Take everything you love about a traditional Canadian butter tart — the buttery brown sugar filling, rich maple flavor, and chewy pecan crunch — and turn it into a warm, gooey dip. This Butter Tart Dip is your new go-to dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Served with graham crackers, cookies, apple slices, or pretzels, it’s the ultimate indulgence that delivers on comfort and nostalgia with every scoop.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: Ready in under 15 minutes
- Classic Canadian Flavor: Inspired by iconic butter tarts
- Warm & Scoopable: Perfect for dipping and sharing
- Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or cream cheese for richness
- Party-Ready: Serve it in a mini skillet or fondue pot for maximum appeal
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or substitute with corn syrup for a classic taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or raisins (or a mix of both)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese for extra creaminess
For Dipping:
- Graham crackers
- Shortbread cookies
- Apple slices
- Pretzel sticks
- Baguette slices (for a sweet and salty contrast)
How to Make Butter Tart Dip
1. Melt & Stir
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and bubbling slightly.
2. Thicken the Dip
Remove from heat. Quickly whisk in the beaten egg, vanilla, salt, and cream cheese (if using). Return to low heat and stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Be careful not to boil, or the egg may curdle.
3. Add Mix-Ins
Stir in chopped pecans, raisins, or both. Transfer the warm dip to a mini cast iron skillet or heatproof bowl for serving.
4. Serve Warm
Top with extra pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.
Smart Serving Tips
- Keep it warm using a mini crockpot or fondue pot
- Add a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of espresso, or a hint of bourbon for a grown-up twist
- Use leftovers as a spread for toast, waffles, or pancakes
Servings and Time
- Servings: Serves 6–8 as a dessert dip
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
- Total Time: ~12 minutes
If you love butter tarts in all forms, don’t miss our classic Canadian Butter Tart Squares recipe
Butter Tart Dip
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and bubbling slightly.
- Remove from heat. Quickly whisk in the beaten egg, vanilla, salt, and cream cheese (if using). Return to low heat and stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Be careful not to boil, or the egg may curdle.
- Stir in chopped pecans, raisins, or both. Transfer the warm dip to a mini cast iron skillet or heatproof bowl for serving.
- Top with extra pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers.