Description
Simple recipe for classic butter tart squares with a shortbread base and sweet, gooey filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Prepare the base: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cold butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the base for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the base bakes, prepare the filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract. Slowly whisk the warm sugar mixture into the egg mixture. If using, stir in raisins or pecans.
- Pour the filling evenly over the hot, pre-baked crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
- Let the squares cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares.
Notes
- For easier cutting, chill the cooled squares for at least one hour before slicing.
- You can substitute maple syrup for corn syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Do not overbake, as the filling will become too firm.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: North American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 45
Keywords: butter tart squares, shortbread crust, Canadian dessert, sweet bars, caramel filling