fresh butter tarts

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Medium

Introduction:

Butter tarts are a quintessential Canadian dessert that has stood the test of time. They are rich, gooey, and irresistible, with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Originating in Ontario, butter tarts are made with a buttery, flaky crust filled with a sugary syrup, and traditionally include either raisins or pecans (or both), adding a little texture and flavor contrast. This recipe is for fresh butter tarts made from scratch, with a smooth, gooey filling that oozes when you take a bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a family gathering, or just to indulge in a sweet treat, these butter tarts will be a hit!

Ingredients:

• For the Pastry (Pie Crust):

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

  • 3-4 tablespoons cold water

• For the Butter Tart Filling:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Pastry

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.

2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Gradually add the cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. You may not need all the water.

4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a couple of times to bring it together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lightly greasing it or lining it with paper liners.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pastry

1. After the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick.

2. Use a round cookie cutter or the top of a drinking glass to cut circles from the dough, about 4 inches in diameter.

3. Gently fit the dough circles into the muffin cups of the prepared tin, pressing down to form a little tart shell. Trim off any excess dough from the edges if needed.

Step 4: Make the Butter Tart Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and combined.

2. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, flour, and salt, and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

3. Stir in the corn syrup, and mix until everything is fully incorporated.

4. If desired, fold in the chopped pecans and raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the filling.

Step 5: Fill the Tarts

1. Spoon the butter tart filling into each tart shell, filling each about 3/4 of the way full. Be careful not to overfill them as the filling will expand a little while baking.

2. If you’re making some tarts with pecans and others with raisins, divide the filling and nuts/raisins accordingly.

Step 6: Bake the Butter Tarts

1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and the tops are golden brown.

2. Check the tarts around 12 minutes into baking; if the filling starts to bubble up too much or looks like it’s browning too quickly, gently cover the top with aluminum foil and continue baking.

3. Let the tarts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The filling will firm up as it cools, but it will remain gooey and delicious.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled, your fresh butter tarts are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as they are, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Tips for Success:

• Cold Butter: Ensure that the butter for the pastry is cold, as this will help create a flakier crust. If you need to, chill your mixing bowl and utensils to keep everything cool while making the dough.

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step for the dough. It helps relax the gluten, making the dough easier to roll out and prevents shrinking when baking.

• Filling Variations: You can get creative with the filling—if you prefer a nuttier taste, you can add more chopped pecans or walnuts. Some people also like to add a touch of maple syrup to the filling for a deeper flavor.

• Prevent Overflow: Be mindful not to overfill the tart shells. The filling can rise while baking, and if you fill them too high, it may spill over. Aim for about 3/4 full for perfect results.

Nutrition Information (Per Tart, assuming 12 tarts):

• Calories: 280 kcal

• Total Fat: 15g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 55mg

• Sodium: 85mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 35g

• Dietary Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 23g

• Protein: 3g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients used and any optional ingredients like nuts or raisins.)

Conclusion:

Fresh butter tarts are an iconic Canadian treat that brings together the perfect combination of sweet, rich filling and buttery, flaky pastry. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving a delicious dessert, these tarts will satisfy your sweet tooth in the most delightful way. Their gooey, golden filling and crispy crust make every bite a memorable experience.

Try these homemade butter tarts for a taste of true Canadian comfort and tradition!