Description
Butter Tarts are a classic Canadian dessert featuring a flaky pastry shell filled with a rich, sweet, gooey filling made from butter, sugar, and eggs. This versatile treat can be customized by adding raisins or nuts, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that delight with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pastry:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cold water (or as needed)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the granulated sugar. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined. If desired, fold in raisins or chopped nuts evenly into the filling mixture.
- Assemble the Tarts: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter, cut out circles that will fit nicely into your tart pan or muffin tin. Gently press each dough circle into the tart pans or muffin tin cups. Pour the prepared filling into each pastry shell, filling about two-thirds full.
- Bake: Place the filled tart pans in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the tops have turned lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the tarts to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Enjoy the butter tarts warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for several days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- To customize flavor, try adding almond or maple extract instead of vanilla.
- Substitute raisins with dried cranberries or other dried fruits for variation.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Do not overwork the pastry dough to keep it flaky.
- If using nuts, chop them finely and fold gently into the filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Keywords: Butter Tarts, Canadian Dessert, Pastry Recipe, Sweet Tarts, Raisin Tarts, Nut Tarts, Traditional Canadian Baking
