How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts (2024)

Updated: Nov. 28, 2023

Our step-by-step guide will show you how to make an iconic Canadian treat: butter tarts.

If you’ve never heard of butter tarts before, you’re missing out. These perfectly flaky treats are sure to be a new favorite in your household.

What are Canadian butter tarts?

Butter tarts are a kind of pastry that normally includes a filling of butter, eggs, syrup and sugar. This filling is then baked in a flaky and delicious pastry shell. Butter tarts are particularly popular in Canada and are commonly eaten during holidays.

Want more tart ideas? Try our prettiest tart recipes!

Canadian Butter Tart Recipe

This tart recipe from Jen Smallwood of Portsmouth, Virginia makes 24 servings.

Ingredients

How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts (1)TMB STUDIO

Tart:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 large egg, room temperature, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons ice water
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Filling:

  • 1 large egg, room temperature, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/4 cups raisins, chopped pecans or chopped walnuts

Directions

Step 1: Line the muffin pan

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line 24 muffin cups with foil liners. Make sure not to use paper-lined foil liners.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together flour and salt.

Step 3: Cut the butter

Cut your butter with a pastry blender, knife or your hands. Cut until butter is crumbly like oatmeal.

Step 4: Combine wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the egg, ice water and vinegar. Gradually add to flour mixture, tossing with a fork until dough holds together when pressed.

Step 5: Shape the dough

How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts (2)TMB STUDIO

Shape dough into large discs. Place in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 6: Roll and cut out your dough

How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts (3)TMB STUDIO

With a rolling pin, roll the dough on a flour covered surface like your countertop or a cutting board to a 1/4-inch-thick circle. Cut 24 circles with a floured 3-inch round cookie cutter, rerolling dough as needed. Gently press crust circles onto bottoms and up sides of foil liners.

Step 7: Make the filling

In a small bowl, mix the egg, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter and vanilla until blended; stir in raisins.

Step 8: Fill the unbaked shells

How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts (4)TMB STUDIO

Spoon in your batter, dividing it evenly.

Step 9: Bake

How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts (5)TMB STUDIO

Place in oven on a lower rack until the tart crusts are golden brown and the filling bubbles up (approximately 10 to 12 minutes). Then, let pans cool on a wire rack.

Want to try another humble-looking tart from across the Portugal? Look no further than this egg tartrecipe.

Tips for Making Butter Tarts

How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts (6)TMB STUDIO

How do I store butter tarts?

You can store your delicious tarts in an airtight glass or plastic container. Stick it in the fridge and it should last up to a week.

Why are my butter tarts soggy?

If your butter tarts unfortunately turn out too soggy, it’s likely your filling was too watered down or your pastry was rolled too thin. Next time, make sure your pastry is only rolled out to a 1/4-inch-thickness. It may take a couple tries to perfect your butter tart, and that’s totally OK!

What is the difference between a butter tart and a pecan pie?

While these desserts are similar, there are a few key differences between the two. First, pecans are the star of pecan pie but are optional in butter tarts. Second, a butter tart has a runnier filling than the firmer pecan pie filling. And finally, butter tarts are popular in Canada while pecan pie is a southern classic in the United States.

Try More Pretty Tart Recipes

1 / 50

How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts (7)

Rhubarb TartThe rhubarb flavor in this tart recipe balances nicely with the honey and amaretto. The mascarpone cheese makes it rich and creamy. Sometimes I'll even double the rhubarb for really sumptuous tarts. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee.Go to Recipe

Pecan TartsThe flaky crust combined with a rich center makes these little pecan tarts a satisfying snack to serve and eat. They look so appealing on a pretty platter and make a great finger-food dessert when you're entertaining. They also freeze well. —Jean Rhodes, Tignall, Georgia

Go to Recipe

How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts (9)TMB STUDIO

Pear Tarte TatinAlbeit the intimidating name, this tart recipe is so simple to prepare, and the end result is mouthwateringly delicious! —Bhavna Anil, Charlotte, North CarolinaGo to Recipe

How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts (10)Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

Portuguese Egg Tart (Pastel de Nata)You can’t visit Portugal or even research a trip to Lisbon without stumbling over one of the country’s best-known dishes: Portuguese egg tart. —Lauren Habermehl, Milwaukee, WisconsinGo to Recipe

Fruit TartIt's well worth the effort to whip up this creamy fruit tart bursting with juicy berries. A friend gave me the recipe, and it always receives rave reviews at gatherings. —Susan Terzakis, Andover, Massachusetts

Go to Recipe

Lime Divine TartsWinter is prime time for limes, so why not showcase them at your holiday party? These cute cups are impressive but easy to make. —Ann Yri, Lewisville, Texas

Go to Recipe

How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts (13)

Treacle TartWith a flaky, buttery crust and sugary filling made with golden syrup, treacle tart recipe is worth baking. —Lauren Habermehl, Milwaukee, WisconsinGo to RecipeLove the English? Try this delicious English custard tart next.

Rhubarb Tart with Shortbread CrustHere's a perfect ending to a grilled summer meal! Between the creamy texture, the pretty color and the buttery crust, this recipe is simply delightful. —Emily Seefeldt, Red Wing, Minnesota

Go to Recipe

How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts (15)TMB STUDIO

Canadian Butter TartsWhen I got married and moved to Ontario, my husband's favorite coffee snack was this butter tart. But they were impossible to find at times, so a great friend shared her grandmother's recipe for this Canadian staple. —Jen Smallwood, Portsmouth, VirginiaGo to Recipe

How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts (16)TMB studio

Chocolate TartMaking a chocolate tart should be on every baker's bucket list. This rich pastry turns basic ingredients into a sublime filling and crust combo that even the most discerning chocolate lover will appreciate. —Rachael Cushing, Portland, OregonGo to Recipe

Terrific Tomato Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Terrific Tomato TartSignature Mediterranean ingredients—including basil, tomatoes, feta and phyllo—meld beautifully in this fresh and airy tart recipe. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

Go to Recipe

Ginger Plum TartSweet cravings, begone: This free-form plum tart is done in only 35 minutes. It's extra awesome when served warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Looking for thebest desserts? These recipes got the highest ratings and the most visitors this year. Add them to your to-bake list for the year ahead.

Grilled Fruit Phyllo Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Grilled Fruit Phyllo TartThis tart was a hit at my friend's baby shower. It reminds me of a fruit salad that my mother used to make with cream cheese and whipped topping. Everyone loved the flaky crust, and the bright colors make it a pretty addition to any spread. —Laura McAllister, Morganton, North Carolina

Go to Recipe

Chocolate Mint Truffle Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Chocolate Mint Truffle TartEating a slice of this decadent tart recipe is like biting into a smooth truffle candy. You can vary the flavor by using raspberry-flavored chocolate baking chips.—Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Strawberry TartThis creamy strawberry tart boasts a crunchy chocolate layer tucked next to the crust. Try making individual tartlets instead of one big dessert. —Dawn Tringali, Hamilton Square, New Jersey

Go to Recipe

Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin TartI love the flavor combination of spiced pumpkin and chocolate, which inspired me to create this chocolate pumpkin tart. Sometimes I like to sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger over the chocolate ganache for extra flavor and texture. —Bernice Janowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Blood Orange Caramel Tarte TatinI never had blood oranges until I moved to California. Their growing season is pretty short, so I use them in everything I possibly can. Whenever I have something to go to, my friends demand that I bring this tart recipe. The sweet orange flavor pairs perfectly with brown sugar and looks so lovely. —Pamela Butkowski, Hermosa Beach, California

Go to Recipe

Best Lime Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Best Lime TartThis treat is the perfect balance between tart and sweet, and the almonds in the crust are just wonderful. This is one of my husband’s favorite desserts. Enjoy! —Charis O'Connell, Mohnton, Pennsylvania

Go to Recipe

Mango Cream TartThis fresh, luscious tart makes me happy!—Jami Geittmann, Art Director, Taste of Home Magazine

Go to Recipe

Chocolate S'mores Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Chocolate S’mores TartI created this tart recipe for my kids, who love having s'mores on the fire pit. It’s truly indulgent. We simply can't get enough of the billowy marshmallow topping. —Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Heavenly Blueberry TartMmm—this tart is bursting with the fresh flavor of blueberries! Not only do I bake berries with the crust, but I also top the tart with more just-picked fruit after I take it out of the oven. —Lyin Schramm, Berwick, Maine

Go to Recipe

Peaches 'n' Cream Raspberry Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Peaches 'n' Cream Raspberry TartFresh peach slices and big, juicy raspberries crown this beautiful tart from Brenda Harmon of Hastings, Minnesota. An almond-flavored cream filling and macaroon crust complement the fruits. “It’s the perfect dessert for company during peach season,” says Brenda.

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Apple TartFor 15 years my husband, daughter and I owned and operated an apple orchard, where we raised 27 variations of apples on 2,200 trees. This easy apple tart recipe is my personal favorite. My family even prefers this wonderful dish with tart apples over traditional apple pie. I hope you enjoy it, too. —Marilyn Begres, Dexter, Michigan

Go to Recipe

Fudge Pecan Brownie TartI love inventing my own recipes and entering contests—I won a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair for this one!

Go to Recipe

Elegant Fresh Berry TartThis elegant tart was my first original creation. If other fresh fruits are used, adjust the simple syrup flavor to match. —Denise Nakamoto, Elk Grove, California

Go to Recipe

Chocolate Pear Hazelnut Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Chocolate Pear Hazelnut TartAs a teenage foreign exchange student in the south of France, I was horribly homesick. Then my host family's Grandmother Miette arrived and asked if I'd like to help her bake this nutty tart recipe from scratch. It turned my trip around and inspired my lifelong passion for baking. Weighing ingredients, roasting nuts, kneading dough—the art of baking transcends language. —Lexi McKeown, Los Angeles, California

Go to Recipe

Rustic Chocolate Raspberry Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Rustic Chocolate Raspberry TartHere’s a delectable dessert that’s simple but feels upscale. With its fresh raspberries and Nutella-covered homemade pastry crust, you and your guests won’t be able to get enough. —Christina Seremetis, Rockland, Massachusetts

Go to Recipe

Shortbread Lemon Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Shortbread Lemon TartBe patient when making the crust for this lemon tart. It will take a few minutes of pulsing for the food processor to work its magic. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Chai Truffle Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Chai Truffle TartMy chai-flavored tart recipe boasts chocolate and caramel layers tucked inside a salty pretzel crust. Truffles on top make it extra indulgent. —Chantal Bourbon, Montreal, Quebec

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Black Forest TartCherry pie filling and a melted chocolate drizzle top a rich, fudgy cake made from chocolate cookie crumbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Pretty Peach TartWhen ripe peaches finally arrive at local fruit stands, this is the first recipe I reach for. The tart is perfection—a delightful way to celebrate spring's arrival! You can make the tart with other varieties of fruit, too. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

Go to Recipe

Frozen Chocolate Cheesecake TartI first made this irresistible tart recipe for some dinner guests. They were overwhelmed by it's rich flavor and appearance. My husband commented that it was the best dessert he had ever eaten in his whole life. —Heather Bennett, Dunbar, West Virginia

Go to Recipe

Favorite Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan TartI grew up in Louisiana where, as in most of the South, pecan pie is a staple. This tart variation is extra good because it includes chocolate. I decided to up the decadence even more by adding bourbon and drizzling some caramel on top. —Amber Needham, San Antonio, Texas

Go to Recipe

Pear TartMy sister-in-law brought this pretty pastry to dinner one night, and we all went back for seconds. It is truly scrumptious. —Kathryn Rogers, Suisun City, California

Go to Recipe

Cherry-Almond Streusel TartBrimming with fresh cherries and topped with a crunchy streusel, this tempting tart recipe is a great way to end dinner on a sweet note. It's elegant, tastes delicious, and is so easy to make. —Marion Lee, Mount Hope, Ontario

Go to Recipe

Blueberry-Blackberry Rustic TartMy dad would always stop our car on the side of the road in Maine and say, "I smell blueberries." He had a pail ready. Then Mom would bake the wild berries in a cornmeal crust to make this homey tart. —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Salted Dark Chocolate TartWhen I was little, my grandpa always had a bag of caramels in his truck and a few in his pocket. Whether we were camping or going to a movie, I enjoyed sharing caramels with him. Now I try to put caramel in as many of my desserts as possible, including this sweet and salty tart. —Leah Tackitt, Austin, Texas

Go to Recipe

Berry TartletsBring spring flavors together in this delectable miniature tart recipe. Raspberries and blueberries both work well with the whipped cream and lemon curd mixture or choose your favorite berries instead. These sweet treats are great for a ladies tea, brunch or spring holiday celebration. —Mary J. Walters, Westerville, Ohio

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Turtle Praline TartThis rich dessert is my own creation, and I'm very proud of it. It's easy enough to make for everyday meals but special enough to serve guests or take to a potluck. —Kathy Specht, Clinton, Montana

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Rustic Fruit TartMy husband and I love pie, but we can't eat a whole 9-inch pie by ourselves. So I make these easy tarts using rhubarb and raspberries picked at home. Sometimes I substitute apples, peaches or our garden blueberries for the rhubarb. —Naomi Olson Hamilton, Michigan

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Blueberry Crumble TartsPop one in a lunch box, share a batch at work or wait until dessert—these are sweet anytime, anywhere. Sometimes, I refrigerate prepared tarts overnight and bake them while making dinner the next day. Foolproof. —Carole Fraser, North York, Ontario

Go to Recipe

Taste of Home

Walnut Toffee TartI usually serve this scrumptious tart recipe on Christmas and New Year’s Day. It really showcases walnuts and is so impressive to serve. —Patricia Green, Yuba City, California

Go to Recipe

Lemon Tart with Almond Crust Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Lemon Tart with Almond CrustOur state produces an abundance of lemons, and everyone is always looking for new ways to use them. This beautiful tart is my delicious solution to the excess-lemon problem! —Lois Kinneberg, Phoenix, Arizona

Go to Recipe

Nantucket Cranberry Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Nantucket Cranberry TartWhile everyone is enjoying a bountiful meal, this eye-catching tart can be baking to perfection in the oven. The pretty holiday dessert calls for very few ingredients, and it's a snap to assemble. —Jackie Zack, Riverside, Connecticut

Go to Recipe

How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts (51)

Cinnamon Apple Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Cinnamon Apple TartI got the idea for this delicious fall tart recipe from a lovely Italian woman who’s also a fabulous cook. It’s so simple to make—and cleanup is just as easy! I often make two and freeze one. —Stacie Blemings, Heath, Texas

Go to Recipe

Raspberry Red Bakewell TartI fell for the Bakewell tart, a British dessert, while stationed in Dubai with the Navy. Jam with almond filling is traditional, but red velvet makes this a holiday dazzler. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

Go to Recipe

Caramel Peanut FantasyPacked with peanuts and gooey with caramel, this do-ahead treat is one sweet dream of a dessert to serve company. With an easy cookie crust and scrumptious candy bar layers, it goes together quickly—and will disappear just as fast! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Rustic Caramel Apple Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Rustic Caramel Apple TartLike an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart recipe has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping. —Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas

Go to Recipe

Rustic Cranberry TartsI like to serve colorful desserts for gatherings with family and friends. These beautiful tarts are filled with cranberry and citrus flavor, and they’re easy to make and serve. —Holly Bauer, West Bend, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

Shortbread Lemon Tart Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Shortbread Lemon TartBe patient when making the crust for this lemon tart. It will take a few minutes of pulsing for the food processor to work its magic. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Go to Recipe

How to Make Canadian Butter Tarts (2024)

FAQs

What are Canadian butter tarts made of? ›

Butter tarts are a quintessential Canadian dessert—and, oh, how I love them! These buttery mini pies, typically baked in a muffin tin, have a flaky crust filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, syrup, egg, and sometimes raisins or nuts.

Why are butter tarts famous in Canada? ›

Like many legendary dishes, the butter tart's origins are fuzzy. It's believed that filles à marier (“marriageable girls”) created a crude version in the 1600s. These newly arrived Québécois brides filled their French tarts with New World ingredients: maple sugar, freshly churned butter and dried fruit such as raisins.

Why are my butter tarts soggy? ›

If your butter tarts unfortunately turn out too soggy, it's likely your filling was too watered down or your pastry was rolled too thin. Next time, make sure your pastry is only rolled out to a 1/4-inch-thickness. It may take a couple tries to perfect your butter tart, and that's totally OK!

Do you grease butter tart pans? ›

When making a pie or tart there is no need to grease the tin before you line it with pastry – the high butter content in the pastry will naturally stop it from sticking to the tin.

Are there butter tarts in the USA? ›

Does America have butter tarts? Yes, any decent bakery will typically carry butter tarts, that quintessential Canadian pastry.

What is tart filling made of? ›

What is the filling in a fruit tart? Fruit tarts are generally filled with pastry cream made from milk, eggs, vanilla, sugar corn starch, and butter.

Why doesn t Canadian butter melt? ›

To explain it simply, palm oil given to dairy cows increases the proportion of saturated fat in milk compared to unsaturated fat, thus increasing the melting point of butter. This explains why butter made from cows fed with palm oil remains difficult to spread at room temperature..

Can I use oil instead of butter in tarts? ›

You can replace the quantity of butter in grams with the same amounts of oil in grams, and there is nothing more to it than that!

Can I use margarine instead of butter for tart crust? ›

You can use cold unsalted margarine for the butter if desired, or you can use 1/2 cup of butter and 1/2 cup of shortening.

How do you keep the bottom of a tart from getting soggy? ›

Blind-bake your base before adding a filling to help to firm the base and avoid liquid being absorbed into it. Prick the base with a fork to help steam escape, cover with foil or parchment, and weigh it down with ceramic baking beans, uncooked rice or white sugar.

How do you keep tart crust crispy? ›

Brush Your Pie in Egg Wash

Once you've pre-baked your pie, brush the bottom and sides of the crust with egg wash, then reheat at 400° for 4 minutes to set the glaze. This creates a seal between the crust and the filling so that your crust stays crispy and golden once the filling is added.

Why do my butter tarts boil over? ›

Butter tarts most often boil over because they were filled too full before baking. Try to only fill each tart 2/3 full with filling so there's plenty of room for bubbling and expansion.

Why do my butter tarts stick to the pan? ›

Holes in the dough will cause the filling to seep under the pastry, causing the tarts to stick to the pan. Toasting Nuts: You don't have to toast nuts when making butter tarts; they toast as the tarts bake in the oven.

Are butter tarts only in Canada? ›

History. Butter tarts became common in pioneer Canadian cooking, and they remain a characteristic pastry of Canada. It is primarily eaten in and associated with the English-speaking provinces of Canada.

What do Americans call tarts? ›

And American pies, which in England always have a pastry lid, often appeared in the U.S. version to be like English tarts, with their jewel-colored filling open to the sky.

Does Costco have butter tarts? ›

Grandmothers Bake Shoppe Pecan Butter Tarts, 15 Pack | Costco.

What is the bottom of a tart called? ›

That tender crust is typically known as pâte sablée. Unlike a flaky pie crust, pâte sablée is crisp and more cookie-like. The name literally means “sandy,” although it's anything but. Pâte sablée is a classic French shortcrust pastry dough that, once baked, becomes the base for any tart you can imagine.

Can you use spring form pan for tart? ›

Springform pans are great for making cheesecakes, tarts, pies and even frozen desserts. The benefit of this pan is that it disassembles for easy removal of your treat.

What is butter tart filling made of? ›

Beat sugar, butter, and eggs together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Stir in raisins, walnuts, and cream until thoroughly combined. Spoon batter into tart shells, no more than half full. Bake tarts in the preheated oven until pastry is golden and filling is set, 20 to 25 minutes.

What does a butter tart taste like? ›

With a gooey, just-set filling made with butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and eggs, butter tarts are hard not to love. They have comforting notes of caramel and butterscotch and are perfect when you want something small and sweet.

What is butter made of in Canada? ›

Also known as churned butter, this is the traditional butter, which is made by churning pasteurized cream and then salted.

What is tart base made of? ›

Cream together sugar, salt, and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Add yolk and vanilla and beat to incorporate. Add flour and mix until a dough forms. Press dough squarely and evenly into the tart pan and trim off the edges.

What are the ingredients in Baxters butter tarts? ›

Ingredients. Pastry: Flour, Non-hydrogenated Vegetable Shortening, Eggs, Brown Sugar, Salt. Filling: Corn Syrup, Brown Sugar, Non-hydrogenated Margarine (soy), Eggs, Butter, Salt, Pure Vanilla Extract. Contains Statement: Wheat, Eggs, Soy, Dairy.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edwin Metz

Last Updated:

Views: 6475

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edwin Metz

Birthday: 1997-04-16

Address: 51593 Leanne Light, Kuphalmouth, DE 50012-5183

Phone: +639107620957

Job: Corporate Banking Technician

Hobby: Reading, scrapbook, role-playing games, Fishing, Fishing, Scuba diving, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Edwin Metz, I am a fair, energetic, helpful, brave, outstanding, nice, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.