Canadian Butter Tarts are one of the most beloved traditional desserts from Canada. With their flaky pastry crust and sweet, gooey filling, they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and comforting. Some versions are made plain, while others include raisins or nuts for added texture and flavor. Whether served at family gatherings, holidays, or simply as a treat with coffee, these butter tarts never fail to impress.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into pieces
- ¼ cup very cold water
For the Filling
- ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional but recommended)
- 3 tablespoons raisins (optional)
Steps
- Prepare the Crust
In a food processor, pulse the flour, salt, and sugar until combined. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Sprinkle in the cold water and pulse again until the dough just comes together. Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured surface, knead gently, and shape into a 6-inch disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. - Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) with the rack positioned in the middle. - Roll Out the Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a thin sheet about ⅛-inch thick. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut circles. Press each circle into the wells of a standard 12-cup muffin tin, making sure the pastry reaches the top edges. Gather scraps and re-roll if needed. Place the muffin tin in the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling. - Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, egg, vinegar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. If desired, place pecans and raisins evenly into the pastry cups. Pour the filling over the nuts and raisins, filling each cup evenly. - Bake the Tarts
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling and set. Remove from the oven and let the tarts cool slightly on a wire rack. Run a butter knife around the edges to loosen them, then allow to cool completely before removing from the tin.
Final Thoughts
Canadian Butter Tarts are more than just a dessert—they’re a piece of Canadian heritage. Their rich, gooey centers and flaky crusts make them irresistible for both casual snacking and special occasions. Whether you prefer them with pecans, raisins, or plain, they’re sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy them with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and you’ll see why this classic recipe has stood the test of time.