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Butter Tart Squares Recipe

Butter Tart Squares Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 10 reviews

Butter Tart Squares are a delightful treat combining a buttery, crumbly crust with a rich, gooey filling made from brown sugar, eggs, and butter. This classic Canadian-inspired dessert is easy to prepare, featuring optional raisins for added texture and sweetness, perfect for serving at parties or as a comforting homemade dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons icing sugar (powdered sugar)
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1–2 tablespoons cold water (optional, if crust is too dry)

Filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 3 cups brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1–2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup raisins (optional)

Instructions

  1. Get your pan ready: Use a 9×13 inch pan. Line it with parchment paper to help with cleanup, and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready while you prepare the ingredients.
  3. Make the crust – Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and icing sugar.
  4. Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mesh the butter into the flour mixture until pea-sized pieces form. If the dough is too dry to hold together when squeezed, add 1–2 tablespoons of cold water.
  5. Press crust into pan: Transfer the crust mixture into the prepared pan and press it down evenly to create a flat, compact layer.
  6. Bake the crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes until lightly set.
  7. Make the filling – Melt the butter: In a medium bowl, melt the butter in the microwave.
  8. Add sugar and eggs: Whisk in the brown sugar until smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
  9. Incorporate vinegar and vanilla: Stir in the white vinegar and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  10. Add raisins (optional): If using, fold in the raisins evenly throughout the filling.
  11. Assemble your tart: Remove the partially baked crust from the oven and pour the filling mixture evenly over it.
  12. Bake with filling: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The filling should mostly set but remain slightly jiggly at the center.
  13. Cool down: Allow the pan to cool to room temperature after baking.
  14. Chill the tart bars: Refrigerate the tart for several hours to set the filling thoroughly.
  15. Cut and serve: Once chilled, cut into squares and enjoy your rich and buttery tart bars!

Notes

  • Using parchment paper makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking.
  • If the crust dough feels dry, add cold water sparingly to help it come together.
  • Optional raisins add a nice texture and classic flavor to the filling.
  • The filling should have a slight jiggle when done baking but not be too liquidy.
  • Chilling is essential for the filling to fully set before cutting.

Nutrition

Keywords: butter tart, butter tart squares, Canadian dessert, brown sugar tart, easy dessert, homemade squares, baked tart

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