Canadian Butter Tarts are a beloved classic dessert known for their rich, gooey filling wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry shell. These small tarts offer the perfect balance of sweet and buttery, often featuring optional additions like raisins or pecans that add texture and flavor to every bite.
Why You’ll Love Canadian Butter Tarts
Canadian Butter Tarts are irresistible for several reasons:
- Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfectly flaky pastry with a luscious, caramelized filling.
- Versatile with options like raisins, pecans, or chocolate chips.
- Great for festive occasions or comforting everyday treats.
- Travel well and make excellent gifts or party snacks.
Ingredients
Pastry Dough
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Filling
- 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine flour and salt in a bowl, then cut in cold butter until pea-sized crumbs form.
- In another bowl, whisk water, egg yolk, and vinegar; add to flour mixture and gently mix to form dough.
- Wrap dough in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out dough and cut into 3½-4 inch rounds; press into muffin tins.
- If using, sprinkle raisins or pecans evenly at the bottom of each tart shell.
- In a bowl, whisk brown sugar, salt, butter, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
- Pour filling into tart shells, filling about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until pastry is golden and filling is bubbly.
- Cool for 10 minutes before removing from tins.
How to Serve Canadian Butter Tarts
Canadian Butter Tarts are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Serving ideas include:
- With a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting snack.
- Accompanied by fresh fruit to balance the sweetness.
- At festive occasions, plate as part of a dessert spread alongside cookies like Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies or Christmas Cookie Lasagna.
- Wrapped individually as treats for gifts or potlucks.
How to Store Canadian Butter Tarts
Proper storage keeps your butter tarts fresh and delicious:
- Store cooled tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Refrigerate to extend freshness for up to five days; allow to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze for longer storage (up to three months) in airtight containers, separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Thaw frozen tarts in the refrigerator before serving, then warm gently if desired.
Tips to Make Canadian Butter Tarts
To achieve perfect butter tarts:
- Use cold butter for the pastry and don’t overwork the dough to ensure flakiness.
- Chill the dough before rolling out to prevent shrinking during baking.
- Adjust baking time depending on how runny or set you prefer the filling.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent spillover in the oven.
- Add vinegar or lemon juice to the filling for a subtle tang and balance to sweetness.
Variations of Canadian Butter Tarts
Variations on this classic dessert can elevate and customize the flavor:
- Raisin or pecan additions are the traditional favorites.
- Chocolate chips or chunks add a modern twist.
- Swapping raisins for currants or chopped walnuts for pecans.
- Boozy versions with a splash of bourbon or rum in the filling.
- Seasonal spins with peach or cranberry bits mixed into the filling.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the tart shells ahead of time?
A: Yes, tart shells can be prepared and stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen before filling and baking.
Q: Are butter tarts gluten-free?
A: Traditional recipes use all-purpose flour, but gluten-free flour blends can be substituted for the crust.
Q: Can I omit raisins or nuts?
A: Absolutely, plain butter tarts without add-ins are still delicious and very traditional.
Q: How do I reheat leftover butter tarts?
A: Warm in a low oven or microwave briefly to restore gooey texture without drying them out.
For more festive sweet treats, try :
Final Thoughts
Canadian Butter Tarts capture the heart of simple, soul-warming baking—a testament to Canada’s sweet heritage that brings joy with every bite. Whether runny, firm, or loaded with add-ins, they adapt to any occasion, from cozy family nights to dazzling holiday tables. Whip up a batch today and discover why they’re an enduring favorite that never fails to impress. Share your twists and tag us in your creations!
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Canadian Butter Tarts
Description
Classic Canadian Butter Tarts with a flaky pastry crust and gooey sweet filling, optionally studded with raisins or pecans.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- Optional: raisins or pecans
Instructions
1. Combine flour, salt and cut in butter to pea-sized crumbs.
2. Mix water, yolk and vinegar, add to flour; form dough.
3. Chill dough for at least 1 hour.
4. Roll dough, cut rounds, press in muffin tin.
5. Add raisins or pecans if using.
6. Whisk brown sugar, butter, salt, vanilla, egg.
7. Fill tart shells 2/3 full.
8. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.
9. Cool 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store in airtight container up to 5 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen.
Warm before serving for gooey texture.
Try variations with different nuts, raisins or chocolate.