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
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Classic Canadian dessert: A timeless favorite packed with buttery goodness
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Simple yet decadent: Easy steps with rich, gooey filling that melts in your mouth
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Customizable: Add raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips to suit your taste
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Perfect for all occasions: Great for potlucks, holidays, or everyday treats
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Crust:
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2 cups all-purpose flour — provides the base structure
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4 tablespoons powdered sugar — adds a touch of sweetness
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1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed — creates a flaky, tender crust
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1-2 tablespoons cold water (optional) — helps bind the dough if needed
For the Filling:
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½ cup unsalted butter — adds richness and depth
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3 cups lightly packed brown sugar — the main sweetener with a hint of molasses flavor
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4 large eggs — binds and sets the filling
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2 tablespoons white vinegar — balances sweetness and enhances flavor
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract — adds warm aromatic notes
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Optional: ¾ cup raisins — adds chewy bursts of sweetness
Tips and Tricks
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Use cold butter and handle the crust gently for the best flaky texture.
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If edges brown too fast during baking, cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
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For easy slicing, chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
Variations and Customizations
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Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch.
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Chocolate Twist: Mix in ½ cup chocolate chips with the filling for a chocolatey surprise.
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Fruit Boost: Substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates.
Pairing Suggestions
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Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
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Pair with a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea to balance sweetness.
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Add fresh berries or whipped cream for a fresh contrast.
Storage Instructions
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Store Butter Tart Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
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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.