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Butter Tart Squares

Butter Tart Squares

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

Description

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

Ingredients

Scale

  • 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)

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

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

Prepare the Filling

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

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

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

  4. Fold in raisins, if using.

Assemble and Bake

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

  2. 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

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

  2. 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

Find it online: https://easysweetmeal.com/butter-tart-squares/