of the gluten-free flour blend with almond flour or hazelnut flour, creating a softer texture and a more intense flavor. This version is ideal for tarts and dry cookies inspired by homemade gluten-free recipes, perfect for any occasion.

Can I freeze gluten-free shortcrust pastry?

Yes! You can freeze the dough after shaping it into a ball or disc. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then store in an airtight bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Which flour is best for gluten-free shortcrust pastry?

A blend of gluten-free flours works best. Rice flour, cornstarch, and almond flour are common options, but using a ready-made gluten-free flour mix ensures better texture and elasticity.

How do I keep gluten-free pastry from crumbling?

Since gluten-free dough lacks elasticity, it’s more fragile. Chill the dough before rolling it out, work gently, and roll between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent breaking.

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