Best Classic Canadian Butter Tarts Recipe

Oh, butter tarts! Is there anything more quintessentially Canadian than this sweet, buttery, gooey treat? This recipe for Classic Canadian Butter Tarts is the real deal—crispy, flaky pastry filled with a luscious, sugary, and buttery filling that practically melts in your mouth. It’s like a sweet little bite of heaven that’s been around for generations, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved Canadian classic.

These tarts have everything you crave in a dessert: a perfect balance of sweet and buttery flavors with a rich, velvety texture, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy shell. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a comforting treat for yourself, these butter tarts will always hit the spot. Trust me—this is a recipe that’ll make you feel like you’re right at home in a cozy Canadian kitchen, no matter where you are.

Why You’ll Love Classic Canadian Butter Tarts

Sweet & Buttery Perfection:

The combination of butter, brown sugar, and vanilla creates a rich, sweet, and caramel-like filling that’s so irresistible. Each bite has that perfect balance of sweetness and a deep buttery flavor that’s nothing short of delicious.

Crispy, Flaky Pastry:

The buttery, flaky pastry holds the filling perfectly, giving you that satisfying crunch before you dive into the gooey sweetness inside. It’s the ultimate texture contrast!

Quick & Easy:

This recipe is surprisingly simple. While butter tarts are packed with flavor, they don’t require complex steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few pantry staples and some time in the oven, and you’re set!

Versatile:

You can customize your butter tarts by adding optional ingredients like pecans or raisins, or just leave them as they are for a classic experience. Either way, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

A Canadian Tradition:

If you’ve never tried a butter tart before, you’re in for a treat. This iconic Canadian dessert is a must-try, and you’ll understand why it’s been a favorite for so long!

Ingredients in Classic Canadian Butter Tarts

Now, let’s get down to the basics. For these classic butter tarts, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pastry:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for a flaky, tender pastry crust.
• Butter: Cold, unsalted butter gives the pastry its rich flavor and flakiness.
• Cold Water: Helps bring the dough together without warming it up too much.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the pastry.

For the Filling:

• Butter: The key ingredient that gives the filling that signature richness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a lovely caramelized sweetness to the filling.
• Corn Syrup: Helps give the filling its smooth, gooey texture.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and create a rich, custardy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: For that warm, fragrant flavor that makes these tarts extra special.
• Salt: A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
• Optional Add-ins: Pecans, raisins, or walnuts for an extra twist of flavor and texture.

Instructions

Let’s dive into making these buttery, sweet tarts. It’s a simple process with a truly satisfying result!

Step 1: Make the Pastry

In a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough begins to come together. Don’t overwork it!

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, form it into a ball, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and prepare a muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with paper liners.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cutter or glass to cut out circles large enough to fit into your muffin tin cups.

Place each circle of dough into the muffin tin, pressing gently to fit and form the tart shells. Refrigerate the lined muffin tin while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is fully combined and the mixture is smooth. Don’t let it boil; you just want to heat it up and make sure it’s well mixed.

Step 5: Fill the Tarts

Spoon the butter mixture evenly into each tart shell, filling them about 3/4 full. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will bubble up as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake the Butter Tarts

Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden around the edges. The center should still have a slight jiggle, but it will firm up as it cools.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the tarts cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve them warm or at room temperature.

Step 8: Optional Add-ins

If you’re adding pecans or raisins, sprinkle a few into each tart shell before filling with the butter mixture. You can also top the tarts with extra nuts after baking for a decorative touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 tarts
Calories per serving: ~250-300 (varies depending on size and add-ins)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Classic Canadian Butter Tarts

These buttery little tarts are perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to a more festive celebration. Here are a few serving ideas to make your butter tarts shine:

With a Cup of Coffee or Tea:

There’s nothing better than enjoying one of these tarts with your favorite hot beverage. The sweetness of the tarts is perfectly complemented by a strong cup of coffee or a soothing tea.

As a Sweet Snack:

These tarts are the perfect size for a little snack when you’re craving something sweet but not too heavy. Grab one (or two) for a midday treat.

At a Party or Gathering:

Serve them at your next get-together, and watch as they disappear quickly. They’re easy to eat with your hands, making them the perfect addition to a dessert table.

Additional Tips

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough! It helps make the pastry more tender and easier to handle.
• Customize the Filling: If you love nuts, add some chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for an extra crunch. Raisins also make a great addition.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the tart shells. The filling will puff up and overflow, so leave a little room for it to expand as it bakes.
• Storage: Store any leftover butter tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month—just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a store-bought pie crust for these tarts?
A1: Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought pie dough can work as a substitute. Just be sure to use a high-quality dough for the best results.

Q2: Can I make these butter tarts ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make the tarts a day ahead. Let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 days at room temperature.

Q3: Can I freeze butter tarts?
A3: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked tarts or baked tarts. If freezing unbaked, assemble the tarts and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q4: Can I make these tarts with a different filling?
A4: Yes! While the classic butter filling is traditional, you can try variations like maple syrup for a richer flavor or add a little chocolate for a twist.

Q5: Can I make these tarts without eggs?
A5: Yes, you can substitute eggs with a flaxseed egg or another egg replacement, though the texture might be slightly different.

Q6: Can I add chocolate to these butter tarts?
A6: Yes! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the tops of the tarts after baking or stir some chocolate chips into the filling for a decadent twist.

Q7: Can I double this recipe?
A7: Yes, if you need more tarts, simply double the ingredients. Be sure to use a large muffin tin or bake in batches.

Q8: What’s the best way to serve butter tarts?
A8: Serve them as-is, or top them with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Q9: What other nuts can I use in butter tarts?
A9: In addition to pecans, walnuts or almonds also work beautifully in butter tarts.

Q10: Can I add coconut to the filling?
A10: Yes, shredded coconut can be added to the filling for a tropical twist on this classic treat.

Conclusion

Classic Canadian Butter Tarts are the ultimate sweet treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these tarts will always be a hit. With their buttery, gooey filling and flaky, golden crust, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

Print