Canadian Butter Tarts
DessertCuisine Canadian
Tags Speciality,Snack,Desert,Pudding
Ingredients 8
Story behind the dish
Canadian Butter Tarts are a beloved treat that evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort across the Great White North. These sweet, buttery delights have been part of Canadian culinary heritage for generations, often enjoyed during holidays, family gatherings, or just a cozy afternoon. The rich, gooey filling combined with the crisp pastry makes each bite a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. Whether served warm or cold, butter tarts are a testament to the timeless charm of home baking.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (6.3 oz / 180 g) shortcrust pastry
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (12 oz / 175 g) muscovado sugar
- 1/2 cup (1.8 oz / 50 g) raisins
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 tablespoons (1.8 oz / 50 g) butter
- 4 teaspoons (0.7 oz / 20 ml) single cream
- 1/3 cup (1 oz / 30 g) walnuts
Step-by-step
- Preheat your oven to fan 340°F (170°C), conventional 375°F (190°C), or gas mark 5.
- Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured surface until it's slightly thinner than straight from the packet. Using a 3-inch (7.5 cm) fluted cutter, cut out 18-20 rounds. Gather and reroll the trimmings. Use these rounds to line two deep 12-hole tart tins. If you only have a standard-sized 12-hole tart tin, you'll make a few more but with slightly shallower tarts.
- Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Add the muscovado sugar, raisins, vanilla extract, butter, and cream. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a saucepan. Stir continuously over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the butter melts, the mixture bubbles, and it starts to thicken—enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Be careful not to overcook and stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the walnuts.
- Spoon the filling into the prepared pastry shells, filling each so it's level with the edge of the pastry.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until the tarts are set and a pale golden color.
- Let the tarts cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or chilled, and enjoy the true flavors of Canada in every bite.
Chef’s tips & serving ideas
- For extra richness, try brushing the cooled tarts with a glaze of melted butter or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
- These butter tarts pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Closing thoughts
Baking these Canadian Butter Tarts is like capturing a sweet piece of Canadian history in your own kitchen. Each tart offers a delightful balance of buttery pastry and sticky, nut-studded filling that’s irresistibly comforting. Whether enjoyed with friends or savored alone with a warm cup of tea, these tarts remind us that sometimes, the simplest ingredients create the most memorable desserts. Happy baking!