Butter Tarts

Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen on a chilly afternoon, where the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats envelops you like a warm hug. This is precisely what Butter Tarts offer—a warm, gooey indulgence that has become a staple in Canadian households. With a rich history dating back to the 17th century, butter tarts are beloved for their simplicity and flavor. They embody the essence of comfort food, featuring a flaky pastry crust filled with a luscious mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs that melts in your mouth.

What makes these tarts truly special is their versatility. Whether you prefer them with raisins, nuts, or simply plain, butter tarts can be customized to fit any taste. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delightful dessert that will impress family and friends alike. Let’s dive into this sweet adventure and discover how to make the perfect butter tarts!

Delightfully sweet and gooey, butter tarts feature a flaky crust and a rich filling of butter, sugar, and eggs. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

For the Pastry Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4-5 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup (light or dark)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional: ½ cup raisins or chopped pecans for added texture

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Sugar and Ice Water: Stir in the granulated sugar. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking it.
4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
2. Cut Out Circles: Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles and fit them into a muffin tin, pressing gently to mold the dough into the cups.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, corn syrup, and salt until smooth. If desired, fold in raisins or pecans for extra texture.

Step 5: Fill the Tarts

1. Pour the Filling: Carefully pour the filling into each pastry shell, filling them about three-quarters full to allow for bubbling during baking.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake Tarts: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and the tops are golden brown. The tarts will puff up and may bubble over a bit—this is normal!
2. Cool: Allow the tarts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• For the best results, ensure your ingredients are at the right temperature. Chilled butter and ice water are crucial for a flaky crust.
• If you don’t have corn syrup, maple syrup can be used for a unique flavor twist.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: Approximately 200 per tart
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 18g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious batch of butter tarts in no time.
2. Versatile: Customize your tarts by adding your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
3. Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings, these tarts are bite-sized and perfect for dessert platters.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the pastry and filling in advance, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.
5. A Taste of Tradition: Enjoy a classic Canadian dessert that brings nostalgia and comfort to any table.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

1. Unsalted Butter: The foundation of the rich filling.
   • Substitution: You can use salted butter; just omit the added salt in the recipe.
2. Brown Sugar: This gives the tarts their signature caramel flavor.
   • Substitution: If you prefer a lighter taste, you can use granulated sugar, but the flavor will be different.
3. Corn Syrup: Adds sweetness and helps bind the filling.
   • Substitution: Maple syrup or honey can be used for a different flavor profile.
4. Raisins or Nuts: Optional, but they add a delightful texture and flavor.
   • Substitution: Dried cranberries or walnuts are great alternatives.

How to Make Butter Tarts (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

Start by combining flour and salt, cutting in the butter, and adding just enough ice water to form a dough. Chilling the dough is vital for achieving a flaky crust.

Step 2: Roll Out and Cut

Once the dough is chilled, roll it out and cut it into circles. This is a fun step where you can get creative with different sizes, depending on your muffin tin or tart pans.

Step 3: Create the Filling

Mix the melted butter with brown sugar, eggs, and a few other ingredients to create a smooth filling. This is where the magic happens as the filling will caramelize beautifully when baked.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling into the pastry shells and bake until golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are bubbly and just set.

Expert Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: When making the pastry dough, mix just until combined to keep the crust tender.
• Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the tarts as they bake. Ovens can vary, and you want to avoid overbaking.
• Cooling: Allow the tarts to cool completely in the pan to prevent them from falling apart when removed.

Variations and Customizations

1. Add Flavor: Infuse your filling with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile.
2. Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts and stick to the classic filling.
3. Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter for the filling.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Keep any leftover tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Butter tarts freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
• Reheating: To warm them up, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Butter tarts are delightful on their own but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel over the top!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What’s the difference between butter tarts and pecan tarts?
A: While both feature a sweet filling, butter tarts are primarily made with butter, sugar, and eggs, whereas pecan tarts include pecans as a key ingredient.

Q: Can I use store-bought pastry?
A: Absolutely! For a quicker option, use store-bought pie crusts, just ensure they fit your muffin tin.

Q: How can I tell when butter tarts are done baking?
A: They should be set in the middle and golden brown on top. A slight jiggle is normal as they will firm up as they cool.

Related Recipes

• Pecan Tarts: A nutty alternative to the classic butter tart, perfect for nut lovers!
• Chocolate Caramel Tart: For those who crave something chocolatey, this tart is a must-try.
• Mini Lemon Tarts: Bright and zesty, these are a refreshing twist on the traditional tart.

Conclusion

Butter tarts are more than just a dessert; they are a piece of Canadian culture that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table. With their rich filling and flaky crust, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy them plain or with your favorite mix-ins, this recipe is your ticket to creating a delightful treat that will impress your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!