Butter tart squares are a delightful twist on the classic Canadian butter tart. As someone who grew up baking, I can’t help but love the way these squares transform a few simple ingredients into a decadent, buttery treat. This recipe is a family favorite, perfect for gatherings or as a sweet snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. With a buttery crust, rich filling, and the option to add raisins or nuts, these butter tart squares are sure to win over anyone who tries them. Let’s dive into making this irresistible dessert!
Table of Contents
Butter Tart Squares Dessert
- Total Time: 60 mins
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Butter tart squares are a Canadian classic dessert featuring a buttery, crumbly crust and a rich, gooey filling. With optional raisins or nuts, they offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures
Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons icing sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
1 to 2 tablespoons cold water (if needed)
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cups brown sugar, lightly packed
4 large eggs
1 to 2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and coat with nonstick cooking spray.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together all-purpose flour and icing sugar in a large bowl.
- Cut cold butter cubes into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or fingertips until pea-sized crumbs form. Add cold water as needed to bind the dough.
- Press crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, melt butter and whisk in brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in vinegar and vanilla. Add raisins if desired.
- Pour the filling evenly over the baked crust and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully set. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Allow the butter to melt and slightly cool before adding it to the filling to avoid curdling the eggs.
For extra texture and flavor, you can add chopped nuts or include raisins, or substitute them based on your preference.
Keep the squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them to maintain freshness for a longer period.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Canadian
What Are Butter Tart Squares?
Butter tart squares are a variation of the traditional butter tart, often made as a more convenient, portable treat. These bars retain the rich, caramelized filling and buttery crust of the classic version but are easier to serve and store. With the perfect balance of a crumbly crust and a gooey, sweet filling, butter tart squares are a Canadian favorite that has made its way into the hearts and kitchens of many. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a dessert to serve at a family gathering or simply want a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
The History of Butter Tarts and Their Canadian Roots
The origins of butter tarts trace back to Canada in the 19th century. Traditionally, the recipe was passed down through generations of Canadian families, especially in Ontario. The early versions of butter tarts were simpler and used just sugar, butter, and eggs in the filling. Over time, people began adding raisins or pecans to give the tart extra texture and flavor. While butter tarts are undeniably a Canadian creation, the dessert’s influence has spread far beyond Canada’s borders.
The Difference Between Butter Tarts and Butter Tart Squares
So, what’s the difference between a butter tart and a butter tart square? The primary difference lies in the shape and ease of preparation. Traditional butter tarts are made in a pie crust, while butter tart squares are baked in a rectangular pan and cut into individual bars, making them easier to share. The flavor is very similar, though—the square version tends to be a bit denser due to the crust and filling being more compact. Whether in tart or square form, the sweet, rich flavor of the butter tart filling is what makes this dessert stand out.
Ingredients for Butter Tart Squares
Making butter tart squares is simple, but it requires a few key ingredients to achieve that perfect balance of flavor and texture. The ingredients can be split into two main components: the crust and the filling.
The Buttery Crust
The crust is essential to these squares, providing a firm, crumbly base that perfectly complements the sweet, gooey filling. Here’s what you need for the crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons icing sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cold water (if needed)
The cold butter is key to creating that flaky, tender texture. You’ll want to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles pea-sized crumbs. The icing sugar helps to create a subtle sweetness, which balances the richness of the butter.
The Rich Filling
The filling for butter tart squares is what gives them their signature taste. It’s sweet, buttery, and just the right amount of gooey. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups brown sugar, lightly packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 to 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup raisins (optional)
The brown sugar creates the caramelized sweetness that makes butter tarts so irresistible. Eggs bind everything together, while the vinegar and vanilla add a bit of tang and depth to the flavor. The addition of raisins (or nuts, if you prefer) provides a little extra texture and flavor contrast.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Butter Tart Squares
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the simple steps to make these irresistible butter tart squares. This recipe is straightforward and yields delicious results every time.
Preparing the Crust
Start by preparing the crust, as it needs to bake before you add the filling.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Coat the pan with nonstick cooking spray for easy removal of the squares after baking.
- Make the crust by whisking together the all-purpose flour and icing sugar in a large bowl.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture forms small pea-sized crumbs. If the dough feels too dry, add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just holds together.
- Press the dough into the prepared baking pan, pressing it evenly across the bottom. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until it starts to lightly brown. Once done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
Preparing the Filling and Assembling the Squares
While the crust is cooling, you can prepare the rich filling that will make these butter tart squares so delicious.
- Melt the butter: In a medium bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. This helps ensure the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Flavor the filling: Add the white vinegar and vanilla extract, whisking to combine. If you’re using raisins, stir them in now.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the squares for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is mostly set with just a slight jiggle at the center. You don’t want the filling to be too firm, as it should still have that delicious, gooey texture once cooled.
Cooling, Cutting, and Storing Your Butter Tart Squares
Once your butter tart squares are baked, it’s important to let them cool and set properly before cutting into them. This ensures that the filling has a chance to firm up while retaining its gooey, buttery texture.
Cooling the Squares
- Cool to Room Temperature: After removing the pan from the oven, let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to cut.
- Refrigerate for Best Results: Once the squares have cooled to room temperature, refrigerate them for several hours or overnight. Chilling them will help the filling firm up and make the squares easier to cut into neat, uniform pieces.
Cutting and Serving Butter Tart Squares
- Cut into Squares: Once the butter tart squares are fully set, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. You can cut them into large or small pieces, depending on your preference or how you plan to serve them.
- Serving Options: Serve the butter tart squares chilled or at room temperature. They are perfect for gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee.
Storing Butter Tart Squares
To keep these squares fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them to extend freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are butter tart bars?
Butter tart bars, or butter tart squares, are a simplified version of the classic Canadian butter tart. The main difference is that these bars are baked in a rectangular pan and cut into individual squares, making them easier to serve and store. They feature a buttery, sweet filling with a crumbly crust and are often topped with raisins or nuts, adding texture to the dessert.
Are butter tarts available in the USA?
While butter tarts are a Canadian classic, they have gained popularity in the United States, especially in areas with a significant Canadian population. Some bakeries and grocery stores in the U.S. offer butter tarts, but they are not as commonly found as other American desserts. However, you can easily make them at home with this butter tart square recipe!
What is a traditional butter tart?
A traditional butter tart consists of a flaky pie crust filled with a rich, gooey mixture of butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. It’s often made with raisins or pecans, though the filling remains the star of the show. This Canadian dessert is known for its sweet and buttery flavor with a satisfying balance of textures.
Are butter tarts only a Canadian thing?
Although butter tarts originated in Canada, they are not exclusive to the country. Over the years, they have spread beyond Canada’s borders and are enjoyed by people around the world. However, they remain one of the most iconic desserts in Canadian cuisine.
Butter tart squares are a delightful dessert that brings the iconic Canadian treat into a more convenient and shareable form. With a buttery crust, gooey caramelized filling, and the option for raisins or nuts, these squares are the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re new to butter tarts or a long-time fan, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to share them with friends and family, and enjoy the sweet memories these squares will create!
