Easy Canadian Butter Tart Squares

Bring the iconic flavor of Canadian butter tarts to your dessert table in the easiest way possible—with Butter Tart Squares. These gooey, sweet bars pack all the caramelized richness of the original tart into a buttery layered square that’s perfect for slicing and sharing.

Whether you’re baking for a potluck, a holiday tray, or simply craving an indulgent treat, this recipe delivers that sticky, sweet magic every time.

Why You’ll Love These Butter Tart Squares

• Easy to Make: No need to shape individual tarts—just bake, slice, and serve.
• Classic Flavour: Buttery crust + brown sugar filling = pure East Coast comfort.
• Perfect for Gifting or Gatherings: Portable, sturdy, and always a hit.
• Customizable: Add raisins or walnuts, or enjoy them plain and gooey.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Filling:

• 2 large eggs
• 1½ cups brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup raisins or chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the flour and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

2. Make the Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in raisins or walnuts if using.

3. Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling over the hot crust. Return to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.

4. Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step helps the filling firm up and ensures clean, neat slices.

Servings & Time

• Servings: 16 squares
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Pro Tips

• Let them cool fully before cutting—resist the urge to slice too soon!
• Want a deeper flavor? Use dark brown sugar instead of light.
• No raisins or nuts? No problem—they’re optional, and the filling shines on its own.

Butter Tart Squares – East Coast Style

All the sticky-sweet goodness of classic Canadian butter tarts baked into rich, chewy, crowd-pleasing squares.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Servings:16 Squares

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

For the Base:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter cubed

For the Filling:

• 2 large eggs
• 1½ cups brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup raisins or chopped walnuts optional

Method

 

Prepare the Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the flour and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Press evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Make the Filling

1. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in raisins or walnuts if using.

Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the filling over the hot crust. Return to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.

Cool and Slice

1. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step helps the filling firm up and ensures clean, neat slices.