Old Fashioned Butter Tarts are a classic Canadian dessert known for their rich, buttery flavor. This beloved treat has been passed down through generations, evoking memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Whether you love them with raisins or prefer them plain, these tarts are a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, this recipe will help you bring a taste of Canada right into your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Old Fashioned Butter Tarts
Old Fashioned Butter Tarts are the epitome of indulgence. This dessert combines the richness of butter, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the warmth of vanilla, creating a decadent filling that pairs perfectly with the crisp, buttery tart shell. Not only are these tarts incredibly easy to make, but they also hold a special place in Canadian cuisine, making them an excellent choice for special occasions, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something sweet. Plus, they’re customizable—add raisins or enjoy them without for a treat that fits any taste.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Butter Tarts
To create these irresistible Old Fashioned Butter Tarts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- All Purpose Flour: Essential for the tart crust, providing structure and texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors in both the crust and the filling.
- Unsalted Butter: The star of the recipe, delivering a rich, buttery taste.
- White Sugar: Adds a light sweetness to the tart shell.
- Water: Helps bind the dough together.
- Light Brown Sugar: Gives the filling its characteristic sweetness and rich flavor.
- Corn Syrup: Adds a smooth consistency and helps bind the filling.
- Eggs: Acts as a binder, creating the perfect texture for the filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings depth of flavor and a pleasant aroma.
- Raisins (optional): For those who enjoy a chewy contrast to the smooth filling.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you prefer to tweak this recipe, here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Maple Syrup instead of corn syrup: A classic Canadian twist that adds a deep, maple-flavored richness to the filling.
- Dark Brown Sugar instead of light brown: For a more robust, molasses-like flavor.
- Gluten-Free Flour for a gluten-free version of the crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Old Fashioned Butter Tarts
- Prepare the Tart Dough
In a mixing bowl, sift the flour, salt, and sugar together. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Gradually add the cold water and mix until the dough just begins to come together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. - Roll and Shape the Dough
After the dough has chilled, roll it out to about 1/8-inch thick. Using a 4-inch cutter, cut circles and press them gently into greased muffin cups. Avoid stretching the dough to maintain its flakiness. - Make the Butter Filling
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix well. For raisin lovers, add a handful of raisins to the mixture. - Fill the Tart Shells
Spoon the butter filling into each tart shell, being careful not to overfill. Each shell should hold about 1 tablespoon of filling. - Bake the Tarts
Place the filled tarts in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The filling should be lightly browned and bubbly. Let the tarts cool for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Old Fashioned Butter Tarts
- Butter Handling: For a flakier crust, ensure your butter remains cold when mixing it into the flour. If necessary, freeze the butter sticks before handling.
- Don’t Overfill: When filling the tarts, avoid overfilling to prevent the butter from overflowing during baking.
- Raisin Variations: If you prefer a different filling, feel free to experiment with chocolate chips, nuts, or even a dash of cinnamon for a unique twist.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These Old Fashioned Butter Tarts are delicious on their own, but here are some great pairing ideas to enhance the experience:
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the rich, buttery filling.
- Tea or Coffee: Pair these tarts with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat during your afternoon break.
For variations, consider adding different flavors to the butter filling, like a splash of maple syrup for a richer taste, or chocolate chips for a decadent twist. You can also make these tarts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to three days.
Why You Should Make These Tarts
Old Fashioned Butter Tarts are more than just a dessert; they’re a piece of Canadian history. Originating in the Canadian prairies, these tarts have stood the test of time, evolving into a cherished family recipe. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations, these tarts are sure to delight anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of buttery crust and sweet filling makes them the ultimate treat to enjoy with loved ones.
Whether you’re making them for the first time or recreating a family favorite, Old Fashioned Butter Tarts are a must-try dessert that will never go out of style.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Old Fashioned Butter Tarts
Old Fashioned Butter Tarts are the ultimate indulgence, offering a rich, buttery filling and a perfectly crisp crust that will melt in your mouth. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a treat to share with family and friends, these tarts are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Their versatility, easy preparation, and timeless appeal make them the perfect dessert for anyone looking to experience the true flavors of Canadian baking. Plus, with the option to add raisins or keep them plain, you can cater to everyone’s taste preferences. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious batch of Old Fashioned Butter Tarts today!
FAQ: Old Fashioned Butter Tarts
Can I use salted butter in Old Fashioned Butter Tarts?
Yes, you can use salted butter in Old Fashioned Butter Tarts, but keep in mind that it will slightly alter the flavor. Unsalted butter is preferred because it gives you full control over the amount of salt in the recipe.
Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
Absolutely! Old Fashioned Butter Tarts can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to two months. To enjoy them after freezing, simply thaw at room temperature.
How do I know when the butter tarts are done baking?
The tarts are done when the filling is lightly browned and still bubbling. A good sign is when the edges of the crust are golden brown and the filling has set, but it will still be slightly jiggly in the center.
More Relevant Recipes
Print
Old Fashioned Butter Tarts
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Old Fashioned Butter Tarts are a classic Canadian dessert that combines a rich, buttery filling with a crisp, flaky crust. These sweet tarts can be customized with raisins or enjoyed plain. A true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled & cubed
- ½ cup cold water
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
- Optional: raisins
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal.
- Gradually add cold water until the dough begins to come together. Press the dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough to 1/8 inch thick and cut 4-inch circles. Press dough circles into greased muffin cups, being careful not to stretch the dough.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix well. Optionally, stir in raisins.
- Fill each tart shell with about 1 tablespoon of the butter mixture, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the filling is lightly browned and bubbling.
- Let the tarts cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Notes
- For a flakier crust, ensure the butter is cold when handling.
- Do not overfill the tart shells to avoid spilling during baking.
- These tarts can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to three days, or frozen for up to two months.
- If you prefer a different flavor, try adding nuts or chocolate chips to the filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 332mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 66mg
