Irresistibly Sweet Gooey Butter Tart Squares Recipe

Crafting delectable gooey butter tart squares brings pure delight to any dessert table.

These irresistible squares blend Canadian butter tart nostalgia with a deliciously decadent twist.

Sweet, rich, and utterly indulgent, the recipe captures classic comfort in every single bite.

Layers of buttery pastry cradle a luscious, caramel-like filling that melts perfectly on your tongue.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary treat into something extraordinary.

Each square promises a delightful journey through traditional Canadian bakery magic.

Let these mouthwatering squares become your next baking adventure.

Store Butter Tart Squares Without Losing Texture

• Keep butter tart squares in a sealed container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful texture.
• Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. These treats stay delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for future sweet cravings.
• Prepare the entire recipe 1-2 days before serving. The flavors actually deepen and become more complex when resting in the refrigerator, creating an even more scrumptious dessert.
• Let chilled squares sit at ambient temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency and enhance the buttery richness.

FAQs

• What are Butter Tart Squares?

Butter Tart Squares are a Canadian dessert inspired by traditional butter tarts, featuring a shortbread-like crust and a gooey, sweet filling made with brown sugar, eggs, and butter.

• Are Butter Tart Squares similar to butter tarts?

Yes, they are a bar version of the classic Canadian butter tart. Instead of individual pastry shells, the recipe uses a single pan and cuts into squares, making them easier to prepare and serve.

• Can I make these squares without raisins or nuts?

Absolutely! The raisins and walnuts are optional. You can leave them out entirely or substitute with chocolate chips or coconut if you prefer.

• How do I know when the Butter Tart Squares are done baking?

Look for a golden-brown top and a slight jiggle in the center. The filling should be set but still have a bit of wobble when you gently shake the pan, which indicates the perfect texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 194 kcal

Servings: 17

Ingredients for Butter Tart Squares

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base for the buttery foundation, choose unbleached flour for richer texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps crisp up the crust, opt for fine-grain sugar for smooth mixing.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers and rich flavor, use high-quality unsalted butter straight from the refrigerator.

• Eggs: Binds the filling and creates silky texture, select fresh large eggs at room temperature.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel notes and moisture, darker varieties offer more intense flavor.
• Melted Butter: Enhances richness and contributes to smooth consistency, use unsalted for better control.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the filling and provides structure, sift to prevent lumps.
• White Vinegar: Balances sweetness and adds tangy complexity, use clear distilled vinegar.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic undertones, choose pure extract for best flavor.

• Raisins, Walnuts: Adds delightful texture and nutty or sweet accent, toast nuts lightly for enhanced flavor.

Tools That Help You Create Buttery, Sweet Tart Squares

• 8×8-inch baking pan: Perfect size for creating deliciously thick butter tart squares.
• Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal and clean cutting of the dessert.
• Medium mixing bowls: One for the crust, another for the filling.
• Pastry cutter or fork: Helps create those perfect crumbly crust texture.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth and well-combined filling ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements guarantee consistent results.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading filling evenly and scraping bowls clean.

How to Bake Canadian Butter Tart Squares at Home

• Craft the Base

Grab a mixing bowl and blend flour with sugar. Break up cold butter into tiny pieces and work it into the dry ingredients until you create a crumbly texture. Press this mixture firmly into a lined baking pan, creating an even foundation.

• Bake the Initial Layer

Slide the pan into a warm oven heated to 350F. Let the base transform into a light golden color, which takes about 10-12 minutes. This creates a sturdy platform for your delicious squares.

• Whip the Filling

In a separate bowl, combine eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, a splash of vinegar, and vanilla. Stir until everything looks smooth and silky. Optional: Toss in raisins or chopped walnuts for extra character.

• Assemble and Finish

Pour the filling over your golden crust, making sure it spreads evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn golden and the center has a subtle wiggle.

• Cool and Slice

Allow the entire creation to cool completely in the pan. Use parchment paper edges to lift out your masterpiece. Cut into neat squares and serve.

• Store with Care

Keep leftover squares in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for three days or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Add-Ons for Giving Your Butter Tart Squares a Twist

• Freeze the butter before cutting it into the flour for an extra flaky, tender crust that melts in your mouth.
• Swap out raisins or walnuts with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut for a fun flavor twist that keeps everyone happy.
• Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this classic Canadian treat accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or maple extract to the filling for a deeper, more complex taste that screams Canadian comfort food.
• Prepare the entire batch up to two days in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for an even more delicious dessert experience.

How to Serve Butter Tart Squares for Dessert or Gifts

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these buttery squares with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat that melts in your mouth.
• Dessert Presentation Charm: Dust the squares with powdered sugar and garnish with a small mint leaf to create an elegant and Instagram-worthy dessert plate.
• Versatile Party Platter: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for a perfect addition to potlucks, afternoon tea gatherings, or casual dessert buffets where guests can easily sample multiple sweets.
• Seasonal Twist: Top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle of cinnamon during fall months, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic summer dessert experience.

Gooey Butter Tart Squares Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Classic Canadian Butter Tart Squares blend sweet maple-inspired flavors with a rich pastry base. Maple-loving bakers will appreciate this simple dessert that celebrates traditional Canadian culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (113 g) cold butter, cubed
• ¼ cup (57 g) melted butter
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (60 g) raisins or chopped walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Position the rack centrally and preheat to 350F (175C) for uniform baking conditions.
2. Crust Creation: Blend flour, sugar, and cold butter in a mixing bowl, working the mixture until it transforms into a coarse, crumbly consistency. Press the mixture firmly into an 8×8-inch baking pan, creating a compact base layer.
3. Crust Partial Baking: Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it achieves a delicate golden tone, establishing a robust foundation for the upcoming filling.
4. Filling Composition: Whisk eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, flour, vinegar, and vanilla extract into a smooth, harmonious blend. Optionally incorporate raisins or chopped walnuts for added texture and depth.
5. Filling Application: Pour the prepared mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
6. Final Baking: Continue baking for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the top turns golden-brown and the center maintains a subtle wobble, indicating a perfect custard-like consistency.
7. Cooling and Serving: Allow the baked squares to cool completely within the pan. Utilize parchment paper overhang to lift the dessert, slice into neat squares, and serve at room temperature.
8. Storage: Preserve remaining squares in an airtight container, consuming within 3 days to maintain optimal freshness and flavor.

Notes

• Crust Consistency Matters: Use cold butter and work quickly to maintain a crumbly, not smooth, texture for a flaky base that melts in your mouth.
• Precise Baking is Key: Watch the oven carefully during both crust and filling stages to prevent over-browning, which can lead to a bitter taste.
• Filling Texture Tricks: Remove from oven when the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid; it will continue setting as it cools, creating a perfect custard-like consistency.
• Customize with Caution: When adding nuts or raisins, chop them finely and distribute evenly to ensure balanced flavor and prevent sinking to the bottom of the filling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 194
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 82 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg