Irresistible Classic Canadian Butter Tarts Recipe

The aroma of freshly baked Classic Canadian Butter Tarts wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine biting into that flaky crust only to be greeted by a gooey, caramel-like filling that dances on your taste buds—need I say more? These little gems are not just desserts; they are cherished memories wrapped in pastry.

I remember my first encounter with butter tarts at my grandmother’s kitchen table. She would make them every holiday season, and the anticipation was almost unbearable as I watched those golden treasures bubbling away in the oven. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a Tuesday afternoon craving, these tarts instantly elevate any occasion!

As a kid, I had one job—sneaking spoonfuls of that sugary filling before it made it to the crust!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: A good quality flour ensures a tender and flaky crust that’s essential for perfect butter tarts.
• Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for the pastry; it creates that desirable flaky texture everyone loves.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweeten up the filling with sugar; it caramelizes beautifully during baking for that irresistible gooey texture.
• Brown Sugar: This adds depth and richness to the filling; use dark brown sugar for an extra kick of flavor.
• Eggs: They bind everything together; fresh eggs provide the best results in terms of flavor and consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash enriches the flavor profile; always opt for pure vanilla extract if possible.
• Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and enhances all flavors in the tarts.
• Pecans or Raisins (optional): Add these for some texture or chewiness; they’re not mandatory but add an interesting twist!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Crust: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt before cutting in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until dough forms.

Roll Out and Cut Dough Circles: On a floured surface, roll out your dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut circles large enough to fit into muffin tins.

Fit Dough Into Muffin Tins: Carefully place each dough circle into greased muffin cups, pressing gently against the bottom and sides. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic is beautiful!

Create the Filling Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy. This is where magic happens!

Add Pecans or Raisins (Optional): If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some chopped pecans or raisins into each tart shell before pouring in that luscious filling mixture.

Bake Until Perfectly Set: Pour your filling into each shell until just full—be careful not to overfill! Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are golden brown and centers slightly jiggle when moved.

Now you can cool them on a wire rack while savoring that delightful smell wafting through your home!

And there you have it—Classic Canadian Butter Tarts that would make even your grandma proud! Enjoy them warm with ice cream or serve them cold with coffee; they never fail to impress!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the tart shells first, then mix your filling while they chill. This ensures a crisp crust and perfectly set filling.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to play with fillings! Add raisins, nuts, or even chocolate chips to create your unique twist on classic butter tarts.

Storing & Reheating

Store the tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven for a warm treat.

Classic Canadian Butter Tarts hold a special place in my heart—they remind me of family gatherings where everyone fights over the last one!

FAQ

What makes Classic Canadian Butter Tarts unique?

The gooey filling and flaky crust set them apart from other desserts.

Can I freeze Classic Canadian Butter Tarts?

Yes, they freeze well; just make sure they are tightly wrapped.

What’s the best way to serve Classic Canadian Butter Tarts?

Serve them slightly warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

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Classic Canadian Butter Tarts

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• Author: Doorecipes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Makes about 12 tarts

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Description

Classic Canadian Butter Tarts feature a flaky crust enveloping a luscious, gooey filling that melts in your mouth. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights, these tarts are a true Canadian delight.

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Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour
• Unsalted Butter
• Granulated Sugar
• Brown Sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla Extract
• Salt
• Pecans or Raisins (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, mix flour and salt; cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water to form dough.
2. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface and cut circles to fit muffin tins.
3. Place dough circles in greased muffin cups, pressing gently against the bottom and sides.
4. In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
5. Optionally add pecans or raisins into each tart shell before pouring the filling mixture.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges are golden brown; centers should jiggle slightly.
7. Cool on a wire rack and enjoy warm or cold.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tart (35g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Use cold butter for a flakier crust. Experiment with fillings like chocolate chips or different nuts for unique flavors. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.