Name: Butter Tart Squares
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crust); 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for crust); 1 cup packed brown sugar (for filling); 2 large eggs (for filling); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling); 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (for filling); 1/4 teaspoon salt (for filling); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling); 2 tablespoons white vinegar (for filling); 1 cup raisins (optional, for filling); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for filling)

Description

Butter Tart Squares capture all the gooey, sweet, buttery magic of classic Canadian butter tarts in an easy-to-make dessert bar form, featuring a tender shortbread crust and rich caramel-like filling.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour (for crust)

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for crust)

1 cup packed brown sugar (for filling)

2 large eggs (for filling)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for filling)

1/2 teaspoon baking powder (for filling)

1/4 teaspoon salt (for filling)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)

2 tablespoons white vinegar (for filling)

1 cup raisins (optional, for filling)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for filling)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix the flour and sugar for the crust. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven but keep oven on.
Meanwhile, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth in a separate bowl.
Fold in raisins and nuts if using.
Pour the filling over the hot crust and spread evenly.
Return to oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until filling is set and top is golden brown.
Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

Raisins and nuts are optional and can be omitted or swapped for dried cranberries or chopped dates.

For nut-free versions, leave out the nuts.

Substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice if preferred.

Use gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for gluten-free option.

Salted butter can be used but reduce or omit added salt in filling.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of maple syrup for flavor variations.

For extra gooey filling, add a tablespoon of corn syrup.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Canadian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: Approx. 180 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 80 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg