Butter Tarts

10 Irresistible Butter Tart Recipes: A Celebration of Canada’s Sweet Treat

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Dive into the delicious world of butter tarts with these 10 irresistible recipes that celebrate Canada’s iconic sweet treat. From classic butter tart recipes to variations with pecans, raisins, or even chocolate, this collection offers a butter tart recipe for every taste. Get ready to bake up a batch of these gooey, decadent, and undeniably Canadian desserts that are perfect for any occasion. Explore the nuances of different butter tart recipes and discover your new favorite!

Easy and Delicious Butter Tarts

This recipe provides a simple and straightforward method for creating delicious butter tarts. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be enjoying these sweet treats in no time.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup margarine
  • 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 24 (3-inch) tart shells

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. In a large bowl, cream together the margarine, brown sugar, and corn syrup until light and fluffy.

  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

  4. Add the beaten eggs and mix well to combine.

  5. Gently fold in the raisins.

  6. Place the tart shells on a baking sheet.

  7. Fill each tart shell almost to the top with the butter tart filling.

  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

  9. Let the tarts cool on a wire rack before removing them from the baking sheet.

Enjoy your warm, homemade butter tarts!

Gramma Joan’s Classic Butter Tarts

This recipe details how to make Gramma Joan’s delicious butter tarts. With a flaky crust and a sweet, gooey filling, these tarts are a sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 tbsp vanilla
  • 2 beaten eggs
  • 18 tart shells

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and butter. Stir frequently and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Remove from heat immediately.

  2. Whisk in the beaten eggs until fully incorporated.

  3. Fill each raw tart shell about ¾ full with the butter tart mixture. (Optional: Add a few raisins to the bottom of the shells before filling.)

  4. Bake: Initially bake the tarts at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the crust edges are golden brown.

  5. Cooling: Allow the tarts to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This will allow the filling to set properly.

Classic Canadian Butter Tarts: A Beloved National Treat

This recipe guides you through making delicious, authentic Canadian Butter Tarts. From the flaky pastry shell to the sweet and gooey filling, these tarts are a true Canadian classic.

Ingredients

Pastry Shell:

  • 256 grams all-purpose flour (2 cups)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 190 grams shortening (1 cup)
  • 1 large egg
  • 30 ml cold water (2 tablespoons)
  • 15 ml white vinegar (1 tablespoon)

Filling:

  • 100 grams brown sugar (1 cup, packed)
  • 75 ml maple syrup (1/4 cup)
  • 42 grams butter (3 tablespoons)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup pecans (or walnuts, chopped)

Instructions

Making the Pastry Shell:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (pea-sized pieces).
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar.
  3. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the well and gently mix with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Gently press the dough together in the bowl, flatten it slightly, and fold it in half. Repeat this folding process 3-4 times.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles. Gently press these circles into a muffin tin.

Making the Filling:

  1. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, vinegar, and salt.
  3. Stir in the chopped pecans (or walnuts).
  4. Pour the filling into the prepared pastry shells.

Baking:

  1. Bake in a preheated oven at 230°C (450°F) for 8 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 175°C (350°F) and continue baking for another 15-18 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
  2. Let the tarts cool slightly in the muffin tin before serving. Enjoy!

Easy Butter Tart Squares

This recipe provides a simplified approach to creating delicious butter tart squares, perfect for any occasion. It uses readily available ingredients and straightforward instructions to achieve a delightful balance of sweet and buttery goodness.

Ingredients

Base

  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup flour
  • ½ cup butter

Filling

  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • ½ cup raisins (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the pan: Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan.
  3. Make the base: Cream together ½ cup butter and ¼ cup brown sugar. Add 1 cup of flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Press the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
  4. Make the filling: In a separate bowl, cream together ¼ cup butter and ¾ cup brown sugar. Add the corn syrup, eggs, 2 tablespoons of flour, baking powder, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Stir in raisins (if using). Pour the filling over the pre-baked base.
  5. Bake: Bake for an additional 25 minutes.
  6. Cool and serve: Let the butter tart squares cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

Classic Butter Tarts Recipe

This recipe provides a simple and delicious way to make classic butter tarts. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be enjoying these sweet treats in no time.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • Pre-made tart shells (approx. 14-16)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt.

  3. Beat the mixture on medium speed for 4-5 minutes, or until well combined and smooth.

  4. Place the tart shells on a cookie sheet.

  5. Spoon the butter tart mixture into the shells, filling each about ¾ full.

  6. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges of the tart shells are golden brown and the filling is set.

  7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before enjoying.

Enjoy these warm and gooey butter tarts! They are perfect for any occasion.

Easy Butter Tarts with Pre-made Shells

This recipe uses pre-made tart shells for a shortcut to delicious butter tarts. Feel free to use homemade pastry if you prefer. This recipe focuses on a simple, flavorful filling that’s quick to assemble.

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp milk (or 10% cream for extra richness)
  • 1/3 cup raisins and/or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 package pre-made tart shells

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tart Shells: Preheat your oven and place the pre-made tart shells on a baking sheet. While they are warming slightly, you can begin preparing the filling.

  2. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, softened butter (warming it briefly in the microwave helps!), egg, vanilla extract, and milk (or cream). Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined. Stir in the raisins and/or walnuts if using.

  3. Fill and Bake: Fill each tart shell about 2/3 full with the prepared filling. Bake in the preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for 8 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

  4. Cool and Enjoy: Let the tarts cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Easy & Healthy Butter-Free Tart Crust

This recipe provides a simple and healthy way to make a delicious tart crust without using any butter. It utilizes readily available ingredients like pancake mix and silken tofu, offering a lighter alternative to traditional pastry. Follow the steps below to create a perfect base for your favorite tart fillings.

Ingredients

  • Option 1 (Oil-Free):
    • 100 grams Pancake mix
    • 50 grams Silken tofu
  • Option 2 (Crispy Crust):
    • 90 grams Pancake mix
    • 10 grams Katakuriko (Potato Starch)
    • 2 teaspoons Oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tofu: Wrap the silken tofu in paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Crumble the tofu into the pancake mix. For the crispy crust option, add the oil to the pancake mix first, then add the crumbled tofu.

  2. Form the Dough: Gently combine the ingredients by pressing down on the mixture with your fist until a cohesive dough forms.

  3. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a square, wrap it in a large piece of plastic wrap (larger than your 18cm tart pan), and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

  4. Roll Out the Dough: On a flat surface, roll out the chilled dough between the plastic wrap to a circle slightly larger than your 18cm tart pan, aiming for a thickness of approximately 1mm.

  5. Prevent Sticking (Optional): If the dough sticks to the rolling pin, lightly dust it with flour.

  6. Prepare the Tart Pan: Lightly grease the inside of your 18cm tart pan with oil. You can also lightly dust it with flour to help prevent sticking.

  7. Transfer the Dough: Carefully invert the rolled-out dough (still between the plastic wrap) into the prepared tart pan. Gently press the dough into the pan.

  8. Trim Excess Dough: Remove the excess dough by rolling over the edges of the tart pan with a rolling pin or trimming with your fingers. You can do this with or without the plastic wrap, whichever is easier.

  9. Remove Plastic Wrap: Carefully peel off the plastic wrap. Gently press the crust into the pan to ensure it fits snugly.

  10. Dock the Crust: Prick the bottom of the tart crust several times with a fork to prevent it from bubbling up during baking.

  11. Pre-bake the Crust: Pre-bake the crust at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes. If you have pie weights, place a sheet of greased aluminum foil over the crust and then add the pie weights. Note: This crust works well for tarts that don’t require pre-baking.

  12. Cooling & Slicing: The crust will be firm when freshly baked, but it will become easier to slice once cooled.

  13. Freezing the Dough: You can freeze the wrapped dough for up to 1 week. Thaw it completely before rolling it out.

Classic Butter Tarts

This recipe provides a simple and delicious way to make classic butter tarts. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can enjoy these sweet treats in no time.

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • Unbaked frozen tart shells

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients thoroughly.
  3. Fill the unbaked frozen tart shells with the mixture.
  4. Bake for 18 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

Enjoy your warm, homemade butter tarts!

Easy Individual Peanut Butter Apple Tarts

These personal-sized apple tarts are a delightful treat, combining the classic flavors of apple and peanut butter. They are surprisingly simple to make, perfect for a quick dessert or a special occasion.

Ingredients

  • 4 apples (Granny Smith or other tart apples recommended)
  • 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp cornstarch (optional, for a thicker filling)
  • 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine peanut butter, cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until melted and smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer. If you prefer a thicker filling, whisk in the cornstarch at this stage.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently fold in the sliced apples.
  4. Line your tart pans (or other desired baking dish) with the pie crust.
  5. Fill the crust-lined pans with the apple-peanut butter mixture.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Enjoy these warm, individual tarts as a delightful dessert! They are also delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Healthy Strawberry Tart (No Butter!)

This recipe guides you through making a delicious and healthy strawberry tart without using any butter. It features a simple, wholesome crust and a creamy custard filling, topped with fresh strawberries. You can customize the sponge cake layer with cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist or keep it plain. A whipped cream variation is also included.

Ingredients

For the Healthy Tart Crust:

  • 100 grams Pancake mix
  • 50 grams Silken tofu

For the Sponge Cake:

  • 15 grams Cake flour
  • 25 grams Sugar
  • 1 large Egg
  • 2 tsp Oil
  • 1 tsp Black cocoa powder (optional, for a brown cake)

For the Soy Milk Custard:

  • 100 ml Soy milk (or regular milk)
  • 1 Egg
  • 2 tbsp Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Cake flour or pancake mix
  • 1/2 tsp Rum (optional)
  • 1 dash Vanilla essence (optional)

For the Topping:

  • 1 pack Strawberries
  • Apricot jam (for glazing)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tart Crust: Prepare the tart crust according to your preferred recipe (a healthy tofu-based crust is recommended). Let it rest for at least an hour. While the crust rests, prepare the custard filling.

2. Make the Soy Milk Custard: Sift the flour into the other custard ingredients (soy milk, egg, sugar) and whisk well. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 4 minutes at 600W, checking occasionally. Once done, cover again and chill in the refrigerator.

3. Whipped Cream Variation (Optional): If using whipped cream instead of custard, prepare it with 50ml heavy cream after baking the sponge cake.

4. Bake the Tart Crust: Bake the prepared tart crust in a preheated oven at 170℃ (340°F) for 15 minutes. Using pie weights will help maintain its shape. After baking, gently flatten the base with your fingers.

5. Prepare the Sponge Cake: While the crust bakes, combine the egg and sugar in a bowl. Whisk over a double boiler until thickened. Sift in the flour and add oil. Mix with a hand mixer at low speed.

6. Bake the Sponge Cake Layer: Pour the sponge cake batter into the pre-baked tart crust. Bake at 160℃ (320°F) for 15 minutes.

7. Assemble the Tart: Once the cake is cooled, pour in the chilled soy milk custard (or spread the whipped cream). Arrange the fresh strawberries on top.

8. Finishing Touches: Glaze the strawberries with apricot jam or dust with powdered sugar. The tart is easier to cut after it has cooled completely.

The exact origins of the butter tart are, like many beloved recipes, shrouded in a bit of mystery. While no single “inventor” can be credited, the treat firmly holds its place as a quintessential Canadian dessert, with roots tracing back to the early settlers of Quebec.

Early variations of the butter tart appeared in the 17th and 18th centuries, likely influenced by the culinary traditions brought over by French and British settlers. These early recipes often utilized readily available ingredients like maple syrup, dried fruits, and spices, reflecting the resourcefulness of the time.

One of the earliest published recipes for a butter tart filling can be found in a 1900 cookbook from Barrie, Ontario, further solidifying its Canadian heritage. These early recipes often featured a runnier filling, quite different from some of the thicker, gooier versions popular today.

Over time, butter tarts became a staple in Canadian homes, particularly in rural communities. They were often served at special occasions and community gatherings, contributing to their strong nostalgic association.

The butter tart continues to evolve, with bakers experimenting with different variations, including the addition of pecans, raisins, or even chocolate chips. While the “perfect” butter tart remains a topic of much debate (runny vs. firm!), its enduring popularity speaks to its delicious simplicity and cherished place in Canadian culinary history.

Nutritional Content and Benefits of Butter Tarts

While undeniably delicious, butter tarts aren’t typically considered a health food. They’re a treat meant to be enjoyed in moderation. A single butter tart can be high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat, primarily from ingredients like butter, sugar, and pastry.

The precise nutritional content varies depending on the specific recipe. Additions like raisins, pecans, or walnuts can add some nutritional value, contributing small amounts of fiber, healthy fats, and minerals. However, these additions don’t significantly alter the overall nutritional profile.

The “benefit” of a butter tart lies mainly in its ability to bring joy and satisfaction. That comforting taste of sweet, buttery filling nestled in a flaky crust can be a wonderful mood booster. Think of butter tarts as a special occasion indulgence, a small pleasure to be savored rather than a regular dietary staple.

Tips for Choosing Quality Butter

Butter is the heart and soul of a truly delicious butter tart. Choosing the right butter will greatly impact the final flavor and texture. Look for high-fat butter, ideally with a fat content of 82% or higher. This higher fat content contributes to a richer, flakier crust and a more luxurious filling.

Consider using European-style butter, which typically has a higher fat content than standard American butter. The extra fat contributes to a superior taste and texture. Unsalted butter is generally preferred in baking, as it allows you to control the overall salt level in your recipe.

Pay attention to the color and aroma of the butter. It should have a pleasant, creamy aroma and a light yellow color. Avoid butter that smells rancid or has a dull, grayish hue. Freshness is key to achieving the best flavor in your butter tarts.

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