There’s something incredibly special about making butter tarts. I remember the first time I tried my hand at these delightful little treats; it was a cozy Sunday afternoon, and the sweet scent of gooey filling was wafting through my kitchen. These tarts are a classic Canadian dessert, celebrated for their flaky crust and rich, sweet filling. Each bite is a little taste of heaven! Not only are they simple to whip up, but they’re also a fantastic way to impress friends and family. Trust me, once you get the hang of this butter tarts recipe, you’ll want to make them for every occasion. It’s all about that perfect balance of sweetness and that unmistakable buttery goodness that makes your taste buds dance. So, let’s dive into this scrumptious adventure together!
Ingredients for Butter Tarts Recipe
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our flaky pastry crust.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced: Cold butter is key to achieving that tender texture!
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the crust.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup cold water: Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds that rich, caramel flavor to the filling.
- 1/2 cup corn syrup: Gives the filling its gooey consistency.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness to the filling.
- 2 large eggs: These help set the filling as it bakes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla makes everything better!
- 1/2 cup raisins or pecans (optional): For a little added texture and flavor, if you like.
How to Prepare Butter Tarts Recipe
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot for those tarts!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Give it a quick stir to mix everything together.
- Add in the chilled, diced butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This is where the magic for the flaky crust happens!
- Next, slowly stir in the cold water until the dough comes together. Don’t overwork it; we want it tender, not tough!
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into circles to fit your muffin tin. Trust me, a little trial and error might happen, but that’s all part of the fun!
- In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until it’s smooth and creamy. This filling is the heart of your butter tarts!
- If you’re using raisins or pecans, sprinkle a few in each pastry shell before pouring in the filling.
- Now, carefully pour the filling into each shell, filling them about three-quarters full to avoid overflow.
- Bake your butter tarts in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the filling is set and slightly puffed.
- Finally, let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience is key here—cooling helps those gooey centers firm up perfectly!
Tips for Success with Butter Tarts Recipe
- Chill your ingredients: Keep your butter cold and handle the dough as little as possible to ensure a flaky crust.
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking your tarts a few minutes early to prevent over-baking.
- Let them cool: Allow the tarts to cool in the tin for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack for better texture.
- Serve warm: These tarts are heavenly when served slightly warm, letting the filling shine!
- Get creative: Don’t hesitate to experiment with fillings—add chocolate chips or a hint of spices for a twist!
Why You’ll Love This Butter Tarts Recipe
- Simplicity: With just a few easy steps, you can create a delicious dessert that impresses!
- Classic Appeal: These butter tarts are a beloved Canadian tradition that everyone will adore.
- Irresistible Taste: The combination of flaky crust and gooey filling is simply heavenly.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite nuts or spices for a personal touch!
Nutritional Information for Butter Tarts Recipe
Each butter tart is a delightful treat, packing in approximately 200 calories. You’ll find about 15 grams of sugar in each one, contributing to that sweet, gooey goodness. They also contain around 8 grams of fat, with 4 grams being saturated fat. These values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Just remember, a little indulgence never hurt anyone!
FAQ About Butter Tarts Recipe
Got questions about making these delicious butter tarts? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries that pop up:
Can I substitute the corn syrup? Sure! You can use maple syrup for a different flavor twist, but keep in mind it might change the texture slightly.
How do I store leftover butter tarts? Just pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to a week. They’re super tasty even after a few days!
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and dough a day in advance. Just assemble right before baking for fresh, warm tarts.
What if I don’t have raisins or pecans? No worries! You can leave them out or swap in chocolate chips or even dried cranberries for a fun twist.
Feel free to get creative and make these butter tarts your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Butter Tarts Recipe
To store your delicious butter tarts, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week—if they last that long! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 10 minutes. This will bring back that lovely gooey center and crispy crust. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked butter tarts wafting through your kitchen!
Serving Suggestions for Butter Tarts Recipe
To elevate your butter tarts experience, consider serving them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cool creaminess perfectly complements the warm, gooey filling! You might also try pairing them with a cup of rich coffee or a light herbal tea for a delightful afternoon treat. Trust me, these combinations will leave everyone asking for seconds!
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Butter Tarts Recipe: 7 Steps to Heavenly Sweetness
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 tarts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Canadian dessert made with a flaky pastry crust and a sweet, gooey filling.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add diced butter and blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in cold water until dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and cut into circles to fit a muffin tin.
- In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Place optional raisins or pecans in the pastry shells.
- Pour the filling into each shell.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling is set.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: butter tarts recipe
