The Best Butter Tart Squares Recipe: Sweet Canadian Delight

Sweet memories flood back when I first discovered these delectable butter tart squares that quickly became a Canadian dessert legend.

Flaky pastry cradles a rich, gooey filling reminiscent of classic bakery treats.

My grandmother’s whispered recipe hints at generations of culinary magic.

Maple-infused and perfectly caramelized, these squares promise pure comfort in every bite.

Crisp edges give way to a molten center that melts deliciously on your tongue.

Each square tells a story of tradition and warmth.

Savor these irresistible squares and let your taste buds dance with joy.

Why Butter Tart Squares Are Perfect for Sweet Cravings

• Craft a Canadian Classic: Dive into a beloved Canadian dessert that brings the warmth of traditional butter tarts right to your kitchen with an easy-to-make square version.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: Learn to create a perfect layered dessert with straightforward steps that transform basic ingredients into a delightful treat suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Customize your squares by adding raisins, currants, or chopped walnuts, making this recipe adaptable for different tastes and perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or sweet afternoon snacks.
• No-Fuss Dessert Solution: Enjoy a hassle-free baking experience with minimal preparation time and simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, indulgent dessert everyone will love.

Ingredients for Butter Tart Squares

• Unsalted Butter: A creamy ingredient that provides richness and helps bind the base together.
• Confectioners' Sugar: A fine sugar that adds sweetness and contributes to the base's smooth texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient for the base layer.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth filling consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness and caramel-like flavor to the filling.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create a custardy texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic sweetness.
• Dark Corn Syrup: Contributes to the filling's gooey and rich characteristic.
• White Vinegar: Balances the sweetness and adds a subtle tangy note.

• Raisins, Currants, Chopped Walnuts: Provide additional texture and optional flavor variations to the butter tart squares.

How to Make Buttery Butter Tart Squares

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create the Buttery Base

Mix softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until fluffy and light. Slowly blend in flour until the mixture turns into a smooth dough.

Press the dough evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake the Base

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Look for a pale golden color and a set surface. Remove from the oven but keep the oven temperature steady.

Step 4: Whip Up the Filling

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Flour

Beat until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add Filling Ingredients

Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the mixture.

• Dark corn syrup
• White vinegar

Optional: Fold in raisins, currants, or chopped walnuts if desired.

Step 6: Complete the Baking Process

Pour the filling evenly over the partially baked base. Return to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

The filling should look set and not wobble when you gently nudge the pan.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the butter tart squares to cool completely at room temperature.

This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the baked treat from the pan.

Transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares using a sharp knife.

Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Tart Squares

• Chill the base layer for 15 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create a more compact crust.
• Substitute dark corn syrup with maple syrup for a more Canadian-style flavor profile and added richness.
• Avoid overmixing the filling to prevent air bubbles and ensure a smooth, silky texture in the final product.
• Use room temperature ingredients to guarantee better incorporation and a more consistent filling mixture.
• Line the pan with parchment paper extending on all sides for effortless removal and clean, precise cutting of butter tart squares.

Variations to Try with Butter Tart Squares

• Gluten-Free Butter Tart Squares: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Maple-Infused Variation: Swap dark corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a rich Canadian-inspired flavor profile that adds depth to the traditional butter tart taste.
• Nut-Free Version: Eliminate walnuts and replace with rolled oats or seeds for a crunchy texture that maintains the square's integrity while accommodating nut allergies.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with flax eggs, and select plant-based corn syrup alternatives to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free dessert option.

Pairing Ideas for Butter Tart Squares

• Indulge in late harvest Riesling or Icewine from Canada, which beautifully match the tart's rich caramel notes and sweet intensity.
• Enjoy dark roast espresso or cappuccino to cut through the dessert's sweetness and provide a robust counterbalance.
• Serve alongside toasted pecans or maple-glazed walnuts to amplify the tart's natural buttery and caramel undertones.
• Offer chilled lemon sorbet or orange-infused sparkling water to provide a bright, cleansing contrast to the rich dessert squares.

Storage Advice for Butter Tart Squares

• Store cooled butter tart squares in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These treats can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Preheat oven to 300°F. Place squares on a baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What are Butter Tart Squares?

Butter Tart Squares are a Canadian dessert that combines a buttery shortbread-like crust with a sweet, gooey filling similar to traditional butter tarts. They’re a more convenient version of the classic Canadian butter tart, making them easier to serve and enjoy.

• Are Butter Tart Squares similar to regular butter tarts?

Yes, but with a key difference. While traditional butter tarts are made in individual pastry shells, Butter Tart Squares are baked in a single pan and then cut into squares, making them simpler to prepare and serve.

• What gives these squares their distinctive flavor?

The unique flavor comes from the combination of brown sugar, corn syrup, and a touch of vinegar in the filling.

Butter Tart Squares Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Irresistible butter tart squares showcase Canadian prairie culinary heritage with a delightful twist on classic pastry. Flaky crust and sweet filling create a perfect balance of nostalgic comfort and pure indulgence you’ll savor with each bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (240 ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) light or dark brown sugar, firmly packed
• ¾ cup (180 ml) dark corn syrup
• 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) white vinegar
• 2 tbsps (15 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (150 g) optional ingredients (raisins, currants, or chopped walnuts)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter with confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually mix in flour until the dough becomes thick and uniform.
4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact base layer.
5. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until it turns pale golden and sets. Remove from oven but maintain the temperature.
6. For the filling, whisk together softened butter, brown sugar, and flour until smooth and well-combined.
7. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract thoroughly, ensuring complete integration.
8. Mix in corn syrup and white vinegar. Fold in optional raisins, currants, or chopped walnuts if desired.
9. Carefully pour the filling over the partially baked crust, distributing it evenly across the surface.
10. Return to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling sets and no longer appears liquid when gently shaken.
11. Allow the pan to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the squares firm up and makes cutting easier.
12. Using the parchment paper, lift the baked dessert from the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares, trimming edges if necessary for a clean presentation.

Notes

• Perfectly crisp crust requires butter at room temperature, ensuring smooth blending and uniform texture.
• Avoid overmixing the base dough to prevent tough, dense squares that lack delicate, crumbly consistency.
• Resting the base layer briefly before adding filling helps create distinct, clean layers with enhanced structural integrity.
• Customize flavor profiles by experimenting with alternative nuts like pecans or adding dark chocolate chips for sophisticated variations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 212
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 27 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg