Butter Tart Squares Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love classic Canadian desserts, you are in for a treat with these irresistible Butter Tart Squares. Combining a rich, buttery crust with a luscious, caramelized filling that might just remind you of a buttery candy bar, these squares are the perfect bite-sized indulgence. Whether for a cozy family gathering or a special occasion, Butter Tart Squares deliver that perfect balance of gooey sweetness and flaky crust, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe. Each item brings an essential element to the table, from the flaky crust to the gooey filling that makes Butter Tart Squares so delectably unique and rich in flavor.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for your crust, providing structure and light texture.
• 4 tablespoons icing sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and tenderness to the crust.
• 1 cup cold, unsalted butter: Key for a flaky, buttery crust; keep it cold to maintain flakiness.
• 1–2 tablespoons cold water: Helps bring the dough together if it feels too dry, but add sparingly.
• ½ cup unsalted butter: Melts into the filling for that rich, smooth texture.
• 3 cups brown sugar: Gives the filling its signature deep, caramel flavor; lightly packed for accurate sweetness.
• 4 large eggs: Provide structure and richness in the filling.
• 1–2 tablespoons white vinegar: Balances sweetness and enhances the depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth that ties all the flavors together.
• Optional: ¾ cup raisins: Classic addition for a chewy, fruity contrast inside each square.

How to Make Butter Tart Squares

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

First things first, you’ll want to get your 9×13 inch pan ready by lining it with parchment paper and spritzing it with some cooking spray. This setup is a great shortcut to easy cleanup and ensures your Butter Tart Squares pop out effortlessly. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a large bowl, combine your flour and icing sugar before adding the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until you have pea-sized lumps that will bake into a flaky texture. If the mixture feels crumbly and isn’t binding together nicely when squeezed, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of cold water. Press this mixture evenly into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven for 10 minutes to give a nice head start to your crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the crust is baking, melt the ½ cup of butter in a bowl using your microwave or stovetop until fully melted and warm. Stir in the brown sugar until smooth, then whisk in eggs one at a time for a silky texture. Add the vinegar and vanilla extract, which are the secret heroes balancing the sweetness and enhancing the filling’s depth. Finally, fold in the raisins if you’re including this classic twist.

Step 4: Bake Your Butter Tart Squares

Once the crust is lightly golden from its first bake, remove it from the oven and pour the luscious filling evenly over top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a mostly firm filling with a gentle jiggle in the center—too much wobbling means it needs more time, but don’t let it dry out completely. This creates that perfect gooey texture so loved in Butter Tart Squares.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

After baking, cool the pan to room temperature. This step is crucial to help the filling set before cutting. Next, refrigerate your Butter Tart Squares for a few hours to chill fully—this makes slicing neat squares easy and helps the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Butter Tart Squares

Garnishes

Butter Tart Squares shine on their own, but you can get playful with garnishes to add flair. A light dusting of icing sugar makes them look like little treasures, or a thin drizzle of melted chocolate can amplify their decadence. Torn mint leaves or a sprinkle of sea salt can also add an unexpected contrast that brings out the sweet’s buttery charm.

Side Dishes

Because Butter Tart Squares are so rich and sweet, pairing them with something fresh and simple works wonderfully. Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to add creaminess or fresh berries for some acidity and color balance. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or black tea is the perfect beverage companion that cuts through the sweetness for a truly satisfying treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Butter Tart Squares from classic bars into festive bites by cutting them into mini squares or even bars that guests can pick up easily. Arrange them on a beautiful platter with fresh fruit or edible flowers for a show-stopping dessert table. You can also layer them in a clear trifle bowl with whipped cream for a stunning multi-layered dessert twist that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Butter Tart Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, with the filling maintaining that gooey texture and the crust retaining its buttery flakiness.

Freezing

Butter Tart Squares freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a sweet fix, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To warm up your Butter Tart Squares after refrigeration or freezing, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This gentle heat refreshes the crust’s flakiness and coaxes the filling back to its glorious gooey goodness without making it too runny.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter for the crust?

While margarine can be used in a pinch, butter is highly recommended for Butter Tart Squares because it imparts the rich flavor and flakiness that margarine often lacks. Using unsalted butter also allows you to control the salt level in your crust perfectly.

Why do Butter Tart Squares have vinegar in the filling?

The vinegar helps balance the intense sweetness from the brown sugar and eggs. It adds a slight tang that rounds out the flavors, making the filling taste more complex and less cloying.

Can I omit the raisins from the recipe?

Absolutely! Raisins are a classic addition, but they’re optional. If you prefer your Butter Tart Squares without them, you can leave them out or substitute with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries to suit your taste.

How do I know when the filling is perfectly baked?

The filling should be mostly firm but still have a slight jiggle in the middle when you gently shake the pan. If it’s too wobbly, give it a little more time. Overbaking can dry out the filling, so watch carefully near the end of baking time.

Can I make Butter Tart Squares gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that measures cup for cup. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will remain just as delightful.

Final Thoughts

There is something so wonderfully nostalgic and comforting about Butter Tart Squares. From the buttery crust to the rich, caramelized filling that melts in your mouth, they are a little piece of Canadian dessert heaven. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, you’re sure to bring smiles and happy sighs with every bite. So go ahead, dive in, and enjoy every delicious square—you deserve it!

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