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.
