The Best Classic Canadian Butter Tarts Recipe: Sweet Nostalgic Treat

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen come flooding back with these classic Canadian butter tarts that dance between gooey and crisp.

Maple-scented whispers echo through generations of home cooks perfecting this beloved dessert.

Crisp pastry shells cradle a rich, caramelized filling that melts softly on your tongue.

Generations of Canadian families have treasured this simple yet magical treat passed down through cherished recipe cards.

Rustic and comforting, these tarts speak to the heart of traditional Canadian baking.

Warm ovens and sweet anticipation await as you embark on creating this iconic dessert that promises pure deliciousness.

Prepare to fall in love with a taste of Canadian culinary heritage.

Tips for Canadian Butter Tarts Storage

• Store butter tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual tarts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm tarts gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore their crisp pastry and soft, gooey filling without drying them out.
• For a faster option, enjoy cold straight from the refrigerator. The filling remains deliciously sweet and the crust maintains its buttery texture.

Butter Tarts Pair Beautifully With These

• Savor Sweet Syrup Companions: Maple Bourbon Whiskey pairs beautifully, highlighting the butter tart's rich caramel notes with smooth warmth.
• Complement Creamy Textures: Vanilla Bean Ice Cream creates a delightful contrast, offering cool creaminess against the tart's warm, gooey filling.
• Enhance Pastry Flavors: Strong Black Coffee cuts through the sweetness, providing a robust counterpoint that balances the butter tart's sugary profile.
• Match Regional Elegance: Canadian Ice Cider delivers a crisp, sweet accent that celebrates the tart's national heritage with a local liquid companion.

Butter Tart Styles Made Easy

• Gluten-Free Butter Tarts: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Butter Tart Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup instead of eggs, and add flax egg for binding.
• Low-Sugar Butter Tarts: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content.
• Nut-Free Pecan Replacement: Skip pecans and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch and texture without nuts.

FAQs

• Are Canadian butter tarts different from other tarts?

Canadian butter tarts are uniquely sweet with a gooey, runny filling that’s distinctly different from traditional European-style tarts. They’re a beloved Canadian dessert with a rich, sugary center that can be either firm or liquid.

• Can I make butter tarts without corn syrup?

Yes, you can substitute corn syrup with maple syrup, which is actually more traditional in Canadian cuisine. The maple syrup will give a slightly different flavor but maintain the classic sweetness and texture of the tart.

• Do I need special equipment to make butter tarts?

A standard muffin tin works perfectly for butter tarts. No specialized equipment is required, making them relatively easy for home bakers to prepare. Just ensure you have basic baking tools like a rolling pin and mixing bowls.

• What are the most common filling add-ins for butter tarts?

Raisins and pecans are the most traditional add-ins. Some bakers prefer one or the other, while others might include both. These ingredients add texture and extra flavor to the sweet, buttery filling.

Classic Canadian Butter Tarts Offer Gooey, Buttery Perfection

Quick Kitchen Magic: Effortless Butter Tart Creation

• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers wanting to master a classic Canadian dessert without complex techniques or professional skills.
• Time-Saving Delight: Requires just 30 minutes of prep and 22 minutes of baking, delivering delicious results in under an hour for busy home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Versatile dessert that works wonderfully for family gatherings, potlucks, holiday celebrations, and casual weekend sweet cravings.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adding raisins, pecans, or experimenting with maple syrup for a personalized touch that suits different taste preferences.

Canadian Butter Tarts Ingredient Set

• All-Purpose Flour: Key ingredient for creating a tender and flaky pastry shell.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the buttery taste of the pastry.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and creates a delicate, flaky texture in the crust.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without developing too much gluten.

• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and contributes to the signature gooey texture.
• Corn Syrup or Maple Syrup: Creates a smooth, glossy filling with a classic Canadian touch.
• Large Eggs: Bind the filling and provide structure to the tart's interior.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic flavor to complement the sweet filling.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the tart.

• Raisins: Traditional filling addition that provides chewy texture and natural sweetness.
• Pecans: Offers a crunchy contrast to the soft, gooey filling for those who enjoy nuts.

Canadian Butter Tarts Classic Baking Tips

Step 1: Create Flaky Pastry Dough

Blend flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Use a pastry cutter or cold butter knife to slice cold butter into the flour mixture until it looks like rough breadcrumbs.

Slowly pour in ice water, gently mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball.

Shape the dough into a flat disk, wrap securely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for half an hour to firm up.

Step 2: Roll and Mold Pastry Shells

Dust a clean countertop with flour.

Roll out the chilled dough to a thin, even layer.

Use a round cookie cutter or drinking glass to cut perfect circles.

Carefully press each pastry circle into a greased muffin tin, ensuring even coverage.

Return the prepared tin to the refrigerator while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Craft Decadent Butter Tart Filling

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

• Raisins
• Chopped pecans

Step 4: Bake Golden Butter Tarts

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Fill each pastry shell two-thirds full with the prepared mixture.

Bake for 18-22 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the centers look slightly jiggly but set.

Step 5: Cool and Serve Delightful Tarts

Allow the tarts to rest in the pan for a few minutes.

Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.

Serve warm or at room temperature for the most authentic Canadian experience.

Smart Baking Advice for Classic Canadian Butter Tarts

• Use room temperature butter for a smoother, more even pastry dough that blends effortlessly and creates a flakier texture.
• Refrigerate pastry dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage and ensure a crisp, structured shell during baking.
• Swap raisins with chopped pecans, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries to create unique flavor combinations that suit your taste preferences.
• Watch tarts closely during the last few minutes of baking to achieve a golden, slightly jiggly center without overcooking or burning the edges.
• Prepare pastry dough and filling a day in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time and enhance flavor development.

Best Classic Canadian Butter Tarts Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Canadian tradition shines through these butter tarts, blending rich buttery pastry with a caramel-like filling that dances between crisp and gooey. Maple-kissed and irresistibly delicious, you’ll savor each bite of this beloved national dessert.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup corn syrup (or maple syrup)

Pastry Components:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a tender, flaky pastry by combining flour and salt, then methodically incorporate cold butter until the texture mimics coarse, crumbly terrain. Gradually introduce ice water, gently binding the mixture into a cohesive dough.
2. Shape the dough into a compact disk, envelop in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for half an hour to allow the gluten to relax and butter to solidify.
3. On a generously floured surface, roll the chilled dough to an even thickness. Use a circular cutter to create precise pastry shells that perfectly nestle into muffin tin cavities.
4. Delicately press the pastry circles into each cup, ensuring smooth, even coverage. Return the prepared tin to the refrigerator while constructing the filling.
5. Create a luxurious filling by whisking melted butter with brown sugar, creating a rich, caramel-like base. Introduce corn syrup or maple syrup for depth of sweetness.
6. Integrate eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the mixture, stirring until completely homogeneous. Fold in raisins or pecans for added texture and complexity.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), establishing the ideal environment for transforming raw ingredients into golden, bubbling tarts.
8. Fill each pastry shell approximately two-thirds full, allowing room for the filling to expand and caramelize during baking.
9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and slightly wobbling centers – the hallmark of perfectly executed butter tarts.
10. Allow the tarts to rest in the pan momentarily, then carefully transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm to showcase their gooey, decadent interior, or enjoy at room temperature for a classic Canadian treat.

Notes

• Achieve flaky pastry by keeping ingredients ice-cold and handling dough minimally to prevent gluten development.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by preheating the muffin tin and using a light dusting of flour before placing pastry shells.
• Customize filling texture by adjusting corn syrup amount: more for gooier center, less for firmer consistency.
• Accommodate dietary needs with gluten-free flour blend or substitute maple syrup for corn syrup in filling for natural sweetness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 289
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg