Butter Tart Squares

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Discover the classic Canadian delight with these Butter Tart Squares—a luscious, buttery treat featuring a tender crumbly crust and a rich, gooey filling. This easy-to-make dessert combines the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, ideal for family gatherings, holiday treats, or anytime you want a comforting sweet bite

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Canadian dessert: A timeless favorite packed with buttery goodness

• Simple yet decadent: Easy steps with rich, gooey filling that melts in your mouth

• Customizable: Add raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips to suit your taste

• Perfect for all occasions: Great for potlucks, holidays, or everyday treats

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour — provides the base structure

• 4 tablespoons powdered sugar — adds a touch of sweetness

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed — creates a flaky, tender crust

• 1-2 tablespoons cold water (optional) — helps bind the dough if needed

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter — adds richness and depth

• 3 cups lightly packed brown sugar — the main sweetener with a hint of molasses flavor

• 4 large eggs — binds and sets the filling

• 2 tablespoons white vinegar — balances sweetness and enhances flavor

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract — adds warm aromatic notes

• Optional: ¾ cup raisins — adds chewy bursts of sweetness

Tips and Tricks

• Use cold butter and handle the crust gently for the best flaky texture.

• If edges brown too fast during baking, cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

• For easy slicing, chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.

Variations and Customizations

• Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch.

• Chocolate Twist: Mix in ½ cup chocolate chips with the filling for a chocolatey surprise.

• Fruit Boost: Substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

• Pair with a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea to balance sweetness.

• Add fresh berries or whipped cream for a fresh contrast.

Storage Instructions

• Store Butter Tart Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.

• Freeze wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Popular Questions

Q: Can I make these squares gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.

Q: Can I skip the raisins?
A: Absolutely! You can omit raisins or replace them with your favorite dried fruit or nuts.

Q: Why is vinegar added to the filling?
A: Vinegar helps balance the sweetness and improves the texture of the filling, making it less dense.

Butter Tart Squares

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 squares 1x

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Description

A buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey, caramel-like filling—classic Canadian sweetness in every bite! Optional raisins for that nostalgic touch

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (creates a tender, flaky base)

• 4 tablespoons powdered sugar (adds a touch of sweetness)

• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (key for flaky texture)

• 1–2 tablespoons cold water (optional, helps bind crust if needed)

• ½ cup unsalted butter (provides richness and smoothness)

• 3 cups lightly packed brown sugar (for deep caramel flavor)

• 4 large eggs (binds and sets the filling)

• 2 tablespoons white vinegar (balances sweetness and enhances texture)

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (adds warm flavor notes)

• Optional: ¾ cup raisins (classic addition for texture and sweetness)

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar.

3. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. If the mixture feels too dry, slowly add 1-2 tablespoons cold water, just until it holds together.

5. Press the mixture evenly into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan, forming a smooth, uniform crust layer.

Bake the Crust

6. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Prepare the Filling

7. While the crust bakes, melt ½ cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat.

8. Remove from heat and stir in the brown sugar until smooth.

9. Add eggs, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and well combined.

10. Fold in raisins, if using.

Assemble and Bake

11. Pour the filling evenly over the warm pre-baked crust.

12. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.

Cool and Serve

13. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.

14. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Notes

This Butter Tart Squares recipe brings together classic flavors and textures in a simple, approachable format. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these bars are sure to satisfy any dessert craving with their buttery crust and gooey filling. Try customizing with nuts or chocolate chips for a unique twist every time!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Canadian

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