Description
Golden, flaky pastry filled with a rich, buttery, and slightly gooey filling—these classic Canadian butter tarts are an irresistible treat. Whether you prefer them with raisins, pecans, or plain, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Serve them warm with coffee or as part of a festive dessert platter!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pastry Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup ice water
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup (or maple syrup)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry
- In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll and Shape
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface. Cut circles to fit a muffin tin and press each piece into the cups. Chill while preparing the filling.
- Make the Filling
- Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in raisins or pecans if using.
- Fill and Bake
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill each pastry shell about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly set.
- Cool and Enjoy
- Let the tarts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For firmer butter tarts: Bake a few minutes longer.
- For runnier butter tarts: Slightly underbake and let them set as they cool.
- For nut-free tarts: Simply omit the raisins or pecans.
- For extra flavor: Substitute corn syrup with maple syrup for a uniquely Canadian twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg