Name: Best Classic Canadian Butter Tarts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-483883H34M41S
Total time: PT-483883H34M41S
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup corn syrup; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 12 small tart shells

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If you’re craving something sweet, buttery, and utterly irresistible, these Classic Canadian Butter Tarts are just what you need. Rich, flaky pastry filled with a luscious combination of butter, sugar, and a hint of vanilla, these tarts are a Canadian classic. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about these butter tarts? They’re simple to make, yet decadent in flavor. The buttery filling melts in your mouth, while the crispy, tender crust provides the perfect balance. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a gathering, or just need a sweet treat to satisfy your craving, these tarts hit the spot every time.

Ingredients
(You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here are the basics to get you started.)

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
12 small tart shells

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Tart Shells

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, arrange your tart shells on a baking sheet. If you’re using frozen shells, make sure they’re thawed out before using them. This will help them bake evenly.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. Keep cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken, but be careful not to let it boil.

Step 3: Fill the Tart Shells

Once the filling is ready, carefully spoon it into the tart shells, filling them about 2/3 of the way. Be sure not to overfill them, as the filling will expand slightly during baking. You can also add some chopped pecans or raisins to the filling for extra flavor, but that’s totally optional.

Step 4: Bake the Tarts

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tarts for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are golden brown and the filling is bubbling. The tarts will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft when they come out of the oven.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the tarts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them warm or at room temperature – either way, they’re irresistible!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use chilled ingredients: For the best flaky crust, make sure your butter and tart shells are cold before you begin. This helps create those beautiful, crispy layers.
Check for doneness: The tarts should be slightly golden and the filling should be set but not hard. If they jiggle too much in the center, bake them for a few more minutes.
Make ahead: You can make the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just let it come to room temperature before filling the tart shells.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Nuts: Some people love to add pecans or walnuts to their butter tarts for extra texture and flavor. You can chop up a handful of your favorite nuts and add them to the filling before baking.
Raisins or Currants: For a classic variation, add a few raisins or currants to your filling. They add a nice sweetness that balances the buttery richness.
Maple Syrup: If you want to bring a little more Canadian flavor to your butter tarts, try using maple syrup instead of corn syrup. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These butter tarts are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a great addition to a holiday dessert table or a special occasion.

Storage and Reheating Tips

You can store your butter tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, and they’ll be as good as new.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust for the tart shells?
Yes, you can use pre-made pie crust for the tart shells if you’re short on time. Just be sure to cut them into small circles to fit your tart pan.
Can I freeze butter tarts?
Absolutely! You can freeze the tarts before baking. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make the filling without corn syrup?
You can substitute corn syrup with maple syrup or golden syrup for a slightly different flavor. It won’t affect the texture too much, but the flavor will be different.
What can I do if my tart crust gets too dark before the filling is set?
If your crust is getting too dark before the filling has set, cover the edges of the tarts with aluminum foil to prevent further browning. You can also lower the oven temperature slightly.

Conclusion

Classic Canadian Butter Tarts are a perfect blend of rich, sweet filling and a buttery, flaky crust. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a treat with family, these tarts will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite!

Best Classic Canadian Butter Tarts

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These Classic Canadian Butter Tarts are a rich, buttery, and sweet treat with a flaky crust and luscious filling. Made with simple ingredients, these tarts are perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to afternoon snacks. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 12 tarts 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Canadian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
12 small tart shells

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Tart Shells: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange tart shells on a baking sheet, ensuring they are thawed if frozen.
Make the Filling: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Fill the Tart Shells: Spoon the filling into tart shells, about 2/3 full. Optional: Add chopped pecans or raisins for extra flavor.
Bake the Tarts: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. The tarts will firm up as they cool.
Cool and Serve: Let the tarts cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use chilled butter and tart shells for the best flaky crust.
The tarts should be golden and the filling should set without being hard. If too jiggly, bake longer.
You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before using.