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Golden Canadian Butter Tart Squares with a gooey filling, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup, served on a rustic wooden board.

Canadian Butter Tart Squares: Easy, Gooey, and Irresistibly Delicious

Indulge in the classic flavors of Canada with these easy Canadian Butter Tart Squares! Featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey caramel-like filling,
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Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
1 hour (cooling)1 hour
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Servings:12 squares
Course:Dessert
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups 190g all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup 50g granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Filling:
  • 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup 200g packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup 60ml pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon 5ml vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon 1.5g salt
  • 1/2 cup 75g raisins or chopped pecans (optional)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat and Prep
  2. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This step ensures that your squares will come out of the pan cleanly and without sticking.
  3. Step 2: Make the Crust
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. This shortbread crust provides the perfect base for the gooey filling.
  5. Step 3: Prepare the Filling
  6. While the crust bakes, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth. If you’re using raisins or pecans, stir them in now. The filling should be rich, glossy, and slightly thick.
  7. Step 4: Assemble and Bake
  8. Pour the filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Be careful not to overbake, as the squares will firm up as they cool.
  9. Step 5: Cool and Serve
  10. Let the squares cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve. For an extra touch, drizzle with a little extra maple syrup or sprinkle with powdered sugar.