Introduction:

Butter tarts are a beloved Canadian treat known for their gooey, sweet, and buttery filling encased in a flaky pastry shell. These delectable tarts are a delightful combination of sweet and rich flavors, making them a favorite dessert for many. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this butter tart recipe will guide you through the steps to create these mouthwatering treats at home. So, put on your apron and let's get baking!


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Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1/4 cup ice water


For the Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup corn syrup

1/4 cup maple syrup (optional)

1/2 cup raisins or pecans (optional)


Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pastry:

a. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.

b. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.

c. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.

d. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.

e. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.


2. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the rack in the center position.


3. Roll Out the Pastry:

a. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.

b. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles that will fit into your tart pans.

c. Gently press the pastry circles into greased tart pans or muffin tins, trimming any excess dough.


4. Prepare the Filling:

a. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.

b. Add the eggs, one at a time, and whisk until the mixture is smooth.

c. Stir in the vanilla extract, corn syrup, and maple syrup (if using).

d. If you like, add raisins or chopped pecans to the bottom of each tart shell.


5. Fill the Tart Shells:

a. Carefully pour the buttery filling mixture into each tart shell, filling them about 2/3 full.


6. Bake:

Place the tart pans on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the filling is set with a slight jiggle in the center.


7. Cool and Enjoy:

Allow the butter tarts to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these delicious homemade butter tarts are ready to be enjoyed!


Tips:

For a classic butter tart, you can omit the raisins or pecans. However, feel free to get creative with your fillings by adding other ingredients like chocolate chips or coconut flakes.

If you prefer a firmer filling, bake the tarts for a few extra minutes until the center is set.

Store any leftover butter tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.


Conclusion:

Homemade butter tarts are a true Canadian delicacy that you can now easily recreate in your own kitchen. With a flaky pastry shell and a sweet, gooey filling, these tarts are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. Share them with friends and family, or savor them all to yourself. Enjoy the rich and buttery goodness of this classic Canadian treat!