Butter tarts are a quintessential Canadian treat that captivates taste buds with their irresistible combination of buttery pastry, gooey filling, and sweet, caramelized goodness. These delectable tarts are beloved across Canada and beyond, cherished for their indulgent flavors and comforting simplicity.
At the heart of every butter tart lies a rich and buttery pastry shell, crafted from a delicate mixture of flour, butter, and a touch of sugar, resulting in a tender and flaky crust that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Some variations may also include the addition of chopped nuts—typically pecans or walnuts—which add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the tarts.
As the butter tarts bake in the oven, the filling bubbles and caramelizes, creating a gooey center that is both indulgent and addictive. The aroma of buttery pastry and caramelized sugar fills the air, enticing anyone nearby with its irresistible scent.
Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, with the buttery pastry providing the perfect contrast to the sweet and gooey filling. Some prefer their butter tarts with a runny filling, while others enjoy them with a firmer texture—either way, they are sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Butter tarts are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday feasts. They make the perfect addition to a dessert table or a thoughtful gift for friends and family. And with endless variations and flavor combinations to explore—from classic butter tarts to creative twists with additions like raisins, chocolate chips, or even bacon—there’s always something new to discover and enjoy.
With their buttery pastry, gooey filling, and sweet caramelized goodness, butter tarts are sure to win over your heart—and your taste buds—time and time again.
Classic Canadian delicacies with flaky pastry and gooey, sweet filling, optionally studded with raisins or pecans, a true taste of nostalgia. 
Ingredients:
For the Pastry Crust:
– 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour (163 grams)
– 1 tsp sugar
– ½ tsp salt
– ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (112 grams)
– ¼ cup cold water
For the Butter Tart Filling:
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed (190 grams)
– ½ cup golden corn syrup
– ¼ cup salted butter, melted
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon white vinegar (optional: it helps to cut the sweetness)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Optional: ½ cup raisins or pecans
Instructions:
For the Pastry Crust:
– In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. 
– Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. 
– Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. 
– Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. 
– Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. 
For the Butter Tart Filling:
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a muffin tin or tart pan. 
– In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, golden corn syrup, melted salted butter, eggs, white vinegar (if using), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. 
– If desired, add raisins or pecans to the filling mixture. 
Final Assembly:
– Roll out the chilled pastry dough on a floured surface and cut it into circles to fit your muffin tin or tart pan. 
– Gently press the pastry circles into the muffin cups.
– Pour the butter tart filling into each pastry shell, filling each about 2/3 full.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the filling is set.
– Allow the butter tarts to cool in the muffin tin or tart pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
– Once cooled, enjoy your homemade Butter Tarts!