Butter tarts are truly a treasure among desserts, and if you’ve never had one, oh boy, are you in for a treat! These little Canadian gems boast a sweet, gooey filling that just melts in your mouth, all nestled in a flaky, buttery pastry shell. I remember the first time I tried a butter tart at a family gathering; my Aunt Mary had just pulled them out of the oven, and the warm, sweet aroma filled the kitchen. I couldn’t resist sneaking one before they had fully cooled, and let me tell you, it was pure bliss! The rich, caramel-like filling and slightly crisp edges of the shell make butter tarts irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a delightful sweet fix, these tarts bring joy to every bite. Once you try them, I promise you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
To make these delightful butter tarts, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for our flaky pastry shell.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Be sure it’s chilled and cubed; this will make your crust tender and flaky.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just a touch to sweeten the pastry.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch to enhance the flavors.
- 1/4 cup cold water: This helps bring the dough together.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Make sure it’s packed for that rich, caramel flavor!
- 1/2 cup corn syrup: This adds that signature gooeyness.
- 2 large eggs: These bind everything beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because every dessert deserves a hint of vanilla!
- 1/2 cup raisins or walnuts (optional): Add these if you like a little extra texture and flavor!
Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to creating something special!
How to Prepare Butter Tarts
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the magical process of making butter tarts! It all starts with that delicious, flaky pastry shell, followed by the sweet, gooey filling. Trust me, it’s easier than you might think, and the payoff is oh-so-worth it!
Preparing the Pastry Shell
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt until combined. Next, add the chilled, cubed butter and blend it in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is where the magic happens! Then, stir in the cold water a little at a time until a dough forms. Don’t overdo it! Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out circles to fit your muffin tin. Press each circle into the tin, making sure to shape the edges nicely. You’re doing great so far!
Making the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the packed brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This filling is where the real sweetness comes from! If you want to add some raisins or walnuts for a little crunch, now’s the time to fold them in. Just imagine how that will elevate the flavors! Once your mixture is ready, it should be thick and glossy, just like the filling in your favorite dessert.
Assembling and Baking
Now for the fun part—assembling your tarts! Pour the filling into each pastry shell, filling them about three-quarters full to avoid overflow. It’s okay if it’s a little messy; that just means they’ll be extra gooey! Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the filling is set and slightly puffed. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience is key here; they’ll be worth the wait!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know you’re curious about the numbers behind these delightful butter tarts! Each tart is packed with flavor while also being a sweet indulgence. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect per tart:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
Keep in mind that these values are just estimates, so enjoy your tarts without too much worry and savor every gooey bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days!
- Rich, sweet flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Classic Canadian dessert that brings a taste of home.
- Customizable with optional ingredients like raisins or walnuts.
- Perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself.
- Always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings and celebrations!
Tips for Success
To make your butter tarts truly shine, here are some of my best tips! First, when handling the dough, keep everything cold—this helps create that flaky texture we all love. If it’s too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. Also, don’t be shy about adjusting the baking time; every oven is a little different. Start checking at the 20-minute mark to avoid overbaking. For a fun twist, try swapping out half the corn syrup with maple syrup for a deeper flavor, or mix in chocolate chips for a decadent treat. Trust me, these little tweaks can take your tarts to the next level!
Variations
Butter tarts are a fantastic canvas for creativity, and the variations you can try are endless! For a chocolatey twist, consider adding chocolate chips to the filling or even swirling in some melted chocolate before baking. If you’re a coconut lover, try mixing shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical flair. You can also experiment with different nuts; pecans or hazelnuts can add a delightful crunch. For those who enjoy a fruity touch, a spoonful of fruit preserves or fresh berries can be a refreshing surprise in the center. Don’t be afraid to make these tarts your own—each variation brings a unique flavor that’s sure to impress!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your leftover butter tarts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you happen to have any left after that, you can refrigerate them for a few more days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them slightly. Trust me, that gooey filling is even more delightful when it’s warm!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear all about your butter tart adventures! Did you try any fun variations? How did they turn out? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, rate the recipe, or even snap a photo and tag me on social media. Let’s celebrate these delicious treats together!
Imprimer
Butter tarts: 7 Secrets to Irresistible Gooey Goodness
- Temps Total: 55 minutes
- Rendement: 12 tarts 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Butter tarts are a classic Canadian dessert with a sweet, gooey filling in a flaky pastry shell.
Ingrédients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add butter and blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in cold water until dough forms.
- Roll out dough and cut into circles to fit muffin tin.
- Press dough into the muffin tin.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add raisins or walnuts if desired.
- Pour filling into pastry shells.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling is set.
Notes
- Let the tarts cool before removing from the pan.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 25 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 tart
- Calories: 180
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 24g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: butter tarts, Canadian dessert, sweet treats
