Description
Butter Tart Squares bring Canadian prairie comfort straight to your kitchen table with a classic dessert that’s pure nostalgic happiness. Flaky pastry and sweet maple-caramel filling create a delightful treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredients:
- ½ cup pecans or raisins
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by setting the oven to precisely 350°F (175°C) and coating an 8×8-inch baking dish with a thin layer of cooking spray or butter.
- Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with ½ cup melted unsalted butter in a mixing bowl, using your fingers to create a crumbly texture that will form your base.
- Press the flour-butter mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer across the bottom. Slide the dish into the preheated oven for exactly 15 minutes until the crust turns a gentle golden shade.
- While the crust bakes, grab another bowl and whisk together 1 cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt until the mixture becomes silky smooth.
- If desired, gently fold ½ cup of chopped pecans or raisins into your sugar mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Remove the golden crust from the oven and carefully pour the sugar mixture over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Return the baking dish to the 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for a set filling with a subtle jiggle in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the squares cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours before slicing into neat squares.
Notes
- Always use room temperature eggs for the smoothest filling texture without lumps.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easier removal and clean cutting of squares.
- Toast pecans before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch in the filling.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in the crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Tarts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 251 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg