Best Classic Canadian Butter Tarts
These classic Canadian butter tarts feature a flaky pastry shell filled with a sweet, gooey filling that is slightly caramelized. Perfect for dessert or as a treat, these tarts are sure to delight any sweet tooth.
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 rolling pin
- 1 muffin tin
- 1 pastry cutter or fork
- 1 small saucepan
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter Cold, cubed.
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons ice water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup corn syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter Melted.
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup raisins or walnuts Optional.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and blend using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually mix in the ice water until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Cut out circles slightly larger than the muffin tin cups.
- Gently press each dough circle into the muffin tins, ensuring it covers the base and sides.
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- If using, sprinkle raisins or chopped walnuts into each pastry shell.
- Pour the filling mixture into each pastry shell, filling them about ⅔ full to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is bubbling and the pastry is lightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a variation, you can experiment with flavored extracts such as maple or almond. Ensure that the pastry is not overly worked to maintain a flaky texture. Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy your delicious Canadian butter tarts!