Hi Bold Bakers! WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: These tiny Canadian Butter Tarts are a delightful treat that brings a touch of Canadian charm to your dessert table. Already have an account?
Irresistibly Sweet & Buttery: With a buttery, flaky pie crust and a rich, mapley-caramel custard filling, these tarts offer a perfectly balanced sweetness in every bite. Perfectly Sized: Their small size makes them the ideal indulgence-satisfying without being overwhelming. Customizable & Versatile: Add raisins, nuts, or even chocolate to the filling for a personalized touch, or serve them with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for extra decadence. Simple & Delicious: With easy-to-follow instructions and a prep of only 30 minutes, you’ll have these charming tarts ready to enjoy in no time.
Many people have never heard of Candian butter tarts. It’s THE BEST part of a Pecan Pie and a recipe that is passed down through families, and some secrets are heavily guarded! Don’t worry—no secrets here!
Bold Bakers Loved This!
“I made these the other day- my Beautiful Wife loves them I put Raisins in as well.” – Owen Allen “I love eaten Canadian tarts, and this recipe was PERFECTION. The centre had a slightly diff texture than the original but i preferred this to be honest. You should release a cookbook. Itll be very successful!!!!” – Bold Baker IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 9/26/2024, to include a NEW STEP-BY-STEP tutorial video, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips.
Table of Contents
What Are Canadian Butter Tarts?
Canadian Butter Tarts are a traditional Canadian dessert consisting of a flaky pie crust filled with a rich, sweet custard made from maple syrup, brown sugar, and butter.
Sweet & Buttery: Features a mapley-caramel custard filling and buttery, flaky pastry shells. Petite & Satisfying: Small in size, making them an ideal, indulgent treat. Versatile: Can be customized with add-ins like raisins, nuts, or chocolate.
Canadians love their butter tarts. It’s a seemingly humble dessert, but they have a long history in Canada. Some say that their origins can be traced back to Québec in the 1600s! It may have been invented during filles du roi, or The King’s Daughters, a period from 1663 to 1673 when King Louis XIV sent around 800 young French women to Québec to help colonize “New France.” Butter tarts may have been their way of baking traditional French recipes with what was available in Canada. But, the earliest published recipe dates 1900, and the Women’s Auxiliary of the Royal Victoria Hospital Cookbook says the tart is from Ontario.
Tools You Need
Measuring cups and spoons 3-inch (7cm) round cookie cutter 12-cup muffin tin Small saucepan Whisk Rolling pin
Key Ingredients and Substitutes
Pie Crust
A perfect pie crust holds the filling in place and adds a flaky, buttery bite. Flavor-wise, it provides a rich, buttery taste. Options: Use our Perfect Homemade Pie Crust for the best result, or use a good-quality store-bought one. Substitute: Instead of all-purpose flour, try our The Flakiest Gluten-Free Pie Crust if needed.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup sweetens the filling, adds a distinct maple taste, and contributes to the custard’s consistency. Substitute: We prefer maple syrup here at Bigger Bolder Baking for the signature butter tarts’ taste. But we do know and respect that how it’s been traditionally made with Corn syrup for a great result as well.
Dark Brown Sugar
Dark Brown Sugar adds extra sweetness, provides caramel-like notes, and helps thicken the filling. Try our Brown Sugar recipe to make your own, or make your light brown sugar darker.
Butter
Butter adds a rich, creamy texture, and enhances the overall taste. It also keeps the filling smooth and tender. Options: We use salted butter for extra flavor but unsalted butter will also work.
Eggs
Eggs hold the filling together, help the filling set, and provide structure to the custard. Try cornstarch or arrowroot powder from our Egg Substitutes Chart.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract adds a hint of vanilla, and enhances the sweetness. It also contributes to the overall scent.
Salt
Salt counteracts sweetness and enhances other flavors. Additionally, it Adds depth to the filling.
How To Make Canadian Butter Tarts
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Canadian Butter Tarts
This recipe will give you some leftover pie crust. Sprinkle the scraps with cinnamon sugar and bake along with the tarts for a little baker’s treat! You can stir in a ½ cup (2½oz/71g) raisins or chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling before filling the muffin cups for a bit of texture if you’d like. These tarts are delicious with a bit of homemade whipped cream piped on top! Make chocolate butter tarts by stirring in a ½ cup (3oz/85g) of finely chopped bittersweet chocolate into the filling. Double my pie crust for this recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
Make-Ahead:
Assemble and freeze the unbaked tarts on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap them individually with plastic wrap and transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Storage
Store leftover Canadian Butter Tarts in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be enjoyed cold or warmed slightly before serving. For longer storage, freeze the baked tarts in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Blind-baking the crust slightly before adding the filling can help prevent it from becoming soggy. Or, put the tart pan on a pre-heated baking sheet during baking.
Can I add ingredients like nuts or chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips into the filling for added texture and flavor.
Make More Pies for Fall!
Perfect Pumpkin Pecan Pie Vegan Pecan Pie Bars (Sugar Free) French Walnut-Caramel Tart Classic Irish Apple Tart Recipe (4 Ingredients) Sinful Chocolate Tart
And don’t forget to buy my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook! Full (and printable) recipe below! IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 9/26/2024, to include a NEW STEP-BY-STEP tutorial video, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips.
