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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Position the rack centrally and preheat to 350F (175C) for uniform baking conditions.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Filling Application: Pour the prepared mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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