Description
Indulge in delicious Butter Tart Squares, featuring a gooey filling of butter, sugar, and maple syrup on a flaky pastry crust. Irresistibly sweet and comforting, these crowd-pleasing treats are easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Brown sugar, packed
- Large eggs, room temperature
- Pure vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Raisins (optional)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg