Description
Buttery Canadian butter tart squares deliver classic Prairie comfort in one delectable dessert. Sweet pastry layers merge with rich caramel-like filling, promising pure deliciousness you can savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup raisins or chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by positioning the rack in the center and heating to 350F (175C), ensuring an even baking temperature.
- Create the foundational crust by combining flour and granulated sugar in a medium mixing bowl, then incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture transforms into coarse, crumbly texture.
- Transfer the crust mixture into a prepared 8×8-inch baking pan, pressing firmly and uniformly across the bottom to create a compact base layer.
- Partially bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it achieves a delicate golden hue, establishing a sturdy foundation for the filling.
- Simultaneously craft the rich filling by whisking eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, flour, vinegar, and vanilla extract into a silky, harmonious blend.
- Optionally enhance the filling’s depth by gently folding in raisins or chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Carefully pour the filling over the pre-baked crust, using a spatula to spread it into a consistent layer that covers the entire surface.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and a slightly quivering center that indicates perfect custard-like consistency.
- Allow the baked squares to cool completely within the pan, which helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.
- Utilize the parchment paper overhang to gracefully lift the entire dessert from the pan, then slice into neat squares.
- Serve at room temperature and store any remaining squares in an airtight container, consuming within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Achieve a buttery, crumbly crust by using cold butter and working quickly to prevent melting.
- Ensure even baking by pressing the crust mixture firmly and uniformly into the pan, creating a consistent base.
- Prevent raisins or nuts from sinking by lightly coating them in flour before folding into the filling.
- Customize the recipe by swapping raisins with chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or dried cranberries for varied flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg