What can be more heavenly than biting into a warm Classic Canadian Butter Tart? Each bite offers a luscious blend of buttery sweetness that dances on your palate. The gooey filling nestled in a flaky crust is simply irresistible, making it the perfect treat for gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
Picture this: It’s a rainy Saturday afternoon. You’re wrapped in your favorite blanket while the aroma of freshly baked butter tarts wafts through your home. It’s an occasion that brings everyone together, sharing stories and laughter over a plate of these delightful treats. Whether it’s holiday celebrations or just a Tuesday craving, these butter tarts never fail to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Classic Canadian Butter Tarts are easy to whip up, perfect for last-minute cravings or gatherings
- The rich flavor profile combines buttery and sweet notes that create pure bliss
- Visually appealing with their golden crusts and shiny fillings, they are sure to impress guests
- Adaptable enough to include nuts or raisins based on your preference makes them truly versatile!
I still remember the first time I made these tarts; my family devoured them within minutes and begged for more.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious treats:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for a tender and flaky crust that holds everything together beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: Opt for cold butter to ensure flakiness in your tart shells; it’s essential for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here; adjust based on your taste preferences but don’t skimp too much!
- Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for depth; it adds a lovely caramel flavor that complements the butter.
- Eggs: Large eggs work best; they help bind everything together and give that gooey texture we crave.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the flavor profile; use pure vanilla extract if possible for maximum aroma.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness perfectly; don’t underestimate its importance!
- Optional Add-Ins (Raisins or Pecans): Add these for extra texture; they provide delightful surprises in each bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Tart Shells: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour and salt before cutting in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until dough forms.
Roll Out the Dough: Dust your surface with flour and roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles slightly larger than your muffin tin cups.
Place in Muffin Tin: Gently press each circle into a greased muffin tin, making sure there are no air pockets. Chill while preparing the filling.
Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. You want it velvety!
Fill Each Shell : Carefully pour the filling into each tart shell until it’s about three-quarters full. If you’re adding raisins or pecans, sprinkle them on top now.
Bake and Cool : Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until filling is bubbly and tops are slightly golden. Allow them to cool completely before removing from muffin tins.
Now you have a batch of warm Classic Canadian Butter Tarts ready to delight everyone around you! Enjoy these sweet treasures with coffee or tea as you bask in their buttery goodness.
These tarts are not just desserts; they’re memories waiting to happen!
You Must Know
- Classic Canadian Butter Tarts are an irresistible treat that combines a flaky crust with a gooey, sweet filling
- Remember to keep an eye on the timing; overbaking can lead to a less-than-perfect texture
- These little delights are perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the pastry while preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the pastry is ready, fill each tart shell with the butter mixture and bake until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your butter tarts! Add pecans or raisins for extra texture, or swap in maple syrup for a unique twist. A pinch of sea salt elevates the sweetness beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store your butter tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes until they’re gooey again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use cold butter for a flakier pastry; it makes all the difference
- Don’t overfill the tarts—leave some space for bubbling goodness
- Always taste the filling before baking; adjust sweetness to your preference
Sharing my first attempt at making classic Canadian butter tarts was hilarious! My family’s mixed reactions ranged from “Yum!” to “What is this gooey mess?” Now they can’t get enough!
FAQ
What is the key ingredient in classic Canadian butter tarts?
The key ingredient is a combination of butter, sugar, and eggs for that rich filling.
Can I make classic Canadian butter tarts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day ahead; just store them properly before serving.
How do I prevent my butter tarts from overflowing?
Avoid overfilling each tart shell to prevent messy spillovers during baking.
Classic Canadian Butter Tarts
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
Description
Classic Canadian Butter Tarts are a must-try dessert, featuring a flaky crust and a gooey filling that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, these sweet delights are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Unsalted Butter
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
- Optional: Raisins or Pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt; cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water to form dough.
- Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick; cut into circles larger than muffin tin cups.
- Press dough into greased muffin tin and chill while preparing the filling.
- Whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Fill each shell three-quarters full with the mixture; add raisins or pecans if desired.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown; cool before removing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 38mg
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