Butter Tarts are a classic Canadian dessert that features a flaky pastry shell filled with a rich, sweet, and gooey filling made primarily of butter, sugar, and eggs. They can be made with or without raisins or nuts, making them a versatile treat!

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cold water (or as needed)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)

Timing

Making Butter Tarts takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Sugar: Stir in the granulated sugar.
4. Form Dough: Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Do not overwork the dough.
5. Chill: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
2. Add Mix-ins: If using, fold in the raisins or chopped nuts.

Step 3: Assemble the Tarts

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles that fit into your tart pan or muffin tin.
3. Fit into Pans: Place the pastry circles into the tart shells or muffin tin, pressing down gently.
4. Fill Tarts: Pour the filling into each pastry shell, filling them about 2/3 full.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake Tarts: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the tops are lightly golden.
2. Cool: Allow the tarts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve the butter tarts warm or at room temperature. They can be stored in an airtight container for several days.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Butter Tarts (per tart, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	200
Protein	2g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	15g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like almond or maple for added flavor.
• Add Fruits: Substitute raisins with dried cranberries or other dried fruits for a twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version of the pastry.

Conclusion

Butter Tarts are a delightful and indulgent treat that captures the essence of Canadian baking. With their sweet, gooey filling and flaky crust, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends!