Easy Classic Butter Tarts

Sure! Here’s a detailed recipe for Easy Classic Butter Tarts, a beloved Canadian dessert. Classic Butter Tarts are a beloved Canadian dessert, known for their flaky pastry and rich, gooey filling. These bite-sized treats are made with a buttery crust that perfectly complements the sweet, caramel-like filling made from butter, sugar, and eggs.

Often filled with raisins or pecans for added texture, butter tarts strike the perfect balance between sweetness and indulgence. Whether enjoyed plain or with additional toppings, these timeless pastries are a comforting favorite, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that brings a taste of tradition to any occasion.

Easy Classic Butter Tarts

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 1 1/4 cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) ice water

The Filling:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) corn syrup
• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/2 cup (90 g) raisins or pecans

Easy Classic Butter Tarts

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry:

1. In a bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
2. Add the chilled, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. Roll Out the Pastry:

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
2. Cut out circles (about 4 inches or 10 cm in diameter) and fit them into a standard muffin tin. Prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent bubbling.

4. Prepare the Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
2. If using, stir in the raisins or pecans.

5. Assemble the Tarts:

1. Pour the filling into each pastry shell, filling them about 3/4 full.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges of the pastry are golden.

6. Cool and Serve:

1. Allow the butter tarts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Easy Classic Butter Tarts

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of bourbon or maple syrup to the filling.
• Butter tarts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Easy Classic Butter Tarts

Classic Butter Tarts are a quintessential Canadian dessert, cherished for their flaky crust and rich, gooey filling. The foundation of a butter tart lies in its delicate, buttery pastry, which is crisp yet tender. The filling, a mixture of butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla, creates a sweet, caramelized center that oozes with every bite. Traditional butter tarts often include raisins or pecans, adding a chewy or crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

What makes butter tarts so beloved is their versatility and nostalgic appeal. Some people prefer them slightly runny, while others like them more firm, but the buttery richness remains consistent in every variation. The tarts are simple to make but deliver a decadent flavor that feels indulgent yet homey.

Butter tarts are often served at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or enjoyed as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee. Their perfect balance of sweetness and texture makes them a favorite dessert across generations. Whether you prefer your butter tarts plain or with added raisins or nuts, these little pastries offer a taste of tradition that never fails to delight. They remain a comforting classic that has earned a special place in Canadian cuisine.

Enjoy your Butter Tarts! If you have any questions or need additional tips, feel free to ask!