If you’re looking for a dessert that embodies the essence of Canadian cuisine, look no further than Canadian Butter Tarts. These sweet and gooey treats are a beloved Canadian classic, featuring a rich, buttery filling nestled in a flaky pastry crust. Whether you prefer the traditional raisin-filled version or a maple pecan twist, these tarts are sure to delight your taste buds.
Canadian Butter Tarts: Classic Raisin or Maple Pecan
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles to fit a muffin tin.
- Press the dough circles into the muffin tin and set aside.
- For Raisin Tarts: Whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in raisins.
- For Maple Pecan Tarts: Whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Divide the filling evenly among the pastry shells, filling each about ¾ full (to prevent overflow).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.
- Let the tarts cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Table of Contents
What Are Canadian Butter Tarts?
Canadian Butter Tarts are a quintessential Canadian dessert known for their sweet, sticky filling and delicate pastry shell. The classic version includes raisins, while variations like Maple Pecan Butter Tarts add a nutty, maple-infused richness. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a simple indulgence, these tarts are a must-try for anyone who loves Canadian baking.
Ingredients for Canadian Butter Tarts
To make these delicious tarts, you’ll need two main components: the pastry crust and the filling.
For the Pastry Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-4 tbsp ice water
For the Filling (Choose Your Favorite!)
Classic Raisin Butter Tarts:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup corn syrup (or maple syrup for extra Canadian flavor)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup raisins
- Pinch of salt
Maple Pecan Butter Tarts:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions for Canadian Butter Tarts
Step 1: Make the Pastry Crust
- In a bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Tart Shells
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles to fit a muffin tin.
- Press the dough circles into the muffin tin and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- For Raisin Tarts: Whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in raisins.
- For Maple Pecan Tarts: Whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt. Stir in chopped pecans.
Step 4: Assemble the Tarts
- Divide the filling evenly among the pastry shells, filling each about ¾ full (to prevent overflow).
Step 5: Bake and Cool
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.
- Let the tarts cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Canadian Butter Tarts
- Keep the Butter Cold: For a flaky crust, ensure the butter stays cold and work quickly.
- Don’t Overfill: Fill shells only ¾ full to prevent spillage.
- Adjust Baking Time: For a runnier filling, bake 15 minutes. For a firmer set, bake 18-20 minutes.
- Customize It: Swap raisins for pecans, walnuts, or leave plain for a classic butter tart.
Why You’ll Love Canadian Butter Tarts
These tarts are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of Canadian flavors. The combination of a buttery, flaky crust and a sweet, gooey filling makes them irresistible. Whether you stick with the traditional raisin version or try the maple pecan variation, these tarts are sure to be a hit.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress with a classic Canadian dessert, Canadian Butter Tarts are the perfect choice. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re a true crowd-pleaser. Bake a batch today and enjoy a taste of Canada!
More Canadian Classics to Try:
Easy Sticky Date Spice Muffins
Canadian Butter Tarts: Classic Raisin or Maple Pecan
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles to fit a muffin tin.
- Press the dough circles into the muffin tin and set aside.
- For Raisin Tarts: Whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in raisins.
- For Maple Pecan Tarts: Whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Divide the filling evenly among the pastry shells, filling each about ¾ full (to prevent overflow).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.
- Let the tarts cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.