The Best Classic Canadian Butter Tarts Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my classic canadian butter tarts, a nostalgic treat that whispers comfort with every bite.

My family’s generations have cherished this delectable pastry passed down through decades of love.

Flaky, golden crusts cradle a rich, gooey filling that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Pure maple syrup often adds authentic Canadian charm to these irresistible desserts.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a magical texture that sparks pure joy.

Regional variations make each tart unique, celebrating culinary traditions across different provinces.

These little golden gems will transport you straight to a cozy Canadian farmhouse kitchen.

Come experience a sweet slice of Canadian heritage that promises pure deliciousness.

Classic Canadian Butter Tarts Ingredient Breakdown

• Flour: Provides the structure for the tart shell, all-purpose works best
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the pastry
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers in the pastry, use unsalted for better control
• Ice Water, Vinegar: Helps bind the dough and creates tender texture, white vinegar recommended

• Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup: Creates rich, sweet caramel-like base for the tart, dark brown sugar gives deeper flavor
• Eggs: Adds structure and richness to the filling
• Melted Butter: Provides smooth, creamy texture
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor, pure vanilla preferred

• Raisins, Pecans: Traditional additions that provide texture and extra flavor, use chopped for better distribution in filling

Note: Canadian butter tarts are known for their gooey, sweet filling and can have variations in ingredients depending on regional preferences.

Canadian Butter Tart Instructions Made Easy

Step 1: Create Buttery Pastry Dough

Whisk flour and salt together in a spacious mixing bowl.

Slice cold butter into tiny cubes and blend into the flour mixture using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until texture looks like rough crumbs.

Pour ice water and vinegar into the mixture, stirring gently until dough forms.

Avoid overworking the dough.

Shape dough into two round discs, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill in refrigerator for minimum 30 minutes.

Step 2: Craft Sweet Filling

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

Whisk until mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

Optional: Fold in raisins or chopped pecans.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Tart Shells

Warm oven to 375°F.

Grease muffin tin thoroughly.

Roll pastry dough on floured surface until very thin.

Cut circular shapes using round cutter.

Gently press dough circles into muffin cups, ensuring even edges.

Fill each shell two-thirds full with prepared filling.

Step 4: Bake Golden Tarts

Place muffin tin in preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until filling sets with slight jiggle and pastry turns golden brown.

Remove from oven and let tarts rest in pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer carefully to wire cooling rack.

Step 5: Serve Scrumptious Treats

Enjoy butter tarts warm or at room temperature.

Keep leftovers in sealed container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerate for extended freshness.

Tart Tips for Canadian Butter Richness

• Work with cold butter straight from the refrigerator to create flaky, tender pastry that melts in your mouth.
• Dust the pastry shells lightly with flour before adding filling to help absorb excess moisture and maintain a crisp crust.
• Experiment with mix-ins like chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes to personalize your butter tarts and add exciting texture.
• Allow tarts to cool slightly in the pan before removing to help the filling set properly and prevent breaking the delicate pastry shells.
• Prepare and freeze unbaked tart shells in advance, then thaw and fill when ready to bake for quick and convenient dessert preparation.

Store Classic Canadian Butter Tarts

• Store butter tarts in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual tarts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring they remain protected from freezer burn.
• Remove frozen tarts from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to restore their original texture.
• Warm tarts in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to crisp the pastry and restore the filling's slightly gooey consistency. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.

Canadian Butter Tarts Matches

• Maple Whisky Companion: Sip a smooth Canadian whisky with maple notes that echoes the sweet, buttery flavor of the tarts. The caramel undertones complement the rich, syrupy filling beautifully.
• Coffee Contrast Creation: Brew a strong, dark roast coffee to balance the intense sweetness. The robust coffee cuts through the tart's sugary richness, creating a delightful taste experience.
• Vanilla Ice Cream Match: Top warm butter tarts with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, smooth texture provides a delicious contrast to the warm, gooey tart filling.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Select an ice wine from Ontario's wine region. Its sweet, concentrated flavor perfectly harmonizes with the butter tart's caramelized sugar and buttery pastry.

Classic Butter Tarts in Sweet Adjustments

• Gluten-Free Butter Tarts: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and use almond flour for the pastry shell, ensuring a crisp and tender crust for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Butter Tart Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup instead of corn syrup, and replace eggs with silken tofu or aquafaba to create a plant-based version that maintains the classic rich flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Butter Tarts: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the traditional caramelized taste and creamy texture.
• Nut-Infused Canadian Tarts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans directly into the filling, or create a nutty streusel topping for added crunch and depth of flavor, perfect for nut lovers seeking extra texture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for authentic Canadian butter tarts?

The key ingredients include butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, and cold butter. Some bakers add raisins or pecans for extra texture, but these are optional and based on personal preference.

• Are butter tarts difficult to make for beginners?

Butter tarts are relatively simple to prepare. The pastry requires some technique in handling cold butter and not overmixing, but with practice, home bakers can easily master this classic Canadian dessert. The filling is straightforward and quick to mix.

• Can I make butter tart pastry ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry dough in advance. After shaping the dough into discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 1 month, which is convenient for advance preparation.

• Why is vinegar used in the pastry dough?

Vinegar helps prevent gluten development, resulting in a more tender and flaky pastry crust. It’s a small but important ingredient that contributes to the traditional texture of Canadian butter tarts.

Butter Tarts That Are Gooey and Truly Canadian

Effortless Heritage Baking: Simple Canadian classic that brings generations of family tradition to your kitchen.

Quick Weekend Treat: Whip up these delectable tarts in under an hour, perfect for spontaneous baking moments or unexpected guests.

Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by adding raisins, nuts, or enjoying them plain – guaranteeing something for every taste preference.

Beginner-Friendly Challenge: Approachable recipe for home bakers looking to master a quintessential Canadian dessert without advanced pastry skills.

Best Classic Canadian Butter Tarts Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Canadian tradition sparkles in these classic butter tarts, blending rich caramel-like filling with flaky pastry. Maple-kissed perfection promises delightful comfort that will transport you straight to Ontario’s heartwarming kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Pastry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 grams) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) ice water
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) white vinegar

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup (220 grams) packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) salt

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) raisins
• 1/2 cup (57 grams) chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Craft a delicate pastry foundation by sifting flour and salt into a spacious mixing vessel, then delicately incorporate cold butter until the texture mimics coarse sand-like crumbs.
2. Create a liquid binding agent by blending ice water with vinegar, then gently integrate this mixture into the flour composition, stirring minimally until the dough coheres without excessive manipulation.
3. Form the pastry into two compact discs, encase them in protective plastic wrap, and allow them to rest and chill within the refrigerator for a minimum of half an hour.
4. Construct the luscious filling by whisking melted butter, rich brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Optional: Enhance the filling’s character by folding in raisins or chopped pecans for textural intrigue.
6. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a standard muffin tin with a light coating of grease or pastry shells.
7. Roll out the chilled dough on a flour-dusted surface, achieving a svelte 1/8-inch thickness, and precision-cut circular shapes using a 4-inch diameter cutter.
8. Carefully nestle each pastry circle into the muffin cavities, ensuring elegant, even edges.
9. Generously fill each shell approximately two-thirds full with the prepared mixture, maintaining a balanced volume.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a set yet slightly quivering center and a golden-brown pastry exterior.
11. Extract from the oven and permit the tarts to rest within the pan for ten minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
12. Serve these Canadian delicacies either warm or at ambient temperature, storing any remaining tarts in an airtight container for optimal freshness.

Notes

• Butter softness matters significantly for achieving the perfect pastry texture, so remove butter from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before baking.
• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent shrinkage and ensure flaky, tender crust during baking.
• Use room temperature eggs to help create smoother, more consistent filling that blends seamlessly.
• Avoid overmixing dough to prevent developing excess gluten, which can result in tough, dense pastry.
• Experiment with filling variations like dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or maple syrup for unique flavor profiles.
• Control sweetness by adjusting corn syrup and brown sugar quantities according to personal preference.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute regular flour with almond or gluten-free pastry flour blend.
• Consider using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for lower glycemic index options.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg