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Best Butter Tart Squares Recipe
Butter tart squares are a timeless dessert that combines the sticky sweetness of butter tarts with the ease of baking a tray-style treat. These decadent squares are a beloved Canadian classic, taking inspiration from the traditional butter tart a pastry shell filled with a rich, buttery, and syrupy filling. But instead of spending time shaping tart shells, butter tart squares make the process quicker and easier by baking everything in layers in one pan. The result is a golden buttery crust topped with gooey filling, often speckled with raisins or nuts, and sliced into irresistible squares.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, bake sales, or just a cozy weekend treat, butter tart squares are nostalgic, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you like your squares slightly firm or super gooey, this recipe has all the tips and tricks to get your ideal texture.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best butter tart squares from scratch!
Recipe Preparation Equipment
To prepare butter tart squares with ease and precision, gather the following kitchen tools and equipment:
- 9x9-inch or 8x8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper (for lining the pan)
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 2 medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Electric mixer (optional but helpful)
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
- Wire cooling rack
- Sharp knife for slicing squares
What You Need to Prepare Butter Tart Squares (Ingredients)?
Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to make perfect butter tart squares at home.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (helps balance sweetness)
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Tip: If you're not a fan of raisins or nuts, you can leave them out without affecting the core texture of the squares.
How to Make Easy Butter Tart Squares Step-by-Step ?
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the sides if needed.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the eggs and beat well. Stir in melted butter, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Fold in raisins and nuts, if using.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the filling is set and golden brown on top. The center should jiggle slightly but not be runny.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the butter tart squares cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift the whole slab out using the parchment overhang. Slice into 16 squares or desired size. Enjoy!
Variations
Butter tart squares are delightfully customizable! Depending on your taste preferences, you can experiment with the filling by trying different mix-ins. If you’re a purist, skip the raisins and nuts altogether for a smoother texture. For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the filling. Some bakers prefer golden syrup or corn syrup for a silkier consistency.
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| Best Butter Tart Squares Recipe |
Love texture? Toasted coconut or chopped dates can be mixed into the filling. For a holiday twist, sprinkle in some orange zest or add dried cranberries for a tart contrast. You can even swirl in a bit of chocolate ganache or caramel before baking for an indulgent take.
Want a gluten-free option? Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. If you're dairy-free, substitute vegan butter or margarine in both the crust and filling.
No matter the variation, always ensure the filling layer remains balanced and doesn't overpower the crust. The beauty of butter tart squares lies in their texture contrast—crumbly crust paired with gooey topping!
Cooking Note
The key to perfect butter tart squares is achieving the ideal gooey texture without an undercooked center. Always bake on the middle oven rack and keep a close eye during the final 5 minutes. The filling should be mostly set with just a gentle jiggle in the middle—it will firm up more as it cools.
Using room-temperature eggs helps the filling blend more evenly, preventing curdling. Also, avoid overmixing once you've added the melted butter this keeps the filling smooth.
Raisins can be plumped by soaking them in hot water for 10 minutes before adding. This ensures they remain moist and juicy, not chewy or burnt during baking.
Cool completely before cutting! Trying to slice warm bars may cause the filling to ooze and ruin the neat edges. If you're in a rush, chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes after they cool at room temperature.
Store butter tart squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months just wrap tightly in plastic and place in a freezer-safe container.
Serving Suggestions
Butter tart squares are rich and flavorful, making them perfect on their own as a dessert or coffee-time treat. Pair them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon indulgence. For a more luxurious presentation, serve warm squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
If you're hosting a gathering, arrange butter tart squares on a dessert platter alongside brownies, lemon bars, and cookies for a beautiful variety. They also make a thoughtful gift when packaged in a tin or gift box lined with parchment.
For a brunch spread, serve butter tart squares with fresh berries and yogurt to add a touch of sweetness to your morning. Their portability also makes them ideal for school lunches, picnics, or road trip snacks.
These classic Canadian treats always win hearts—whether you're sharing with guests or enjoying a quiet treat for yourself.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the butter: For a flaky, crumbly base, use cold butter cut into small cubes and work it in quickly.
- Parchment paper is key: It makes removing and cutting the squares a breeze.
- Don’t overbake: The filling should be set but still jiggle a little in the center—overbaking can cause cracking or a rubbery texture.
- Avoid runny centers: Let the squares cool completely to allow the filling to set before slicing.
- Customize mix-ins: Raisins, pecans, walnuts, cranberries, or chocolate chips all work—just keep the overall volume consistent.
- Use vinegar: It balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor—don’t skip it!
- Even layering: Spread the filling gently over the crust to avoid disturbing the base.
- Freeze for later: Wrap tightly and freeze in a single layer—thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
- Crust thickness: Press the base firmly but not too hard—this helps avoid a dense bottom.
- Double the batch: Use a 9x13 pan and double the ingredients for a crowd!
Tips for the Best Butter Tart Squares
To achieve the very best butter tart squares, start with high-quality ingredients real butter, fresh eggs, and good vanilla extract make a big difference. Always pre-bake the crust to avoid a soggy bottom. Let it cool slightly before pouring in the filling to prevent it from absorbing too much moisture.
Use brown sugar for that signature caramel flavor, and don’t skip the vinegar—it adds subtle brightness and balance to the rich sweetness. If you’re using raisins or nuts, distribute them evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
For clean, professional-looking cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between slices. If you want perfectly straight edges, chill the bars before slicing. And most importantly, be patient! Let the bars cool completely before serving this allows the filling to set properly and makes them easier to handle.
Butter tart squares are simple, but with these little tips, you’ll take them from good to unforgettable.
Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Square – Approximate)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugars: 22g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
FAQs
Can I make butter tart squares without raisins?
Absolutely! You can omit raisins or substitute them with nuts, chocolate chips, or leave the filling plain.
Can I freeze butter tart squares?
Yes, they freeze very well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to store butter tart squares?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, but adjust the baking time. A larger pan will produce thinner squares and cook faster.
Why add vinegar to the filling?
A splash of vinegar balances the sweetness and gives the filling a slight tang for depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Butter tart squares are a delightful twist on the classic butter tart, offering all the gooey, sweet goodness with none of the fuss. With a rich, caramel-like filling atop a tender shortbread crust, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion from holidays and potlucks to quiet weekend treats. Whether you like them classic, nutty, fruity, or chocolatey, this recipe is endlessly adaptable to suit your taste.
By following the simple steps above, using fresh ingredients, and applying a few helpful tips, you’ll create butter tart squares that impress every time. They’re easy to make, even easier to eat, and guaranteed to become a regular in your dessert rotation.
So go ahead preheat that oven and make a batch of these Canadian treasures today. You won’t regret it!