Coffee shortcrust pastry

Name: Coffee shortcrust pastry
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: Type 00 flour 4 cups; Instant coffee 0.7 oz; Butter soft 1.1 cups; Powdered sugar 1 ¼ cup; Eggs at room temperature 2

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 10 min
Makes: 1 Kg
Cost: Low
Note + 30 min chill time in the fridge

PRESENTATION

If you're a fan of coffee and Italian desserts, this coffee shortcrust pastry is definitely going to be your new favorite. Seriously, it is a game-changer. This Italian classic, known as pasta frolla al caffè, takes a tasty twist on traditional shortcrust by infusing it with soluble coffee. And look, the result is a coffee tart crust that's both fragrant and intense, capturing that rich aroma right from the start. Pretty amazing, right? In many Italian kitchens, this espresso pie dough is a staple—versatile enough for everything from crispy biscotti to layered crostate.

What makes it stand out is the crumbly texture, which pairs beautifully with sweet or creamy fillings. It really shows Italy’s love for bold coffee flavors. Across Italy's diverse regions, you'll discover various ways this coffee-infused pastry is enjoyed. Whether topped with a silky chocolate ganache or a moist white cream, it enhances the coffee's deep notes. So so good.

This dough’s tender crumb holds up well under any filling, delivering a satisfying bite every time. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy weekend treat. This mocha tart base brings a touch of Italian flair to your table with its coffee heart built right in. Many appreciate how easy it is to prepare—super simple—keeping its shape well for those picture-perfect slices.

Whether you choose to fill it with fruit, nuts, or creamy layers, this coffee-flavored shortcrust offers a taste of Italian café culture right in your kitchen. And the aroma? Just wow. It’s an easy way to make any dessert feel special, with a rich taste and aromatic smell that invites everyone to take another bite. So, next time you are looking to impress with a bit of Italian charm, reach for this recipe and enjoy a slice of authentic Italian delight. Trust me, you won't regret it.

How to prepare Coffee shortcrust pastry

To prepare the coffee shortcrust pastry, place the soft butter, cut into cubes, into the bowl of a stand mixer together with the powdered sugar 1. Start working the mixture with the paddle attachment until you obtain a homogeneous consistency. At this point add the eggs, lightly beaten 2, and let them incorporate while continuing to mix. When the mixture is combined, add the flour 3.

Also incorporate the instant coffee powder 4 and work for a few more moments, just long enough to obtain an even dough 5. Then transfer the mixture to the work surface and quickly press it together with your hands 6 until you form a smooth block.

Wrap the dough in cling film 7 and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. After resting, lightly flour the work surface 8, roll out the pastry with a rolling pin to the desired thickness 8 and use it for your preparations!

Storage

The coffee shortcrust pastry can be stored for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

It can be frozen.

Tip

With these quantities you can make a shell to line an 11 in (28 cm) diameter pan, or you can make a tart with a lattice top of about 8 2/3 in (22 cm).

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.

Coffee shortcrust pastry

PRESENTATION

How to prepare Coffee shortcrust pastry

Storage

Tip

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