Butter Tart Squares
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in the sweet, gooey goodness of Butter Tart Squares, a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of butter tarts in a convenient bar form.
Butter Tart Squares are a delightful twist on the traditional butter tart, offering all the rich flavor and gooey texture in a bar form. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying with a cup of tea, these squares are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, buttery flavor with a hint of vanilla
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfectly sweet and gooey texture
- Great for any occasion, from casual snacks to special celebrations
A Taste of Tradition
Butter Tart Squares are a modern take on the classic Canadian butter tart, beloved for its rich, sweet filling and flaky crust. These squares encapsulate all the indulgent flavors of the traditional tart but in a more convenient and shareable form. Whether you’re reminiscing about family gatherings or creating new memories, these squares are sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia with each bite.
The combination of brown sugar and corn syrup creates a luscious filling that is both gooey and satisfying. Adding vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, making every square a delightful treat. The option to include nuts adds a delightful crunch, offering a perfect contrast to the soft filling. With Butter Tart Squares, you can enjoy the essence of the beloved tart without the fuss of individual servings.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Butter Tart Squares are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these squares are a crowd-pleaser. They can be served as a delightful dessert after a meal or as a sweet snack throughout the day.
Furthermore, these squares are easy to transport, making them an excellent choice for potlucks, picnics, or bake sales. Simply cut into squares, pack them up, and you’re ready to go! Their rich flavor and appealing presentation will surely impress friends and family, making them a go-to recipe for any event.
Storing and Serving Tips
To ensure your Butter Tart Squares stay fresh, it’s essential to store them properly. Once cooled, cover the squares with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days, or you can refrigerate them for longer shelf life. If you prefer a warm treat, simply reheat individual squares in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
For an extra touch, consider serving your Butter Tart Squares with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the rich filling perfectly and elevates the dessert to a whole new level. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an indulgent finish that will leave everyone craving more!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Butter Tart Squares:
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 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start baking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Butter Tart Squares:
Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
Make the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the nuts if using.
Combine and Bake
Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly.
Cool and Cut
Allow the squares to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Enjoy your homemade Butter Tart Squares!
Ingredient Spotlight
The star of the show in Butter Tart Squares is undoubtedly the filling, which consists primarily of brown sugar and corn syrup. Brown sugar adds depth and a slight molasses flavor that enhances the overall taste. Corn syrup is crucial for achieving that signature gooey texture, ensuring the filling sets just right without being overly firm.
When selecting your nuts, pecans and walnuts are both excellent choices. Pecans offer a buttery richness that pairs beautifully with the filling, while walnuts add a slightly bitter contrast that can balance the sweetness. Feel free to get creative with other mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or dried fruit, to customize the squares to your liking.
Variations to Try
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to switch things up. For a chocolate twist, consider adding cocoa powder to the crust or incorporating chocolate chips into the filling. You can also experiment with flavored extracts, like almond or maple, for a unique spin on the classic recipe.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your corn syrup and brown sugar are gluten-free as well. You can still enjoy the rich, sweet goodness of these squares without compromising on flavor or texture!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can use any nut you prefer or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version.
→ How should I store the Butter Tart Squares?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these squares?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
→ Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Butter Tart Squares
Indulge in the sweet, gooey goodness of Butter Tart Squares, a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of butter tarts in a convenient bar form.
Created by: Marina Lowe
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 16 squares
What You'll Need
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 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the nuts if using.
Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly.
Allow the squares to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g