Butter Tart Squares

Butter Tart Squares are a delightful twist on the classic Canadian butter tart. These squares offer the same rich, caramelized filling with a delicious buttery crust, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these squares will quickly become a favorite.

What Are Butter Tart Squares?

Butter tart squares are a decadent dessert inspired by the traditional butter tart, a beloved Canadian treat. Instead of making individual tarts, the ingredients are baked together in a pan and then cut into squares. The result is a chewy, gooey filling set atop a buttery, flaky crust. The combination of brown sugar, butter, and vanilla in the filling creates a rich, sweet flavor that is absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Simple to Make: Unlike traditional butter tarts that require individual pastry shells, these squares simplify the process by using a crust that is baked in a single pan.
2. Deliciously Rich: The buttery caramel filling paired with the soft crust creates a sweet and savory experience in every bite.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion: These squares make great gifts, party treats, or simply a way to sweeten up your day.

Ingredients for Butter Tart Squares

To make butter tart squares, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup golden or dark corn syrup

Instructions for Making Butter Tart Squares

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and softened butter. Mix until the dough comes together and is crumbly.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, and salt until smooth.
2. Stir in the corn syrup and nuts (if using), mixing well until everything is combined.

Step 3: Bake the Squares

1. Pour the butter tart filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake the entire pan in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
3. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.

Tips for Perfect Butter Tart Squares:

• Don’t Overmix the Filling: Be sure to mix the filling ingredients until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can result in a tougher texture.
• Let Them Cool: The squares need time to set and firm up. Cutting them too early may cause the filling to run.
• Customizable: You can add chocolate chips, raisins, or even a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for added flavor and texture.

How to Store Butter Tart Squares

These squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Why Butter Tart Squares Are Perfect for Sharing

Butter Tart Squares are an excellent option when you need a dessert to serve a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or gifting a homemade treat, these squares offer the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. The combination of a soft crust and gooey filling is sure to please everyone who takes a bite.

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Conclusion

Butter Tart Squares bring the best of Canadian baking into a simple yet flavorful dessert. With its buttery crust, rich caramel filling, and optional nuts, this treat is perfect for any occasion. Easy to make, store, and share, Butter Tart Squares are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Try them today, and let their irresistible taste take you back to the heart of Canadian baking traditions.

Serving and Storage Tips for Butter Tart Squares

Serving Tips

1. Cut into Even Squares: Once the Butter Tart Squares have cooled and set, use a sharp knife to cut them into even squares for a neat presentation. For smaller servings, you can cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
2. Serve with a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve these squares warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The coolness of the ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm, gooey filling.
3. Pair with Coffee or Tea: Butter Tart Squares make a delightful accompaniment to your afternoon coffee or tea. The sweet, rich flavor of the squares complements the bitterness of coffee or the floral notes of tea.
4. Serve at Room Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, serve Butter Tart Squares at room temperature. This ensures the filling is soft and the crust remains perfectly tender.

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature: Store Butter Tart Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Make sure they are completely cool before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Refrigeration: If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, place the squares in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
3. Freezing: Butter Tart Squares freeze very well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour to firm up. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
4. Avoid Sticking: When storing multiple layers of Butter Tart Squares in a container, place a piece of wax or parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy these delicious treats for days to come and share them with friends and family!

1. Can I make Butter Tart Squares in advance?

Yes! Butter Tart Squares are a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake them a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months for long-term storage.

2. Can I use a different type of nut in the filling?

Absolutely! While pecans are the most common choice for Butter Tart Squares, you can easily substitute them with walnuts or almonds, depending on your preference. You can also omit the nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.

3. Why did my Butter Tart Squares turn out too gooey?

If your squares are too gooey, it could be because the filling hasn’t had enough time to set. Make sure to bake the squares for the recommended 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is golden and firm. Additionally, let the squares cool completely before cutting to ensure the filling firms up.

4. Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?

Yes, chocolate chips can be a delicious addition to Butter Tart Squares! Feel free to stir in about 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips into the filling mixture for a rich, chocolatey twist on the traditional recipe.

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