Butter Tart Squares Recipe

Introduction

Butter Tart Squares are a classic Canadian treat featuring a buttery crust topped with a rich, gooey filling. These bars combine sweetness and a hint of tanginess for a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 1 cup cold, unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
• 1–2 tablespoons cold water (optional, if the crust is too dry)
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 3 cups brown sugar (lightly packed)
• 4 large eggs
• 1–2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ¾ cup raisins

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour and icing sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour with a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles peas. If too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of cold water. Press the crust evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Step 3: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, melt the ½ cup butter in the microwave. Whisk in the brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in the vinegar and vanilla extract. If using, fold in the raisins.
5. Step 5: Pour the filling over the baked crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the filling is mostly set but slightly jiggly in the center.
6. Step 6: Allow the pan to cool to room temperature, then chill before cutting into squares to serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling along with or instead of raisins.
• If you prefer a firmer filling, bake for an additional 5 minutes but watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
• Use parchment paper with overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the bars from the pan for cutting.

Storage

Store Butter Tart Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the squares for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before serving. Reheat gently in a microwave or serve chilled, depending on your preference.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I omit the raisins?

Yes, raisins are optional and can be left out if you prefer a smoother filling or don’t enjoy their texture.

Why is white vinegar used in the filling?

White vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and helps create the signature buttery tart flavor.

Butter Tart Squares Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 115 reviews

Butter Tart Squares are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery, flaky crust topped with a rich, gooey filling of brown sugar, eggs, and a hint of vanilla and vinegar. Optional raisins add a chewy sweetness, making these squares a perfect treat for any occasion.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 to 16 squares 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Canadian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1–2 tablespoons cold water (optional, only if crust is too dry)

Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 3 cups brown sugar, lightly packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1–2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup raisins (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan: Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to warm up while you prepare the ingredients.
3. Make the crust mixture: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and icing sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until pea-sized pieces remain. If the mixture feels too dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of cold water to help it stick together.
4. Press the crust into the pan: Transfer the crust mixture into the prepared pan and press down evenly to form a flat layer.
5. Bake the crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until the crust is set but not browned.
6. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, melt the unsalted butter in the microwave. Add the brown sugar to the melted butter and whisk until smooth. Break in the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the white vinegar and vanilla extract. If using, fold in the raisins.
7. Assemble and bake: Pour the filling mixture evenly over the partially baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is mostly firm with a slight jiggle in the center but not runny. If the filling appears very wobbly, bake for a few more minutes.
8. Cool and chill: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate the tart squares to chill thoroughly before cutting.
9. Serve: Once chilled, cut into squares and enjoy your delicious butter tart bars!

Notes

• Using parchment paper and cooking spray helps with easy removal and cleanup.
• The slight jiggle in the filling after baking ensures a gooey texture once cooled.
• Raisins are optional; you can omit or substitute with chopped nuts if desired.
• If the crust is too dry while mixing, add cold water slowly to achieve the right consistency.
• Allow the tart squares to fully cool and chill to firm up the filling before slicing.

Keywords: Butter tart squares, butter tarts, easy dessert, Canadian dessert, brown sugar filling, homemade crust, raisin bars