Irresistible True Butter Tarts: A Sweet Canadian Classic for You

Butter tarts hold a special place in the hearts of Canadian dessert lovers.

This beloved treat is much more than just a pastry; it is a sweet symbol deeply tied to Canada’s rich traditions.

With its gooey filling and flaky crust, it captures the attention of anyone who enjoys delicious sweets.

For years, both home bakers and pastry experts have crafted their own unique takes on this treasured dessert.

Different regions and family secrets add layers of flavor and meaning to butter tarts across Canada.

They bring together feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and timeless baking methods in one irresistible package that continues to please taste buds everywhere in the nation.

Great Pairings For True Butter Tarts

• Brew Bold Canadian Coffee: Rich, dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness, complementing the tart's caramel-like filling with robust flavor notes.
• Match with Maple-Infused Whisky: Local Canadian whisky with subtle maple undertones creates a perfect regional pairing that enhances the tart's buttery essence.
• Elevate with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides delightful temperature contrast and smooth texture against the tart's crisp pastry shell.
• Complement with Aged Cheddar: Sharp, aged Canadian cheddar cheese offers a tangy counterpoint to the sweet butter tart, creating a balanced flavor experience.

Yummy Variations Of True Butter Tarts

• Gluten-Free Butter Tarts: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better binding and texture.
• Vegan Butter Tarts: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based shortening, and replace eggs with a flax egg or aquafaba for a dairy-free and egg-free version.
• Nut-Free Butter Tarts: Omit raisins and substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch, perfect for those with nut allergies.
• Low-Sugar Butter Tarts: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or reduce brown sugar by half and add a touch of stevia for a less sweet option.

True Butter Tarts FAQs

• What are butter tarts?

Butter tarts are a classic Canadian dessert featuring a flaky pastry shell filled with a sweet, gooey mixture of brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and eggs, often including raisins or other mix-ins.

• Are butter tarts similar to other desserts?

They’re unique to Canada, but somewhat similar to pecan pie or chess pie, with a rich, sweet filling in a pastry crust. Unlike those, butter tarts have a more runny, liquid-like filling.

• Why do some butter tarts have a firmer filling while others are runnier?

The consistency depends on how long they’re baked. A shorter baking time creates a more liquid filling, while a longer bake results in a firmer, more set texture. Personal preference plays a big role in this variation.

• Can I make butter tarts if I'm not experienced in baking?

Yes! The recipe is straightforward. The key is to not overwork the dough and to follow the chilling instructions carefully. Even beginner bakers can create delicious butter tarts with some patience and attention to detail.

Why True Butter Tarts Are A Classic Treat

• Create Quick Comfort: These butter tarts deliver homemade warmth without complicated steps, making them perfect for beginner bakers seeking delightful desserts.
• Versatile Gathering Treat: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday parties, these tarts charm guests with their classic Canadian-style sweet and gooey goodness.
• Time-Efficient Baking: From prep to plate, these butter tarts take under an hour, allowing busy home cooks to whip up delicious desserts without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Easily swap raisins for chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, letting bakers personalize each tart to match their taste preferences and create unique variations.

What Goes In True Butter Tarts

• Flour: The foundation for a tender, flaky crust with a delicate texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the pastry base.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Shortening: Helps create a tender, soft pastry with a light consistency.
• Ice Water: Binds the dough together without making it tough.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a deep, molasses-like sweetness in the filling.
• Corn Syrup: Gives a smooth, glossy texture and prevents crystallization.
• Butter (Melted): Adds richness and helps blend the filling ingredients.
• Egg: Provides structure and helps the filling set properly.
• Vanilla: Introduces a warm, aromatic flavor to the tart.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the overall sweetness.

• Raisins: Traditional addition that provides chewy texture and natural sweetness.
• Alternative Mix-Ins: Can include chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for variation.

How To Make True Butter Tarts Easily

Step 1: Prepare Pastry Dough

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Salt

Add cold butter and shortening, pulsing until mixture looks like tiny pebbles. Drizzle ice water and stir with a fork until dough barely comes together. Avoid overmixing.

Divide dough into two rounds, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in refrigerator for half an hour.

Step 2: Shape Tart Shells

Roll out dough on lightly floured surface. Cut into 4-inch circles. Gently press into muffin tin. Return to refrigerator while preparing filling.

Step 3: Create Decadent Filling

• Brown sugar
• Corn syrup
• Melted butter
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Step 4: Fill and Garnish

Sprinkle optional mix-ins like raisins or chopped nuts into bottom of each tart shell. Pour filling until shells are two-thirds full.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place muffin tin on bottom oven rack. Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow tarts to cool completely in pan. Transfer to wire rack. Serve and enjoy these classic Canadian treats.

Smart Tips For True Butter Tarts

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate the pastry for at least 30 minutes to ensure a flaky, tender crust that won't shrink during baking.
• Prevent Overflow: Fill tart shells only ⅔ full to avoid messy spillage and maintain a clean, professional look when baking.
• Customize Mix-Ins: Swap raisins for chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries to create your own signature butter tart flavor profile.
• Control Baking Texture: Bake on the bottom oven rack to achieve a perfectly crisp bottom crust and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Temperature Matters: Use ice-cold water and keep ingredients chilled to create a light, tender pastry that melts in your mouth.

How To Store True Butter Tarts Without A Mess

• Refrigerate: Store butter tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual tarts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Reheat Refrigerated Tarts: Warm gently in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly crisp and heated through. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy crust.
• Thaw Frozen Tarts: Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before reheating in the oven for best results.

Savory True Butter Tarts Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Canadian Classic Butter Tarts bring maple-infused nostalgia to your dessert table with their rich, golden filling and flaky pastry shell. Delicate yet indulgent, you’ll savor each bite of this beloved Canadian treat that promises pure culinary comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter (½ cup cold, cubed + ¼ cup melted)
• 1 egg
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose or pastry flour

Sweeteners and Syrups:

• 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar (1 tablespoon + ½ cup lightly packed)
• ½ cup corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon salt (½ teaspoon in flour + ¼ teaspoon in filling)
• 6 tablespoons ice water (or as needed)
• ½ cup cold shortening, cubed
• ½ cup raisins (or substitute with pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pastry foundation by combining flour, brown sugar, and salt in a food processor, creating a uniform dry mixture.
2. Introduce cold butter and shortening to the dry ingredients, pulsing until the texture resembles coarse, pebble-like crumbs.
3. Gradually incorporate ice water, gently mixing until the dough barely coheres, being careful to avoid excessive manipulation.
4. Separate the dough into two distinct portions, encase each in plastic wrap, and allow to rest in the refrigerator for half an hour.
5. On a lightly dusted surface, roll out the chilled dough and delicately cut into circular shapes sized approximately 4 inches in diameter.
6. Carefully position the dough circles into a muffin tin, pressing gently to form shells, then return to the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
7. Craft the filling by whisking together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well-integrated.
8. Distribute raisins or preferred mix-ins across the bottom of each pastry shell, creating a delicate foundation.
9. Pour the syrup mixture into the shells, filling each approximately two-thirds full to prevent overflow during baking.
10. Position the muffin tin on the bottom rack of a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C), allowing the tarts to bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and slightly bubbling.
11. Remove from the oven and permit the tarts to cool completely within the tin, then transfer to a wire rack for serving.
12. Serve and savor these delectable butter tarts at room temperature, enjoying their rich, caramelized flavor.

Notes

• Keep ingredients cold for the flakiest, most tender pastry crust, especially the butter and water.
• Use unsalted butter to control the salt content and prevent over-salting the delicate tart shells.
• Don’t overwork the dough when mixing, as this develops gluten and makes the crust tough instead of delicate.
• Experiment with mix-ins like chopped pecans, chocolate chips, or coconut to add interesting texture

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg