Butter tart bars bring all the rich, caramel-like flavor of traditional Canadian butter tarts into an easy-to-make dessert bar. With a buttery shortbread-style base and a sweet, gooey filling, these bars are comforting, rich, and impossible to resist.
Perfect for holidays, dessert trays, or everyday baking, they deliver everything people love about classic butter tarts without the extra work of individual pastry shells.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, gooey butter tart filling
- Easy bar format with simple ingredients
- Buttery crust with caramel-like flavor
- Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or coffee breaks
Ingredients
Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, cold and cubed
Filling
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: raisins or chopped walnuts
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
Line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Base
In a bowl, combine flour and sugar.
Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake the Crust
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden.
4. Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and brown sugar until smooth.
Add melted butter, vanilla, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
Stir in raisins or chopped walnuts if desired.
5. Assemble
Pour the filling evenly over the warm crust.
6. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
7. Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Texture & Flavor
These bars feature:
- A buttery, tender base
- A rich, gooey filling
- Deep caramel-like sweetness from brown sugar
Optional raisins add chewiness, while walnuts bring a satisfying crunch.
Tips for Best Results
- Let the bars cool fully before slicing
- Do not overbake to keep the filling soft and gooey
- Use parchment paper for easier removal
- Chill slightly before cutting for cleaner edges
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 for best texture
A Canadian Classic
Butter tart bars capture the essence of one of Canada’s most iconic desserts in a simple, shareable form. Rich, sweet, and comforting, they’re a favorite at family gatherings and holiday tables.
Butter tart bars are the perfect combination of buttery crust and gooey caramel-like filling. Easy to make and full of classic flavor, they’re a timeless treat that always disappears quickly.
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