Butter tart bars are a simple and delicious twist on the iconic Canadian butter tart. Instead of individual pastry shells, these bars feature a buttery shortbread-style base topped with a rich, gooey filling made from brown sugar, butter, and eggs.
Soft, sweet, and packed with caramel-like flavor, these bars are perfect for holidays, dessert trays, or anytime you want an easy homemade treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, gooey butter tart filling
- Easy bar form with no tart shells needed
- Buttery shortbread-style crust
- Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or coffee breaks
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
Butter Tart Filling
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 cup raisins, chopped walnuts, or pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Base
In a bowl, combine flour and sugar.
Cut in the cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake the Crust
Bake for 10–15 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.
4. Prepare the Filling
In another bowl, whisk together eggs and brown sugar until smooth.
Add melted butter, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, salt, and vinegar or lemon juice.
Stir in raisins or nuts if using.
5. Assemble
Pour the filling evenly over the warm crust.
6. Bake Again
Return to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center.
7. Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Texture & Flavor
These bars are gooey and caramel-like in the center with a buttery, tender crust. The rich brown sugar filling creates a classic butter tart flavor that’s sweet, comforting, and satisfying.
Optional raisins add chewiness, while nuts provide extra crunch.
Tips for Best Results
- Use cold butter for a flaky crust
- Let melted butter cool slightly before adding to eggs
- Do not overbake to keep the filling soft
- Cool fully before slicing for cleaner bars
How to Store
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months
- Serving tip: Bring to room temperature before serving
A Canadian Favorite
Butter tart bars bring all the comforting flavor of traditional butter tarts into an easy-to-make dessert bar. They’re a favorite for holidays, bake sales, and family gatherings.
Butter tart bars are rich, buttery, and wonderfully gooey. Easy to prepare and full of classic flavor, they’re a timeless homemade dessert that always disappears quickly.
Leave a Comment