Butter Tarts

Butter Tarts

Butter tarts are a classic Canadian dessert. They have a sweet, gooey filling inside a flaky pastry shell. This treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a sweet snack at home. The combination of buttery goodness with a hint of sweetness makes them truly irresistible.

Why Make This Recipe

Making butter tarts is a fun and rewarding experience. Not only are they delicious, but they are also easy to prepare. This recipe uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Plus, you can customize the filling with your favorite add-ins like raisins or pecans. Your friends and family will love these delightful tarts, and they are sure to impress!

How to Make Butter Tarts

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ c all-purpose flour (approximately 227 g)
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ c cold unsalted butter (cubed, about 112 g)
• ⅓ c cold water
• 1 c firmly packed brown sugar (190 g)
• ½ c golden corn syrup
• ¼ c melted salted butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp white vinegar (optional, to moderate sweetness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: ½ c raisins or pecans

Directions

Pastry Tart Shells:

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them into discs.
5. Roll each disc out and place it into a muffin tin to form the tart shells.

Butter Tart Filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. If using, stir in the raisins or pecans.
4. Pour the filling into each tart shell until they are about three-quarters full.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
6. Let the tarts cool before removing them from the muffin tin.

How to Serve Butter Tarts

Serve butter tarts warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain, or you can pair them with whipped cream or ice cream for added decadence. They make a great dessert after dinner or a sweet treat for afternoon tea.

How to Store Butter Tarts

Store any leftover butter tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Tips to Make Butter Tarts

• Make sure your butter is very cold to get a flaky crust.
• If you prefer less sweetness, adjust the amount of brown sugar and corn syrup.
• Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits to find your favorite filling combination.

Variations

You can change the flavor by adding chocolate chips, coconut, or different types of nuts. Each variation brings a unique twist to the classic butter tart.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the pastry dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have corn syrup?
A: You can substitute corn syrup with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Q: Are butter tarts gluten-free?
A: This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version.