Introduction
Welcome to the delightful world of Butter Tart Squares! This classic dessert, a twist on the traditional Canadian butter tart, offers the perfect combination of a flaky crust and a rich, gooey filling. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at this for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp powdered icing sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cubed
- 1-2 tablespoons cold water (optional)
Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups brown sugar, lightly packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Optional: ¾ cup raisins
Directions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour and powdered icing sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If the mixture is too dry, add cold water. Press evenly into a greased baking pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, melt butter in a saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar, eggs, vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined. If desired, stir in raisins.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the filling over the baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the squares cool completely before cutting into pieces.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Cuisine: Canadian | Category: Dessert
Notes
- For a twist, you can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling.
- If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
Nutrition Details (Estimated per serving)
- Serving: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 29g
- Vitamin A: 10% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 8% DV
FAQs
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, but butter gives a richer flavor.
- How long do Butter Tart Squares keep? They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Can I freeze Butter Tart Squares? Absolutely! They freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Enjoy your baking and the delightful taste of these Butter Tart Squares!