Description
A small-batch recipe for classic Canadian butter tart squares that yields exactly six perfect, gooey servings, eliminating waste and making it ideal for couples or small households.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2–3 tablespoons (30-45ml) ice water
- 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) real maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 6-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and cut in with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
- Drizzle in ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan. Prick the bottom all over with a fork.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until smooth. Add melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt, whisking vigorously until glossy.
- Stir in the brown sugar until no dry pockets remain. Fold in toasted nuts if using.
- Pour the filling over the crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden brown and the center is set but still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least one hour before lifting out and slicing into six squares.
Notes
Ensure butter is cold for the crust to maintain flakiness. Room temperature eggs help the filling emulsify better. Toast nuts in a dry skillet for 3 minutes before adding for enhanced flavor. Do not overbake the center; it should still jiggle slightly as it firms up while cooling. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and coconut sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: Canadian Thanksgiving, butter tart squares, small batch baking, no waste dessert, pecan butter tarts, maple syrup dessert, easy dessert for two