Butter Tarts

A truly iconic Canadian dessert, the Butter Tart is a small pastry with a flaky crust and a semi-solid, gooey filling made from butter, sugar, syrup, and egg. The great Canadian debate rages on about whether they should contain raisins, pecans, or be left plain, but this recipe gives you the option to choose your own adventure! The filling bakes up to be slightly crispy on top and delightfully runny and sweet on the inside. They are a staple at bakeries, family gatherings, and bake sales across Canada. This recipe uses pre-made tart shells for convenience, making it an easy way to enjoy this classic treat. The magic of a butter tart is in its simple, sweet, and gooey filling. The combination of brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter creates a rich, caramel-like flavor, while the egg helps to set the filling just enough so that it’s not completely liquid. The debate over a runny versus a firm filling is as passionate as the debate over raisins. This recipe strikes a happy medium, but you can adjust the baking time slightly to achieve your preferred consistency. For a runnier filling, bake for a shorter time; for a firmer filling, bake a little longer. No matter how you make them, they are a delicious taste of Canadian nostalgia.