Traditional Canadian Butter Tarts Recipe

Introduction

Few desserts capture the soul of Canadian baking quite like the classic butter tart. With their perfectly flaky pastry and gooey, caramel-infused centers, these Traditional Canadian Butter Tarts are the ultimate indulgence for any sweet tooth. Whether served at holiday gatherings, afternoon teas, or weekend brunches, this iconic dessert is a guaranteed crowd pleaser and a delightful nod to culinary heritage.

Why This Butter Tart Recipe Shines

What sets these butter tarts apart is their balance between crisp pastry and a lusciously rich, not-too-runny filling with just the right hint of sweetness. The addition of plump raisins (or pecans, if you prefer) adds texture and a flavor depth that makes each bite an irresistible experience—simple yet sophisticated, this recipe never fails to impress.

Secrets to Perfect Butter Tart Pastry

A great butter tart starts with buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pastry. The key? Very cold butter and water, and a gentle touch while mixing. Roll out the dough thin enough to allow the filling to shine through, but sturdy enough to hold that gooey center. Resting the dough in the fridge before rolling helps prevent shrinking and ensures sublime flakiness.

Classic Butter Tart Filling: Achieving the Ideal Texture

The hallmark of a traditional Canadian butter tart is its filling—luscious, caramelized, and never runny. Mixing eggs, brown sugar, butter, and maple syrup yields a perfectly balanced custard. For added dimension, fold in golden raisins or chopped pecans. Bake just until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center for true authenticity.

Serving Suggestions for Butter Tarts

Enjoy these tarts fresh from the oven or after they’ve cooled—they’re equally delicious either way. Serve solo with a hot cup of coffee, or elevate your presentation by adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted nuts. For special occasions, arrange them on a tiered tray among seasonal fruits.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 12 standard-size butter tarts. Each tart contains approximately 250–300 calories, depending on mix-ins like raisins or pecans. While rich and sweet, they’re a classic treat meant to be savored and shared.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless meal planning.

Instructions

1. Make the Pastry: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Pour in the cold water, stirring until the dough just comes together. Add an additional tablespoon of water if needed. Gather into a ball, flatten into a disk, wrap, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a floured surface, roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles and gently press each round into a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
4. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk melted butter with brown sugar. Beat in the eggs, maple syrup (or corn syrup), vanilla, and salt until smooth and combined.
5. Divide raisins or pecans (if using) among the tart shells. Spoon the filling over top, filling each shell about 2/3 of the way.
6. Bake in the center of the oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the filling is set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center.
7. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes to allow the filling to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Weekly Meal Planning

These Traditional Canadian Butter Tarts store beautifully and are ideal for make-ahead meal planning—just another reason they’re a Canadian staple. Save and schedule this recipe to plan dessert nights or add a touch of classic charm to your weekly rotation. CookifyAI streamlines your entire week:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient needs if you’re baking a double batch.
• Organizes your shopping list by grocery aisle for maximum efficiency.
• Ensures you never forget those key ingredients—like fresh eggs and real maple syrup!
• Helps prevent duplicate purchases and save money by tracking your weekly meal needs.

Pro tip: When planning multiple treats or meals, schedule your recipes and let the shopping list do the math for you—making sure next week’s baking is as effortless as it is delicious.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Enjoy these truly Canadian butter tarts—a beloved dessert that’s easy enough for any baker and sophisticated enough for any occasion!