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Canadian Butter Tarts: Classic Raisin or Maple Pecan

Canadian Butter Tarts: Classic Raisin or Maple Pecan

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time18 minutes
Total Time38 minutes
Servings:12 Tarts
Course:Dessert
Cuisine:canadian

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Pastry Crust
  1. In a bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until the dough comes together.
  4. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Tart Shells
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles to fit a muffin tin.
  3. Press the dough circles into the muffin tin and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Filling
  1. For Raisin Tarts: Whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in raisins.
  2. 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
  1. Divide the filling evenly among the pastry shells, filling each about ¾ full (to prevent overflow).
Step 5: Bake and Cool
  1. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the pastry is golden brown.
  2. Let the tarts cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.