Photo from chatelaine.com

Butter tart squares are a delightful twist on the classic Canadian butter tart, offering the same rich, gooey filling in an easy-to-make bar form. With a buttery shortbread crust and a caramelized filling of sugar, butter, and raisins, these squares are perfect for sharing at parties, holidays, or as a decadent treat with your afternoon tea.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

1/2 lb (225 g) unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar

For the Filling:

1 cup (220 g) packed brown sugar

1/2 cup (120 ml) corn syrup

1/4 lb (115 g) unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs, beaten

1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract

1/4 tsp (1 g) salt

1 cup (150 g) raisins or chopped pecans

Instructions:

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix flour, butter, and sugar until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in raisins or pecans.

Assemble the Squares: Pour the filling evenly over the cooled crust. Spread gently with a spatula to ensure even coverage.

Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.

Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

Serving: Butter tart squares are best served at room temperature. Pair them with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days.

Butter tart squares capture all the indulgent flavors of the classic tart in an easy-to-make dessert bar. Their buttery crust and sweet, gooey filling make them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Try this recipe and bring a touch of Canadian sweetness to your table!