Description
These Classic Canadian Butter Tarts are a national favorite for a reason! With their flaky, buttery pastry and sweet, caramel-like filling, they’re the perfect indulgent treat. Whether you like them with raisins, pecans, or chocolate chips, this easy homemade butter tart recipe will satisfy every sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Pastry:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose or pastry flour
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold shortening, cubed
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 6 tbsp ice water (or as needed)
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup raisins (or substitute with pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips)
Instructions
Make the Pastry:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a food processor, pulse together the flour, brown sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the fat: Add the butter and shortening, pulsing until the mixture resembles small peas.
- Add water: Sprinkle in ice water, stirring with a fork until the dough just comes together. Do not overwork.
- Chill: Divide the dough into two rounds, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll & cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4-inch rounds. Press into a muffin tin and chill while preparing the filling.
Prepare the Filling & Bake:
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt.
- Assemble: Sprinkle raisins (or other mix-ins) into the bottom of each tart shell. Fill ⅔ full with the syrup mixture.
- Bake: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes on the bottom oven rack.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a firmer filling, add an extra egg, increase the brown sugar to ¾ cup, and reduce the corn syrup to ¼ cup.
- Flakier pastry tip: Keep everything cold, including the rolling pin and work surface.
- Storage: Store at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg