Canadian Butter Tarts

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute weakness Canadian butter tarts! I still remember the first time I bit into one as a kid at a church bake sale. That perfect mix of buttery crust and gooey sweet center had me hooked for life. These little treats are pure Canadian comfort food with roots going way back to pioneer days.

What makes them so magical is that simple yet genius filling brown sugar, corn syrup and butter melted together into a caramel-like pool of deliciousness. Some folks add raisins or pecans, but honestly, I’m a purist when it comes to that classic gooey texture. The filling should be just set enough to hold its shape but still gloriously sticky when you take that first bite.

Now I’ll share all my secrets for making Canadian butter tarts that’ll have your family begging for more. Trust me, once you master this recipe, you’ll be making them for every potluck and holiday gathering. They’re easier than you think and oh so worth it!

Why You’ll Love These Canadian Butter Tarts

Let me count the ways these tarts will steal your heart (and probably your diet resolutions)! First off, they’re ridiculously easy to make. I’m talking 15 minutes of prep for pure buttery bliss. The filling comes together in one bowl, and even beginner bakers can nail this recipe.

The flavor? Oh my. That rich, caramel-like center paired with flaky pastry is what dessert dreams are made of. Here’s why everyone falls hard for these tarts:

• They taste like a warm hug from your Canadian grandma (even if you never had one)
• The gooey filling stays perfectly sticky for days
• You can customize with raisins, nuts, or keep it classic
• They disappear fast at parties (make extra!)
• No fancy equipment needed just a muffin tin and some love

Seriously, one bite and you’ll understand why these tarts have been a Canadian tradition for generations. They’re little pockets of pure happiness!

Ingredients for Canadian Butter Tarts

Now let’s gather those simple ingredients that transform into magic. I’ve learned over the years that quality matters here, especially with the butter and brown sugar. My grandma always said, “You taste every ingredient in a good butter tart,” and she was right!

For the Gooey Filling:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar (dark brown gives deeper flavor, but light works too)
• 1 cup corn syrup (my secret is using half dark corn syrup for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (real butter only, please!)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature blends better)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the real stuff makes a difference)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (balances all that sweetness perfectly)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional, but I soak mine in warm water first to plump them up)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, walnuts work great too)

For the Tart Shells:

• 12 unbaked tart shells (homemade is amazing, but store-bought works in a pinch)

See? Nothing fancy, just good honest ingredients. You probably have most of this in your pantry right now. The magic happens when they all come together in that sweet, sticky filling we Canadians know and love!

How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making these little pockets of joy! I’ve made this recipe so many times I could do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step carefully. The key is not to rush the process – good butter tarts are worth the wait.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, crank that oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, place your tart shells on a baking sheet. No need to grease them – the butter in the pastry will do that job beautifully. I like to use a muffin tin if I’m making homemade shells.

Step 2: Mix That Magical Filling

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Don’t overmix – just blend until everything’s smooth and shiny. Pro tip: if your butter’s too hot, it might scramble the eggs, so let it cool slightly before mixing.

Step 3: Add Your Extras (If You Want)

Now’s the time to sprinkle a few raisins or pecans in the bottom of each shell if you’re using them. I like about 1 teaspoon per tart – enough to add flavor without overpowering that glorious filling.

Step 4: Fill ‘Em Up (But Not Too Much!)

Here’s where beginners often go wrong. Pour the filling into each shell until it’s about two-thirds full. Any more and you’ll have a sticky volcano erupting in your oven! The filling expands as it bakes, so trust me on this.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide those beauties into the oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the filling is just set (it’ll still jiggle slightly) and the pastry turns golden brown. I like to rotate the pan halfway through for even baking.

Step 6: Cool With Care

Let the tarts cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This patience pays off – if you move them too soon, the filling might ooze out. And we can’t have that precious gooeyness escaping!

Tips for Perfect Canadian Butter Tarts

Here are my fail-proof tricks:

• 1) Use dark corn syrup for deeper flavor
• 2) Place a baking sheet under your tart pan to catch drips
• 3) Check doneness by gently shaking the pan: The filling should move as one mass, not ripple.
• 4) Let them cool completely (if you can wait!) for the best texture.

Variations for Canadian Butter Tarts

One of the best things about butter tarts is how easily you can make them your own! Over the years, I’ve played around with all sorts of fun twists on the classic recipe.

Here are my favorite ways to mix things up when I’m feeling adventurous:

• Swap pecans for walnuts if you prefer a slightly earthier crunch
• Skip the raisins entirely for pure, unadulterated gooey goodness
• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling for a warm, cozy flavor
• Try maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a distinctly Canadian twist
• Mix in a tablespoon of bourbon with the raisins for grown-up tarts

The beauty is that no matter how you customize them, they’ll still taste unmistakably like the butter tarts we all know and love. Just don’t tell my grandma I mess with her perfect recipe!

Serving and Storing Canadian Butter Tarts

Now comes the best part: Enjoying these sweet treats! My family never lets the tarts cool completely before sneaking the first bite, and honestly, I don’t blame them. That warm, gooey center is irresistible.

But if you can hold out, letting them reach room temperature gives you the perfect texture contrast between the crisp shell and luscious filling.

For storing, I’ve learned a few tricks over the years. Place cooled tarts in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep at room temperature for about 3 days, though in my house they rarely last that long! If you need to store them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week.

Just let them come to room temp before serving or warm them gently in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked magic.

• Fun fact:
  These tarts actually freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
  I always make a double batch and freeze half for unexpected guests (or midnight cravings).
  Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
  They might not look quite as pretty after freezing, but that amazing taste? Still 100% there!

Nutritional Information for Canadian Butter Tarts

Let’s be honest – we’re not eating butter tarts for their health benefits! But I know some folks like to keep track, so here’s the scoop. Each tart (made exactly as written) comes in at about 300 calories. Not bad for a little indulgence!

You’re looking at roughly:

• 14g fat (that glorious butter at work)
• 42g carbs (mostly from that sweet, sweet filling)
• 3g protein (thank the eggs for that)

Now remember, these numbers can change based on your ingredients. Using dark corn syrup instead of light? That adds a smidge more calories. Skip the nuts? You’ll save a few grams of fat. Homemade pastry versus store-bought? That’ll make a difference too.

My philosophy? Life’s too short to stress over every calorie when it comes to treats this special. Enjoy one (or two) with your afternoon tea and savor every delicious bite!

FAQs About Canadian Butter Tarts

Easy & Delicious Desserts to Try Next

If you enjoyed these Canadian Butter Tarts, here are a few more simple and tasty desserts you’ll love. They’re sweet, comforting, and perfect for any occasion.

• Try Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs for a rich and creamy chocolate treat.
• Enjoy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars if you want a soft and chewy bar full of peanut butter flavor.
• Make Lemon Bars for a bright and tangy dessert with a soft, buttery base.
• Bake Berry Cake when you’re craving something fruity, soft, and colorful.

Try one of these next to keep enjoying easy and delicious homemade desserts!

Share Your Canadian Butter Tarts Experience

I’d love to hear how your butter tarts turn out! Did you stick with the classic recipe or try a fun variation? Leave a comment below with your baking adventures, snap a photo to share, or tell me about your first butter tart memory. And follow me on Pinterest for more tips and easy recipes. Happy baking, friends!