Delicious Liberian Shortbread

Shortbread is a favorite breakfast or anytime pastry in Liberia. The Liberian shortbread is golden brown on the outside and soft, rich, and buttery on the inside. It is a one-bowl, easy-to-make bread. Liberians sometimes pair this delicious shortbread with fish gravy as a full meal or simply enjoy the bread with tea or coffee.

Ingredients to Make the Liberian Shortbread

The Liberian shortbread is delicious and very easy to make. First, gather all the ingredients. These are the ingredients for Liberian shortbread. You will need: All-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, salt, buttermilk, eggs, and sour cream (sour cream helps to keep the bread moist/soft longer). The ingredients are used in the recipe in the order they are listed.

Step-by-Step to Make the Shortbread

Step 1

Gather the ingredients. This ensures that the ingredients are available to use in the recipe.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch X 2 1/2-in round baking pan,

Add the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.

Step 3

Mix in the softened butter using a pastry blender or clean hand. Do not overmix. Tiny bits of butter will be visible. Make a hole in the middle of the flour mixture.

Step 4

Mix the slightly beaten eggs into the buttermilk.

Step 5

Add the buttermilk to the flour mixture all at once. Add the sour cream. Stir gently until fully combined and no dry ingredients remain.

Step 6

Pour the dough into the prepared baking pan. Use a fork to spread evenly with fork.

Step 7

Bake on lower rack for 30-35 minutes. Move the baking pan to the top rack and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes. Slice and serve.

Prep Time 1 hr

Cook Time 10 mins

Rest Time 10 mins

Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: American, Liberian

Courses: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 8

Calories: 350

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

The Liberian shortbread is one of those quick breads that will have you going back for a little piece, and before you know it, the entire pan is gone! It is golden brown on the outside, rich and flavorful on the inside.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
4 ½ tsps baking powder
1/2 tsp tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

1
Step 11. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease one 9-in x 2 ½-in round baking pan.
2
Step2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a large mixer bowl.
3
Step 33. Add the softened butter to dry ingredients using a pastry blender or with clean hand. Do not overwork the butter, little lumps of butter should remain in the mixture. This will keep the bread soft during and after the baking process.
4
Step 44. Combine the slightly beaten eggs and buttermilk.
5
Step 55. Make a well in center of dry ingredients, add the egg/buttermilk and sour cream to the dry ingredients. Mix lightly with a spatula until the dry and wet ingredients are fully combined with no dry ingredients remaining. Do not beat or over mix.
6
Step 66. Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake on lower rack 30-35 minutes. Move the pan to the top rack, bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
7
Step 77. Remove the shortbread from the oven. Allow to rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve plain or with butter and jam. Serves up to 8 persons.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Serving Size slice

Amount Per Serving
Calories 350kcal