Classic Canadian Butter Tarts with a Gooey Filling

Few desserts can capture the heart and taste buds like Classic Canadian Butter Tarts. With their delicate, flaky pastry and irresistibly gooey filling, these tarts are a beloved staple across Canada—and for good reason. They are the perfect balance of rich, buttery sweetness and nostalgic charm. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature with a hot cup of tea, they’re bound to bring smiles and sweet memories to your table.

This recipe brings you the authentic, old-fashioned taste of butter tarts, just like grandma used to make. Filled with a golden mixture of brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter, every bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Add a handful of raisins or pecans for extra flavor, or keep it simple and smooth—the choice is yours. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to make this beloved Canadian dessert, from the ingredient list to baking tips and serving ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Canadian Butter Tarts have won hearts for generations, and here’s why they’ll win yours too:

1. Time-Honored Flavor – These tarts offer that traditional homemade taste that’s rich, sweet, and comforting.
2. Perfectly Gooey Centers – Each tart has a golden, slightly runny filling that oozes sweetness in every bite.
3. Flaky, Buttery Pastry – The crust is made from scratch for a texture that contrasts beautifully with the filling.
4. Customizable – Love raisins? Prefer pecans? Want them plain? This recipe allows you to choose your favorite add-ins.
5. Simple Ingredients – You likely already have everything you need in your pantry.
6. Ideal for Any Occasion – Serve these at family gatherings, bake sales, holiday tables, or simply as a cozy weekend dessert.

With all these reasons, it’s no wonder butter tarts have become one of Canada’s most cherished desserts.

Preparation and Cooking Time

This quick and satisfying dessert doesn’t take long to make. You can enjoy the sweet aroma and flavor in no time!

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2–3 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup corn syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pecans or raisins (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners.

2. Prepare the Pastry Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk, then add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time until a firm dough forms.

3. Shape the Tart Shells
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles large enough to line the muffin cups, then gently press each circle into the tin.

4. Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is smooth. Fold in raisins or pecans if using.

5. Fill and Bake
Pour the filling into each pastry shell, filling them about ¾ of the way full. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the filling is bubbling and the pastry edges are golden.

6. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the butter tarts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let cool completely—or enjoy them slightly warm for the ultimate gooey experience.

How to Serve

Classic Canadian Butter Tarts are delightful on their own, but here are some tips to elevate your serving game:

1. Warm with Ice Cream: Heat a tart for 10 seconds in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. Afternoon Tea Delight: Pair them with black tea or strong coffee for a relaxing moment.
3. Holiday Platter Favorite: Add these to your dessert spread for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
4. Elegant Dessert Plate: Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a few extra pecans or raisins for a more refined presentation.
5. On-the-Go Treat: These tarts are easy to pack and share—perfect for picnics and potlucks.

Additional Tips

• Use Cold Butter: This helps achieve that tender, flaky pastry texture.
• Don’t Overfill: The filling will bubble while baking, so filling more than ¾ full can lead to sticky overflow.
• Let Them Set: For easier removal and firmer centers, allow the tarts to cool completely before handling.
• Customize Your Fillings: Mix and match raisins, pecans, walnuts, or even chocolate chips.

Recipe Variations

Looking to switch things up? Try these delicious twists on the classic butter tart:

1. Maple Butter Tarts: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a deeper Canadian flavor.
2. Chocolate Chip Butter Tarts: Add mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
3. Nut-Free Version: Omit the nuts and enjoy the silky smooth filling.
4. Coconut Butter Tarts: Sprinkle shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical flair.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store cooled tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze butter tarts in a single layer in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.

Special Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools to make butter tarts, just the basics:

• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Rolling pin
• Muffin tin
• Wire cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pastry?
Yes, if you’re short on time, pre-made tart shells work well—just focus on perfecting the filling.

Why did my filling overflow?
This can happen if the shells are overfilled or the oven temperature is too high. Stick to ¾ full and double-check your oven temp.

Can I skip the raisins or nuts?
Of course! Butter tarts are just as delicious with a plain gooey center.

How do I make the filling less runny?
Add an extra egg yolk or reduce the corn syrup slightly for a firmer filling.

What’s the best way to reheat them?
Pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Conclusion

Classic Canadian Butter Tarts are more than just a dessert—they’re a sweet, flaky bite of tradition. Whether you love yours with raisins, pecans, or plain, these tarts are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and warm your soul. Try them once, and they’re sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of baking this timeless Canadian treat. 🍁

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