There’s something truly magical about classic desserts that transport you straight back to your childhood, isn’t there? For me, the *old school butterscotch tart* is one of those nostalgic treats that reminds me of cozy family gatherings and my grandmother’s warm kitchen filled with sweet aromas. I can still picture her rolling out that buttery crust, while the rich, caramel-like filling bubbled away on the stove. Honestly, just thinking about it makes my mouth water! This tart is an absolute crowd-pleaser, with its creamy filling and flaky crust that just melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you whip this up, you’ll be hooked and likely to find yourself making it for every special occasion—or just because you deserve a slice of happiness any day of the week!
Ingredients List
Tart Crust
To create the perfect base for your *old school butterscotch tart*, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your crust, providing the structure. Make sure to measure it accurately for the best results.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: This gives your crust that delicious buttery flavor and tender texture. Let it sit at room temperature for a bit before you start mixing.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: For a touch of sweetness and a finer texture. It helps your crust stay nice and crumbly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Butterscotch Filling
Now, let’s dive into the luscious filling that makes this tart so irresistible:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: This is where that deep, rich flavor comes from. The molasses in the brown sugar adds a wonderful complexity.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness that complements the brown sugar.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This helps thicken the filling to that perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 cups whole milk: The creamy base of your filling. Full-fat milk is best to achieve that rich texture.
- 3 large egg yolks: These add richness and help set the filling as it cooks.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the butterscotch.
- 1 tablespoon butter: This is the finishing touch that makes the filling luscious and smooth.
How to Prepare the Old School Butterscotch Tart
Preparing the Tart Crust
Let’s kick things off with the tart crust! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Then, add the softened butter and mix it all together until it resembles a crumbly texture. I love using my hands for this—it’s a bit messy, but it feels so satisfying! Once it’s all combined, press the mixture evenly into a tart pan, making sure to cover the sides well. Bake it for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, as the perfect crust is key to this tart!
Making the Butterscotch Filling
While your crust is baking, let’s whip up that dreamy butterscotch filling! In a saucepan, stir together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Gradually whisk in the whole milk over medium heat, keeping an eye on it as you stir it constantly. This is where the magic happens! Cook it until it becomes bubbly and thick—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s thickened, remove it from the heat, and quickly whisk in the egg yolks and vanilla extract. The mixture will be hot, so don’t rush! Finally, stir in the tablespoon of butter until it’s melted and smooth. Oh, the aroma will be amazing!
Assembling the Tart
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Carefully pour that luscious filling into your baked tart crust. Make sure it’s evenly distributed to avoid any funny business later on. Once you’ve done that, pop the tart into the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial because it allows the filling to set beautifully. After waiting (I know, it’s tough!), you’ll be rewarded with a stunning old school butterscotch tart that’s ready to impress. Trust me, the waiting will be worth it when you finally take that first bite!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *old school butterscotch tart* turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my tried-and-true tips. First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted when preparing the crust—this helps achieve that delightful crumbly texture. Second, when whisking the filling, be patient and stir constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. If you find the filling thickens too quickly, just lower the heat a bit. Also, don’t skip the chilling step! It’s essential for the filling to set properly, so resist the urge to dive in right away. Lastly, serving it with a dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and balances the sweetness beautifully. Trust me, these little tips will take your tart from good to unforgettable!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers—though keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I always recommend double-checking if you need precise data for dietary concerns. That said, here’s a rough idea of what to expect per serving (1 slice) of this delightful *old school butterscotch tart*:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Enjoying this tart is a sweet treat, and while it’s definitely indulgent, it’s all about balance, right? Treat yourself and savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make the tart in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making the *old school butterscotch tart* a day in advance is a great way to save time and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just prepare the tart as directed, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, and then cover it with plastic wrap once it’s set. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to add any whipped cream topping right before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy!
How do I know when the filling is thick enough?
Ah, the thickening magic! You’ll know your butterscotch filling is ready when it starts to bubble and visibly thickens—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes on medium heat. A good test is to dip a spoon into the mixture; if it coats the back of the spoon and holds a line when you run your finger through it, you’re golden! Just be sure to keep stirring constantly to avoid any lumps or scorching.
Can I use different types of sugar?
Yes, you can definitely mix it up! Using all brown sugar will give your filling a deeper, more robust flavor, while all granulated sugar will yield a lighter taste. If you want to experiment, you could also try using coconut sugar for a unique twist, but keep in mind it might alter the texture slightly. Just remember that the balance of sugars is important for achieving that signature butterscotch flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy butterscotch flavor that takes you back to your childhood.
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find and work with.
- Perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering or a cozy night in.
- Quick to prepare, with minimal hands-on time required.
- Impressive enough to wow your guests, yet comforting enough for a weeknight treat.
- Chilling the tart enhances the flavors and makes it even more delicious!
Old School Butterscotch Tart: 7 Reasons to Indulge
- Temps Total: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A classic dessert featuring a rich butterscotch filling in a buttery tart crust.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Add softened butter and blend until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into a tart pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cornstarch.
- Gradually whisk in milk over medium heat.
- Cook until bubbly and thickened, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and whisk in egg yolks and vanilla.
- Stir in butter until melted.
- Pour filling into the baked crust.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 18g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: old school butterscotch tart
