Description

The Shortcrust Boat Shell, known in Italy as barchetta (“little boat”), is a traditional Italian pastry base with origins in the Emilia-Romagna region. As the name suggests, this pastry features the shape of a small boat, crafted with a shortcrust or puff pastry base, designed to be filled with pastry cream and decorated with fresh fruit or chocolate shavings.

The history of the barchetta dates back to the 18th century, when the pastry was known as barcetto—a gondola-shaped sweet served during the Carnival season. Over time, the design evolved, taking on its current shape of a small boat.

The barchetta became popular throughout Italy starting in the 1900s, when numerous pastry shops began offering it among their selection of fine baked goods.

Additional information