Butter Tart Squares

Imagine biting into a perfect balance of gooey, caramelized sweetness on top of a buttery, shortbread-like crust that melts in your mouth with each bite. These irresistible Butter Tart Squares capture the beloved flavors of traditional Canadian butter tarts but in an easy-to-make bar form that’s perfect for sharing. The contrast between the crisp base and the sticky, sweet filling creates a dessert that’s impossible to resist. You’ll learn how to create these classic Butter Tart Squares with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques that guarantee perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Butter Tart Squares will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, they deliver all the nostalgic flavor of traditional butter tarts without the fuss of making individual pastry shells. The textural contrast is simply divine – a crisp, shortbread-like base supports the gooey, caramelized filling that’s reminiscent of pecan pie but uniquely Canadian in origin.

They’re incredibly versatile, perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, bake sales, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with afternoon tea. The squares can be made in advance, making them ideal for busy hosts. Perhaps best of all, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and impressive results – even novice bakers can achieve professional-looking dessert bars that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The nostalgic aroma that fills your kitchen while baking these butter tart bars is reason enough to try this recipe today.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups (400g) brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (75g) raisins (optional)
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

The brown sugar creates that signature caramelized flavor in traditional butter tart squares, while high-quality vanilla extract enhances the overall taste. Using room temperature eggs ensures they incorporate properly into the filling, creating that perfect gooey texture. The optional raisins and nuts add traditional elements that can be customized according to preference.

Pro Tips

Master the Base: For the perfect shortbread-like crust, avoid overworking the dough. Mix just until ingredients come together, then press firmly and evenly into the pan. A flat-bottomed measuring cup can help create an even layer. Baking the base until it’s lightly golden before adding the filling ensures it stays crisp under the gooey topping.

Achieve the Perfect Filling Consistency: The secret to classic butter tart squares is getting the filling consistency just right. Beat the eggs and sugar thoroughly until the mixture lightens in color – this creates that signature crackly top while maintaining the gooey center. Be careful not to overbake; the center should still have a slight wobble when you remove it from the oven as it will continue to set as it cools.

Cooling Strategy: Patience is key! Let the squares cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them. For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. This prevents the gooey filling from sticking and creates professional-looking bars every time.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later. This step is crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of your butter tart squares.

Step 2: Make the Base
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. The mixture will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed. Transfer this mixture to your prepared pan and press firmly to create an even layer. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth the surface. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the base is baking, make your filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth. If using, fold in the raisins and/or nuts.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven. Return to the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the top is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The filling will continue to set as it cools. Don’t overbake or you’ll lose the gooey texture that makes butter tart squares so special.

Step 5: Cool and Cut
Allow the squares to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting. Use the parchment paper handles to lift the entire dessert from the pan. With a sharp knife, cut into squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for the neatest result.

Variations

Chocolate Butter Tart Squares: Transform these classic butter tart squares by adding 3/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling before baking. The chocolate will melt slightly into the gooey filling, creating pockets of rich chocolate that complement the caramel notes beautifully. For an extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled squares before cutting.

Maple Butter Tart Squares: For an even more Canadian twist, replace 1/4 cup of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup and add 1 teaspoon of maple extract to the filling. This variation highlights the natural maple flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery base and creates an even more authentic Canadian dessert experience.

Gluten-Free Option: These delicious treats can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in both the base and filling. Add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the base if your blend doesn’t already contain it for the perfect texture.

Storage and Serving

Store your butter tart squares in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, these squares freeze beautifully for up to 3 months – simply layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

For an elevated dessert experience, warm individual squares slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast. The squares also pair wonderfully with a dollop of lightly whipped cream and fresh berries for color and a tangy counterpoint to the sweet filling.

For a special presentation, dust cooled squares lightly with powdered sugar just before serving, or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. These butter tart squares make a perfect addition to holiday cookie platters or dessert tables at any gathering.

FAQs

Why is my filling not setting properly?
Underbaking is the most common reason for runny filling. While butter tart squares should have a gooey center, they shouldn’t be liquid. Ensure you’re baking until the top is set with just a slight jiggle in the center. Also, allow them to cool completely and refrigerate before cutting.

Can I skip the raisins in traditional butter tart squares?
Absolutely! Raisins are optional in butter tart squares. You can omit them entirely, substitute with dried cranberries for a tangy twist, or replace them with more nuts for added texture.

Why did my shortbread base turn out too hard?
Overworking the dough or overbaking can cause a tough base. Mix the shortbread ingredients just until combined and bake only until lightly golden. Also, ensure your butter is properly softened, not melted, for the ideal texture.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Double all ingredients and use two 9×13-inch pans rather than one larger pan to maintain the proper thickness and ensure even baking of both layers.

How do I know when butter tart squares are done baking?
The top should appear set around the edges with a slight wobble in the center when gently shaken. Don’t wait until it’s completely firm, as it will continue to set while cooling and could become too hard if overbaked.

Conclusion

These Butter Tart Squares are comfort food at its finest — a perfect marriage of buttery shortbread and gooey, caramelized sweetness that captures the essence of Canadian baking tradition in every bite. They’re the kind of dessert that brings back childhood memories while creating new ones around your table. Whether served at holiday gatherings, packed into lunch boxes, or enjoyed with afternoon coffee, these squares deliver homemade warmth and satisfaction that store-bought treats simply can’t match. Make a batch today and discover why this simple yet spectacular dessert has stood the test of time.

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