Butter tarts are truly a classic Canadian dessert that brings back so many delightful memories for me! Every holiday season, my family and I would gather in the kitchen, and the sweet aroma of buttery, caramel-like filling baking in the oven would fill the air. The moment those tarts came out, we’d all gather around, eager to dig in. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the gooey goodness of a homemade butter tart recipe! With a rich, sweet filling and a flaky crust, they’re simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, these tarts will steal your heart!
Ingredients for Butter Tarts Recipe
For the perfect butter tarts, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter, softened (make sure it’s nice and creamy for the dough!)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (the more packed, the better for that rich flavor!)
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins or pecans (optional, but they add a lovely texture and flavor!)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to creating a delicious batch of butter tarts!
How to Prepare Butter Tarts
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these butter tarts! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of sweet, gooey goodness in no time.
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining your flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until the dough is crumbly but holds together when pressed. You want it to be soft and pliable, so don’t overwork it! A little love goes a long way here.
Step 2: Prepare the Tart Shells
Once your dough is ready, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut circles that fit your tart pans. Gently press each circle into the pans, making sure to cover the bottom and sides evenly. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; a little rustic charm is always welcome!
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, packed brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you’re adding raisins or pecans, fold them in now for that extra pop of flavor. This mixture is what makes your tarts so wonderfully sweet and rich!
Step 4: Bake the Tarts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pour the filling into each tart shell, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. To check if they’re done, give the pan a gentle shake; the filling should be firm but still a little jiggly in the center. Let them cool before diving in!
Tips for Success with Butter Tarts Recipe
Making the perfect butter tarts can be a breeze with a few handy tips! First off, be gentle when mixing your dough; overworking it can lead to tough tart shells. Also, don’t skip poking holes in the dough with a fork before baking—this helps prevent bubbling and ensures even cooking. If you want to avoid that overly sweet filling, consider reducing the brown sugar slightly. And remember, letting the tarts cool completely before serving allows the filling to set properly; patience is key! Finally, feel free to experiment with different fillings—chocolate chips or a splash of maple syrup can add a delightful twist!
Nutritional Information for Butter Tarts Recipe
When indulging in these delicious butter tarts, it’s good to know what you’re enjoying! Each tart is approximately 180 calories, with about 7g of fat, 12g of sugar, and 2g of protein. Keep in mind these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust your toppings and fillings for a personalized treat!
FAQ about Butter Tarts Recipe
Got questions about making these scrumptious butter tarts? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use different sweeteners?
Absolutely! You can swap out the brown sugar for coconut sugar or honey, but keep in mind it might slightly alter the flavor and texture.
How do I store leftover tarts?
Store your butter tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge!
Can I freeze butter tarts?
Yes, you can! Just let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
What variations can I try?
Get creative! You can add chocolate chips, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even swap in maple syrup for a fun twist on this classic Canadian dessert.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your leftover butter tarts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to warm them up and restore that lovely gooey filling!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for last-minute cravings!
- A delightful classic Canadian dessert that everyone adores.
- Gooey, sweet filling that’s simply irresistible.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate.
- Great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo!
Butter Tarts Recipe: 5 Irresistible Ways to Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 tarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Canadian butter tarts with a sweet filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, butter, sugar, and salt to form a dough.
- Roll out the dough and cut into circles to fit tart pans.
- Place dough in tart pans.
- In another bowl, whisk together egg, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla.
- Add raisins or pecans if desired.
- Pour filling into tart shells.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until filling is set.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be made ahead of time.
- Use a fork to poke holes in the dough for even baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: butter tarts recipe, Canadian dessert, sweet tarts
