Calorie Chart / Recipes / Pastry - Shortcrust
How Many Calories Are in Shortcrust pastry?
Calculation of the nutritional value & Recommended Dietary Intake of shortcrust pastry
For g and a calorie requirement of kcal
| Calories 775 kcal | Proteins 10 g | Lipids 44 g | Carbohydrates 85 g |
| 39% | 13% | 66% | 31% |
Health benefits of shortcrust pastry
Shortcrust pastry - 100g
Calories 337 kcal
Proteins 4.5 g
Lipids 19 g
Carbohydrates 37 g
Shortcrust pastry is generally regarded as a high-calorie base because it supplies a dense package of calories that come mainly from its mix of white flour and butter. Those calories translate into rapid energy, which can be useful for hikers or athletes who need compact fuel.
From a micronutrient angle, the wheat flour provides B-group vitamins (notably thiamine and niacin) that help convert calories into usable energy, while butter contributes fat-soluble vitamins A and E. Iron, magnesium, and phosphorus are also present in small amounts, supporting oxygen transport and bone health. Although the dough is calorie-dense, it delivers 4.5 g of protein per 100 g, enough to slow the absorption of those calories.
Historically, shortcrust pastry (pâte brisée) appeared in French cookbooks in the 17th century as a sturdier, less flaky alternative to puff pastry. Its neutral taste lets cooks decide whether the extra calories will come from a sweet or a savory filling. Knowing its calorie profile helps you dose portions: a thin tart shell saves calories, while a thick double crust adds calories.
Tips for incorporating shortcrust pastry into a balanced diet
Because the shell itself already provides calories, balance it with lighter fillings. A classic quiche Lorraine becomes more diet-friendly if you replace part of the cream with beaten egg white; that tweak cuts calories while boosting protein. For dinner, line the pastry with sautéed spinach, onions, and a sprinkle of fresh goat cheese to obtain a nutrient-rich vegetable tart that keeps calories in check.
On the sweet side, a rustic apple galette uses thin-sliced apple and just a touch of cinnamon; most of the flavor comes from fruit, not added sugar, so you control calories. Similarly, a summer vegetable tart filled with tomato, zucchini, and herbs brings color without exploding calories.
If you need more sustained energy—for example, before a long run—pair a small slice of shortcrust pastry topped with nut butter and banana: the combination gives fast and slow calories plus potassium. Whatever the recipe, pay attention to portion size: reducing the shell thickness by even 1 mm can shave significant calories from the final slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many calories are in shortcrust pastry?
- Shortcrust pastry contains 337 kcal per 100 g.
- Is shortcrust pastry higher in calories than puff pastry?
- Yes, gram for gram, traditional puff pastry usually packs even more calories because it incorporates extra butter during lamination. However, shortcrust pastry remains a high-calorie option that can still add many calories to a meal if portions are large.
- Can I eat shortcrust pastry while dieting for weight loss?
- Yes, but watch calories: keep the crust thin, choose low-calorie fillings, and limit yourself to a modest slice so total calories stay within your daily target.
- How do I lower the calories in homemade shortcrust pastry?
- Replace part of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or 0% fromage blanc, and use wholemeal flour to add fiber; these swaps reduce fat calories and increase satiety.
- Does baking time affect the calories of shortcrust pastry?
- No, baking evaporates water but does not remove fat or carbohydrates, so the calorie count remains practically the same. Overbaking might even concentrate calories slightly by driving off more moisture.
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Information provided by Calorie Menu may contain inaccuracies or errors. It cannot, under any circumstances, substitute medical advice or medication.
