Butter Tart Squares Recipe
Butter Tart Squares are a delightful twist on the classic Canadian butter tart, featuring a buttery shortbread base topped with a rich, gooey filling made from brown sugar, corn syrup, and eggs, studded optionally with raisins, currants, or walnuts. This recipe yields easy-to-cut squares perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup dark corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 cup raisins, currants, or chopped walnuts (optional; suggested mix is 1/2 cup currants and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang on all sides for easy removal later.
- Make base layer: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until fluffy. Gradually mix in 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour to form a thick dough.
- Press and bake base: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is set and a pale golden color. Remove from oven but leave the oven on.
- Prepare filling: While the base is baking, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons flour until combined. Then beat in 4 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- Add syrups and vinegar: Stir in 3/4 cup dark corn syrup and 2 tablespoons white vinegar. Fold in optional raisins, currants, or chopped walnuts if using.
- Assemble and bake filling: Pour the filling mixture evenly over the gently baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is set and the filling is no longer liquidy when the pan is gently nudged.
- Cool and slice: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for the bars to set. When ready, lift out the bars using the parchment overhang, place on a cutting board, and slice with a sharp knife. Trim edges if too crispy.
Notes
- Ensure the butter for the base and filling is softened for easier mixing.
- Do not overbake the base to keep it tender and crisp enough to support the filling.
- Using dark corn syrup gives a richer flavor, but light corn syrup can be substituted if necessary.
- Adding vinegar helps balance the sweetness and enhance the filling texture.
- Optional nuts or dried fruits add texture and flavor variation.
- Cool completely before slicing to achieve clean cuts and prevent the filling from oozing out.
Keywords: Butter tart squares, Canadian dessert, shortbread base, gooey filling, corn syrup dessert bars
Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/butter-tart-squares-recipe/