Description
Butter Tarts are a classic Canadian treat featuring a flaky pastry crust and a gooey, sweet filling. With options to include raisins or pecans, these tarts offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for any occasion, Butter Tarts are a nostalgic dessert that captures the essence of homemade comfort.
Ingredients
For the Pastry Crust:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (163 grams)
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (112 grams)
¼ cup cold water
For the Butter Tart Filling:
1 cup brown sugar, packed (190 grams)
½ cup golden corn syrup
¼ cup salted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon white vinegar (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: ½ cup raisins or pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add cold, cubed butter and blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Butter Tart Filling:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a muffin tin or tart pan.
- Mix brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, white vinegar (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in raisins or pecans if desired.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Roll out dough and cut into circles to fit the muffin tin or tart pan.
- Press dough circles into the muffin cups.
- Pour filling into each pastry shell, filling about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden and the filling is set.
- Cool in the tin before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Substitute Options: Light or dark corn syrup can be used instead of golden corn syrup. Other mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried cranberries can replace raisins or pecans.
Crust Tips: If the dough is too crumbly, add an extra tablespoon of cold water and avoid overworking the dough.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Freezing is also an option for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 tarts
- Calories: 250 kcal (per tart)