Canadian Butter Tarts

Name: Canadian Butter Tarts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup salted butter, cold and cubed; ¼ cup cold shortening, cubed; 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; Ice water, as needed; ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed; ⅓ cup light corn syrup; 1 large egg; 1 egg yolk; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; ⅓ cup melted salted butter; ¼ cup golden raisins; ¼ cup chopped pecans

By:

dani

Published:

October 1, 2025

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Canadian Butter Tarts are a classic Canadian delight that offer a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. These tarts feature a flaky crust filled with a combination of rich, buttery goodness and a golden, gooey filling. Imagine biting into a warm tart, the sweet, syrupy center oozing into your mouth while the buttery crust crumbles delightfully. Yum! Whether you grew up enjoying them or are trying them for the first time, Canadian butter tarts are sure to impress. They remind you of simple pleasures and cozy gatherings. Plus, the recipe is flexible, allowing you to dress them up with your favorite nuts or dried fruits. Get ready to experience the deliciousness and dive into the world of this beloved Canadian treat!

Why This Recipe Works

The secret behind these delicious Canadian butter tarts lies in the blend of ingredients. The use of light brown sugar combined with corn syrup creates a perfectly balanced sweetness that complements the buttery flavor beautifully. Chilling the pastry dough is essential. It ensures a flaky, tender texture that makes each bite irresistible. Also, paying attention to the baking time is crucial; it guarantees that the filling sets perfectly without overflowing. Trust me, following these steps will lead you to buttery goodness every time!

Why You’ll Love This Canadian Butter Tarts

These tarts not only provide a nostalgic taste of Canadian tradition but also deliver an unforgettable mouthwatering experience. Just one bite will take you back to the warmth of home, and you’ll find yourself wanting more. Another reason you’ll love these butter tarts is their customization. You can easily add your favorite nuts or dried fruits. Whether you prefer pecans or walnuts, or maybe a splash of raisins, there’s no limit to how you can make these tarts your own.

Ingredients

For the Pastry

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup salted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup cold shortening, cubed
1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Ice water, as needed

For the Filling

⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup light corn syrup
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
⅓ cup melted salted butter
¼ cup golden raisins
¼ cup chopped pecans

Preparing the Pastry Dough

Combine Dry Ingredients

Begin by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combine the flour, light brown sugar, and salt. This is where your tart journey starts.

Cut in Butter and Shortening

Next, add the cold, cubed butter and shortening to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter, forks, or even your fingers to mix. You want to break it down until it resembles pea-sized crumbs. This step is vital for that lovely flaky texture.

Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Then, mix in the apple cider vinegar. Now, add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time. Keep mixing until the dough starts to come together. Don’t rush this process; the right consistency is key.

Chill the Dough

Once your dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures that your pastry stays nice and flaky.

Making the Filling

Mix Ingredients

While your dough chills, take a separate bowl and combine the light brown sugar, light corn syrup, egg, egg yolk, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s well combined. You should see the sugar dissolve nicely.

Add Melted Butter

Next, stir in the melted butter. This adds richness and flavor to your filling. Set it aside for when you’re ready to assemble.

Assembling the Tarts

Roll Out Dough

When the dough is chilled, take it out and roll it out on a clean surface. Aim for about a ¼-inch thickness. This is where the fun really begins!

Cut Dough Circles

Using a round cookie cutter, cut out circles about ½ to 1 inch larger than the openings of your mini tart or muffin pan. This size will ensure that each shell holds the anticipated filling.

Form Tart Shells

Gently press each dough round into the tart cavities. Make sure the sides of each tart shell are well-covered, ensuring all that delicious filling stays inside.

Add Fillings

Now it’s time for the fun part! Sprinkle a few golden raisins and chopped pecans into each pastry shell. After that, fill each shell about ¾ full with the prepared filling. But remember, don’t overfill them; you need room for bubbling.

Baking the Tarts

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. You want a hot oven that helps achieve that perfect golden-brown caramelization.

Bake Until Golden

Place the filled tart pan on the lower rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for caramelized tops and lightly golden edges. Allow the tarts to cool completely before removing them from the pan. Patience is vital—trust me!

Serving Suggestions

You can serve your Canadian butter tarts warm or at room temperature. For an added touch of indulgence, go ahead and add some whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It transforms a lovely dessert into a heavenly experience!

Tips for Success

Always make sure your butter and shortening are cold. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky pastry.
Don’t forget! Leave some space for the filling when you fill your tarts. That bubbling goodness needs room to work its magic.

Variations

If you want to mix things up, consider substituting pecans with walnuts or almonds. It offers a deliciously different nutty flavor. You can also add a hint of chocolate chips to satisfy any sweet tooth in the group!

Pairing Ideas

Pair your Canadian butter tarts with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The combination is a perfect match for the sweet and rich flavors of the tarts. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want it every time!

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. However, the final results might vary.

2. How should I store the leftover tarts?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze these butter tarts?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked tarts by preparing the dough and filling, wrapping them in plastic, and placing them in the freezer. Bake them straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

4. What other fillings can I use?
Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Chocolate ganache, maple syrup, or even fruit preserves could make for an exciting new twist.

5. How can I tell when the tarts are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown crust and caramelized filling. These indicators usually mean the tarts are fully baked and ready to enjoy.

Experience the delightful taste of Canadian butter tarts that embody a sweet, gooey center and a flaky, buttery crust. This recipe not only honors a cherished Canadian dessert but also allows for personal touches through various filling options and serving ideas. Perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying as a treat at home, these butter tarts are a true comfort food that will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet cravings.