These Squаres taste just like the gooey butter tarts you love , but they bake in one pan so they are easy to share . The soft brown sugаr filling sits in a buttery crust , making each bite chewy and creamy without the fuss of making little shells . Even if you' re new to baking , you can pull these off and impress your friends .
The story of butter tarts goes back over 100 years in Canada . Folks in Ontario started making them from simple pantry items . Over time each family added its own twist , so you might see recipes with nuts , raisins , or even a pinch of salt . Butter Tart Squares popped up when someone thought , " why not make a big sheet and cut it into pieces ?" They caught on fast at bake sales and holiday tables , thanks to their sweet , salty mix .
Today you find Butter Tart Squares at potlucks , anniversaries , or just after school snack time . They travel well and dont need fancy plates to serve . Got extra nuts or some leftover chocolate chips ? Toss them in the filling and you have a new spin on the classic .
What Makes Butter Tart Squares Unique?
Unlike the little tart shells , these Squаres go in one pan and then you slice them into pieces . That means less rolling dough and no worrying about cracks . It also saves time when you bake for a crowd .
They have two nice textures working together . The crust is tender and сrust and crumbly , and the filling is soft and gooey . You get a bit of chew but also that custard feel in each bite . Some folk like their tarts firm , but these stay soft all the way through .
Flаvor is king here . You get the sweet and salty mix from the brown sugаr and butter , and you can up the fun with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg . Chuck in chocolate chips , dried cherries , or chopped nuts to make it yours .
Ingredients for Butter Tart Squares
Here are the basics you need :
- Flour : All-purpose flour gives structure to the crust .
- Butter : Unsalted butter makes the crust rich and melt-in-your-mouth .
- Brown Sugar : Packed brown sugar adds that deep caramel note to the filling .
- Eggs : Eggs bind the filling and help it set with a custard feel .
- Corn Syrup : This keeps the filling soft and gooey without cracking .
- Vanilla Extract : A splash warms up the whole batch .
- Nuts (optional) : Pecans or walnuts give an extra crunch if you like .
These Squаres are super flexible , so feel free to mix in :
- Chopped pecans , walnuts , or your fav nuts .
- Chocolate chips , dried fruits , or even a sprinkle of sea salt .
Ingredients for Butter Tart Squares
Here are the basics you need :
- Flour : All-purpose flour gives structure to the crust .
- Butter : Unsalted butter makes the crust rich and melt-in-your-mouth .
- Brown Sugar : Packed brown sugar adds that deep caramel note to the filling .
- Eggs : Eggs bind the filling and help it set with a custard feel .
- Corn Syrup : This keeps the filling soft and gooey without cracking .
- Vanilla Extract : A splash warms up the whole batch .
- Nuts (optional) : Pecans or walnuts give an extra crunch if you like .
These Squаres are super flexible , so feel free to mix in :
- Chopped pecans , walnuts , or your fav nuts .
- Chocolate chips , dried fruits , or even a sprinkle of sea salt .
Detailed Recipe for Butter Tart Squares
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter , softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven : Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch pan .
- Make the crust : In a bowl , mix flour and butter until crumbly . Press into pan and bake for 15 minutes .
- Whisk the filling : In another bowl , beat brown sugar , eggs , corn syrup , and vanilla until smooth . Fold in nuts if you want .
- Assemble and bake : Pour filling over crust and bake 25–30 minutes , until it’s set and lightly puffed .
- Cool and cut : Let it cool completely before slicing into squares . Serve plain or with whipped cream .
Expert Tips for Perfect Butter Tart Squares
Make sure your butter is soft but not melted when you mix it with flour . The filling should jiggle a bit in the center when you take it out ; that means it’ll set perfectly as it cools . Store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week or freeze for later .
Healthier Alternatives and Substitutions
If you want to lighten things up or deal with food needs , try :
- Maple syrup : Swap corn syrup for pure maple syrup for a natural sweetener .
- Gluten-free : Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour .
- Low-calorie : Replace sugar with stevia or erythritol to cut calories .
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Squаres shine on their own , but here are some fun ideas :
- Vanilla ice cream : A scoop on top makes each bite extra dreamy .
- Coffee or tea : Pair with a warm drink to balance the sweetness .
- Garnish : Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle caramel for a fancy look .
FAQs
What is the difference between butter tart squares and traditional butter tarts?
Butter tart squares bake in one pan and are cut into pieces , while traditional tarts bake in individual shells . Squares are simpler to share .
Can I make Butter Tart Squares ahead of time?
Yes . You can bake them a day or two before your event . Just store them covered at room temp to keep them soft .
What is the best way to store Butter Tart Squares?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week , or freeze tightly wrapped for up to three months .
Can I substitute ingredients in Butter Tart Squares?
Absolutely . You can swap in coconut sugar , use vegan butter , or try other mix-ins . Just know small changes may affect texture .
Why are my Butter Tart Squares too runny?
They might need more time in the oven or the filling ratio could be off . Make sure the center is set and let them cool fully before cutting .
Conclusion
Baking Butter Tart Squares is a fun and easy way to enjoy a Canadian classic . With simple steps and room for creativity , these treats will soon become a go-to for any gathering . Give them a try and watch them disappear fast !
Butter Tart Squares
Equipment
- 1 8x8-inch baking pan
- 1 mixing bowls
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 rubber spatula
- 1 cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans or raisins Optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- If desired, fold in the chopped pecans or raisins to the filling mixture.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly.
- Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a cooling rack.
- Once cool, cut into squares.
